Tripod repair: repairing without really knowing how - Cullmann 2903, 2904, 2501, 2502 and similar

Cullmann has been offering sophisticated products for photography for over 50 years. - More than half a century in which the company has offered its customers high-quality accessories for photography and video production. More than five decades in which CULLMANN has developed into a specialist that stands for the quality and practical orientation of its products.
Unfortunately, the years have also left their mark on the Cullmann tripods.
In this video I show you how to solve problems with the spring clamps for fixing the tripod leg and center column.
More about analog, hybrid and digital photography at www.apertureonepointfour.com
00:00 Start
00:02 Introduction
01:02 Defects in the spring clips
02:10 Repairing the spring clips

[@benoitdesrochers1720]

I inherited a 2903 from a friend and was going to toss it because of this issue. I have two other tripods, so who cares. But after seeing your video, I decided to have a go at it (I really hate throwing away something that can be easily fixed). Oddly, when starting to punch the pin out (maybe displaced 1/8"), I noticed the clamp would now hold the leg. So I thought perhaps the pin was made of aluminum and was bent. Alas, that was not it. The pin is metal and was straight. Perhaps it had to do with displacing the location of the knurls on the pin. At any rate, when completing the disassembly, I saw the clamping pad (two parts) had come apart. The little pins on the green grip surface were broken. No matter. The trick, as shown in this video and comments from others below, is to close the gap between the clamp lever and this clamping pad. OR, make the clamp pad a little thicker. So far I have only done it to one leg, but it seems to work. I cut two small rectangles of rather thin double sided tape and applied them between the black pad body and the green grip surface, ultimately making the clamp pad assembly a little bit thicker. I figure placing the tape between the two parts as opposed to the outside of the pad prevents premature wear of the tape by the clamp lever on one side or of the sliding of the leg on the other. So far so good. On to the next leg.

[@benoitdesrochers1720]

Small clarification. I just fixed a 2nd leg and found a small twist in the description above. It makes no difference, but just so people aren't confused when disassembling, the grip pad on this leg was white. Oddly it seemed to be made of a softer and more grippy material than found on the 1st leg. Anyways, the sandwiched double sided tape fix worked again.

[@Ichijoe2112]

Thanks for the Video, I'm not sure I would have thought to have taped the inside the Headstock Tube, instead of the actual Headstock Rod. (Save the fact that, that never seemed to work, or in fact work TO WELL!) anyhow I didn't have any Packing / Gaffers Tape on me so I used some Cotton (Woven), Gauze Tape, this held up till it eventually didn't. But unlike OP I suspect my rig is heavier what with the Gimbal Head / 5D Mk II, and the Tamron 150-600 G2 I'm at least 6kg if not a few grams more. So I will just have to see how that goes. Nothing's more permanent than a temporary solution, as they say. Any way as to the Legs? Yeah not so much! Not sure if OP had the idea or not, but removing the Lynchpin(s) that hold the Leg Clamps is a totally uncomplicated affair, with the use of a Punch, or just a plain old Swiss Army Knife, and a pair of Pliers. Once removed there you will find the Shoe Pad by which OP wanted to apply more Pressure to by inserting those dangerous pointy, and sharp wires. When all ya had to do was to put a bit of the same Gauze Tape (For me it was 3 layers that seemed to do it), and then close up shop the Pins on my Tripod just about went back in with normal Finger pressure, I might have used a broader tool (i.e. The Pliers), to fit the last 3mm in, and the legs are quite stable again. And the best part, your NOT F'ing up the clamps (i.e. the Green Bits), by doing that.) Going OT: The 29xx being Made in Western Germany, should be a clue as W. Germany kinda fell into history in 1989/90 so The Tripods in question are getting on around 30 years now. The fact they are still able to hold up that long is in, and of itself a testament to German Quality. At least when that was still a thing. Chances are if Cullmann are indeed still 'round, their stuff is likely pouring out of some Factory in China. Along with some others I could mention, like Carrera (Slot Cars), or Märklin (Model Trains). Needless to say the stuff of today, has nothing on the 'Vintage' (Homemade) stuff. /rant.

[@apertureonepointfour]

Thank you for the reply and the new ideas for repairing the tripod. The company Cullmann still exists, but I am sure that what you write is true and that the products can no longer compete with the quality products of the past, which, as you rightly write, came from West Germany. I wish you continued success and most of all fun with your photography!

[@tommyvan]

@lchijoe2112 @apertureonepointfour Hi both, I found this video and your comments and wondered if either of you could help! I have borrowed a Cullmann 2904 from my Dad. It was missing the quick release and also one of the green leg clamps has snapped. I have sourced a 2903 which I can use for parts, but I’m struggling to remove the green leg clamps. Could either of you help? Thank you!

[@Ichijoe2112]

@@tommyvan Sure, the trick is to open the clamp, to take the pressure off. Then use a aue / punch / small screwdriver (about the same size as the Pin), and using that tool to press the Pin out the other end. Just enough as to be able to grab the end of said Pin with the Pliers. Like I said it was, at least on my copy an uncomplicated affair. Not sure if this could be done under tension. In the case of the broken Clamp. I'd say you have nothing to loose by forcefully unlocking it. I'm guessing that might be your trouble. There has to be something left to pry under it to open / unlock it. It's not like your going to break it more.

[@tommyvan]

@@Ichijoe2112 that’s brilliant - thank you so much! I have sorted it now! The pin was very tight, but I expect that’s what 40-odd years of being left in place after West-German engineering will do! 😂

[@Ichijoe2112]

@@tommyvan Well if the Clamp is closed it's going to be tight, by design, and probably not great idea to force it. For that idea I work, the clamp(s) should be released (e.g. in the open position) to make the pin more agreeable to be pressed out. But, I probably can't stress the Pliers enough as the trick is to expose enough of the Pin, to get enough purchase on the Pin to. give it a gentle dental style yank. Also for the same reason, when you get back to the reassembly the clamp also has to be open to align the holes.