"Carbon Fiber Tripod Maintenance Demystified: Cleaning Techniques Revealed"

[@charlesscott6202]

Thanks for this. You are correct, there isn't much info out there. I use my tripod in the water all the time so my cleaning is more extensive than you described. In the field I remove the bottom leg sections and drain the water out of them. When I get home I take all the leg sections apart, dry them and place them vertically on a towel so the inside will drain. The next morning I reassemble them. Hudson Henry recommends SuperLube on the threads so I do that whenever I clean the threads. Mine came with lube on the threads so I assume the manufacturer doesn't want them dry.

[@jeg569]

Gitzo sell small tubes of grease at a premium.

[@geoffhirst5338]

Cheers fella, I had a session out at Yellowcraigs beach and the wind took my tripod over a couple of times (camera not attached at the time). I experienced a sandy tripod for the first time. This is really good to know type stuff. Thanks chap. I hope you are enjoying Italy.

[@PaulthomsonphotographyUk]

Thanks so much buddy glad it helps . Italy going really well thanks mate 😁✌️

[@hawaiianstarman]

Thanks for taking the time to demonstrate the cleaning process.

[@IzzyAbuleelaPhotography]

Cheers Paul, I use the wife's carbon fibre bike cleaner for my tripods when she isn't looking already 😂. If I am at the coast I have a large bottle of tap water in the car (15 litre bottle) and I just drench the tripods before I drive home. Leave a tripod in the car for half an hour with salt water on them and you will see salt crystals all over the place. Wonderfully informative vid. Have a great weekend 🙏🙏🙏

[@PaulthomsonphotographyUk]

Thanks so much mate 😁✌️

[@PowderMill]

❤ THANK YOU FOR THE EXCELLENT TUTORIAL !

[@brucedelorme5026]

Great information Paul

[@PaulthomsonphotographyUk]

Thanks Bruce 😁🙏

[@carlb401]

Over the years i have only found one decent tripod cleaning article and that was a blog post by a photographer for his Gitzo tripod. For cleaning my Gitzo i use the citrus cleaner from Halfords.

[@vicknight847]

Great advice, thanks. I've usually used a damp cloth. Tripod has survived so far, but will follow your advice in future. 👍

[@PaulthomsonphotographyUk]

Thanks so much I hope it works for you 😁✌️

[@briannicholson2971]

Hi Paul, funnily enough I just cleaned mine earlier this week....nice tip for muc off ,I have it a d didn't use it 😅

[@PaulthomsonphotographyUk]

Great stuff mate 😁

[@davebenson1504]

Great advice, excellent tutorial 🙂 Gotta give my Gitzo some love real soon 🙂

[@PaulthomsonphotographyUk]

Thanks so much Dave 😁✌️

[@robertvaningen]

I’ve been using Muc-off for year on my MTB. It’s also good on aluminum.

[@woofowl2408]

That was a thorough video, plenty of excellent tips......But if ever Eric Olthwaite found an interest beyond the weather it would surely be tripod cleaning.

[@tompetersphotography]

Great tips brother

[@PaulthomsonphotographyUk]

Thanks buddy 😁👍

[@Camrographer]

What does one do if the twist locks have lost some of their friction? I need crank down more to lock them down. Do you think it's due to the bushing wearing out?

[@PaulthomsonphotographyUk]

@@Camrographer maybe just unscrew the twist locks and clean the threads and bushings. The bushings don’t often wear out but they do get coated in residue that causes them to slip. Be careful not to damage the bushings though as they are usually very delicate.

[@chrisnunns]

Do you use any lubricant at the top of the leg adjusters ? Thanks in advance

[@Stuart.Little.07.07]

Someone asked earlier in the comments, regarding silicone lubricants and Paul said yes.

[@scarface1961]

Shouldn't you put a silicon lubricants on the threads when you have it apart?

[@PaulthomsonphotographyUk]

Yes that is correct 👍

[@MrRonald7712]

Thnx Paul, I most of the times forget to clean my tripod. But since I've been more in too photography (labeling al my stuff and so on) I really most do this more often. But what should I use for a alu tripod, any ideas for that ?

[@PaulthomsonphotographyUk]

Thanks so much the same cleaner would work for aluminium tripods for sure 👌

[@MrRonald7712]

@@PaulthomsonphotographyUk Thnx I will try it.

[@jeg569]

Dont use muc-off in direct sunlight, it will dull aluminium and alloy.

[@georgedavall9449]

Wow, scenic ‘How To,’ but creator here stresses being careful about the anti twist shims, whilst taking it apart outside. Only do this if the tripod gets mucked up whilst out shooting. Good luck finding anything that falls off, and then if You do, more cleaning to do. Wow

[@joewelsh1804]

Lubrication for the sliding joints?

[@PaulthomsonphotographyUk]

Silicone grease on the threads 👍

[@Mr_pumpkin_]

As a parent my answer to everything that needs cleaning is always.... Babywipe/wetwipe

[@duncansteward4331]

Unless you carry tripods a long distance, i think Carbon Fiber Tripods are more trouble than they are worth, especially in salt water.