Peak Design Travel Tripod: Maintenance + Tuning
Ғылым және технология
Now that you've got your Travel Tripod, we hope you use it, love it, and take it everywhere. If you use it enough, you eventually might want to give it a little cleaning or tune-up to keep it in tip-top shape. Rather than bury tripod maintenance procedures in a user manual, we had our Creative Director Lawrence Lander put together this laugh-a-minute cinematic masterpiece.
This video walks you through various maintenance, tuning, and warranty replacement procedures for the Peak Design Travel Tripod. Links below will scoot you to various topics of interest -
Leg Hinge Removal and cleaning: 2:25
Let Replacement: 4:56
Center Column Knob Replacement: 7:47
Feet Replacement: 8:12
Ball Head Maintenance: 8:56
Removing Plate Pins: 9:16
Ball Head, Center Column, Hook and Phone Mount Replacement: 9:41
Tool Kit Replacement: 11:37
Cam Lever Maintenance: 12:14
Bushing Replacement Kit & Leg Cleaning: 14:08
Your Travel Tripod will likely not require regular maintenance or tuning. But in the event that it does, it's very likely that you can do that maintenance yourself with the dual-tipped hex tool that is included with your tripod (it now includes a storage clip so you'll always have it on you).
Perhaps a leg cam is too tight or too loose, perhaps you've got some dirt/sand in a hinge. Or, perhaps you just received a replacement part from our customer service team and you need to install it. This video has you covered.
Note: if you think part of your Travel Tripod is broken or defective, email info@peakdesign.com.
A big part of designing an ultra-portable professional tripod is designing it to withstand heavy use in extreme environments and conditions. The Peak Design Travel Tripod is designed to last a lifetime, and comes with a lifetime warranty. By designing a product that can be easily maintained and tuned by the user, we can make a thing that lasts longer and has a lesser chance of needing to be air-freighted back to our refurbishment facility, or worse, a landfill. Plus, users can take more pride in their products by understanding their precision mechanics inside and out.
Пікірлер: 102
The bushing replacement section starting around the 14:00 is also very helpful for those of us who have accidentally over-extended a leg. Thank you, Lawrence.
Anyone else watching this even though they can’t afford one?
I am now not only qualified to repair my Peak Design Carbon Tripod.... but this course also qualified me to work for SpaceX
Be great to have a table of contents/chapter/time codes for the various repairs/tune-ups
@minecraftminener
3 жыл бұрын
it is in the description but the in-video chapters will be good too
You are the best crew that I have ever seen... thank you all 👏. Congratulations from far away, Turkey...
It really feels like you crank the sound to the max every time somethings clicks in place xD A extremly satifying and well engeneered tripod. Keep up the amazing work guys!
The design of this is incredible... You can fix anything yourself with their replacement. WOW.
I started with this tripod and have continued to into this eco-system with straps as well. I found this video on their website when I needed to adjust one of the legs from slipping and was pretty obvious, but wanted to make sure before I tweaked anything. I can't overstate how happy I am with this company's products and the level of information on their website is absolutely among the best, for real useful information, no bs information about their products (video on difference between aluminum and carbon fiber are an excellent example for this). And love the fact that they expect me to own it forever (and I likely will).
I don't know about anyone else but after watching the leg teardown, I find it amazing the ability of the factory to put out as many units as it has per day. It isn't just assemble and go. They also have to make sure the cams and other connections are set correctly and then test. We didn't even look at a teardown of the ballhead (spoiler) never disassemble the ballhead assembly. Thanks for the very detailed video.
Nicely done, Lawrence! Was shooting on the beach in Laguna Beach, CA, when a freak giant wave raced ashore and doused me and my gear! Went all the way over my head, covering me in saltwater & sand. A day and a shower later, I still have sand in my beard! Came here in hopes of finding a Peak Design video about cleaning it... and here it is. Thank you!
Got my tripod a couple days ago. This is good to have on hand for when I do need to do maintenance, Thanks
Love my tripod. Did a full disassembly just so I would know how to do it in the field - having this video would have made it much faster :) I won't comment on disassembling the head, no, I never did that. Nor should you. But it's genius design, guys. Still, would have been nice to have been told about the bushing removal tool with the instructions - I never saw it till I got this email. Would have saved me a lot of time taking those legs apart to have that tool in my hand! I have to say I was impressed - you can totally break down every part of this tripod, down to the smallest nut, bolt, spring, gear and detent, with just the single hex tool supplied. But that bushing removal tool is a great accessory too!
Nice! Thanks for the thorough review. Mine is arriving on Monday! Just in time for putting it under the Christmas tree. you guys ROCK! Merry Christmas to the entire crew!
@georgewhaley3144
4 жыл бұрын
Mine is getting here Monday also, but it is never going to make it to the Christmas tree. Really looking forward to it.
@FlorianCortese
4 жыл бұрын
@@georgewhaley3144 I didn't say I wasn't going to open it or even gift wrap it! I'm just going to put it under the tree for a few minutes :)
Very helpful instructions to ensure the tripod would be maintain properly.
Amazing video ! I like the editing
Very helpful. Can't wait to get mine
Just got the information that my tripod and the extra attachments that I ordered will arrive on Monday Dec 30, 2019. I'm excited because it's been a long wait. I just watched the setup video again so that I'm familiar with all that I need to get started. For all the rest of you that may already have received yours, I'm happy to be part of the group.
@GeoffreyBaker
4 жыл бұрын
It was a long wait! I joined the kickstarter campaign back in April, got mine on Dec 14. It's a great product, you'll love it.
I will save this video too and you really did a good thorough job! You are good at what you do and I get it takes a lot of energy. Good tip on the lithium high viscosity grease.
This tutorial is very helpful! Thanks!😃
These videos are what pushed me to buy one of your tripods, so they must be working.
Incredible video -- really helped me in a pinch to fix a leg!
Awesome tech and break down!
7:59 Hey, I played bass for Residual Knob Grease!
Quite a video, can see some of the engineering involved. Hope to get many years use, but; great to know if there is a problem PD will be there. Have had it a week now, used it a few times, has not disappointed, it really packs down, very stable in stance and the way it locks onto the camera. Now it time to do some traveling.
Although i don't own a Peak Design Travel Tripod yet, this ASMR video makes me super inspired to fix things! 😁
designs like these that considers maintenance, tells me that they care about custumers. this seals the deal for me aside from the tons of cool features and the minimalist design.
I will save this video and hope I never need it😎🤙
Great products,supper innovation,light and compact and practical application.Good luck in your campain.Keep up the good work.
Amazing engineering! Beyond impressed this many intricate parts fit and work so seamlessly together in such a slim form factor. I hope product longevity is as impressive. Congrats Peak Design. Question: Aside from soiling or overt damage, how would one know that the bushings are problematic? Thx.
I'll watch this once the tripod has finally arrived. #stillwaiting #toolateforchristmas
This is so helpful and well done. Based on this I am thinking my tripod is not broken, likely just needs a leg replacement.
If I do remove the ball head's top pegs (for a star tracker with a longer plate), does the tripod or carrying case have a place you'd recommend storing those pegs? I've been loving the tripod, but I've been thinking about that while I wait for the weather to clear up for astrophotography.
Still waiting for mine! Haven't seen any updates in a while. Last I heard on ordering was that it'll be shipped all the way in March! 😭 Dying!
great video. I finally know what the tool is for. removing my bushing lol
@soupyb1058
4 жыл бұрын
Kenny Law but what is the bushing?!
The bushing removal tool is this inside packed with a newly purchased tripod or it has to be ordered with the parts replacement
So, if we happened to get a bunch of sand in the legs, and we happen to be in the city, any chance we can bring it by the flagship store for some repairs so I don't have to break it trying to take it apart?
Just got my carbon tripod today. Outstanding! Even better then I expected. Two questions. Getting the tripod into the bag is fairly difficult. Is there a specific orientation necessary so that the top of the bag clears the the last 1/2” of the tripod head. Its difficult to get the bag top over the tripod top. I rotated the tripod into several different positions until I was able to get the top to clear. Still wasn’t easy. Also, might I suggest that Peak enclose a little bag or capsule of grease for repairs or cleaning that then require grease. Hoping that one has enough residual grease as suggested in the video might leave the owner frustrated or annoyed that he/she now has to hunt down replacement grease especially since the amount necessary hardly justifies finding and purchasing a whole container which will surely cost several dollars. Supplying a little dab with the replacement parts would certainly be appreciated even if there is a nominal charge. Thanks for a beautifully designed, engineered and executed product. I look forward to years of appreciation and enjoyment that comes from a quality product and a company that cares enough to make it. I know it’s expensive and many people will complain but for those who can afford this kind of quality the expense will soon be forgotten as soon as one starts using the product. Peak, thanks again for the effort that clearly went into this product. There are many photographers out there who I’m sure will echo my feelings.
@GeoffreyBaker
4 жыл бұрын
I also had to work to figure out how to get the tripod in the bag. The trick is to keep both the vertical column unlocked and the ball head loose and then turn the head so the triangular bit underneath is in between the legs, then the head can lower an additional half an inch till the triangle seats down fully. Then tighten the ball head and the column knob. It then fits in the bag neatly.
My cam lever leg logs are getting squeaky. Would you recommend a lubricant for those and which one?
When a couple of the legs started slipping I freaked out. This super-expensive tripod didnt last long! Then I remembered I had seen this video was available. Tightened them right up. Those of us who are stepping up from cheapie tripods need to remember that something like this needs attention to work properly...
Do you have a link for a Teflon Lubricant you recommend?
Just one question, to remove sand on the legs, ie. cleaning the legs we just need to use the compressed air (min 12:30) or we need to remove the leg clean as on starting in minute 14?
Where can one buy bushing replacements? Over tightened one of the sections..
Hi, what grease to use? Thank's a lot.
im getting this iftewr i buy Peter McKinnon's bag. this is a great tripod and cant wait (for the money).
Helpful video but it would be MUCH better to have a timeline in the description (e.g. 7:46 Center Column Knob replacement) so that when I do need to do some maintenance, I can go to what I need and not have to noodle around finding what I'm trying to maintain. Great product, so far, after a few days' use.
@silekiernanphotography
Жыл бұрын
They do have a Timeline.
Been waiting forever! Still no Tripod
My center column is loose now. How do i tighten it?
The Peak Design Tripod Carbon Fiber is Holy shit, awesome, i Love My Tripod 🥰🥰🥰 Greetz from Germany
Still waiting for mine. I don't know when it'll ship. No tracking.
Watched, saved, still waiting. Don’t know why I tortured myself by watching.
@Joebnx1
4 жыл бұрын
I’m not waiting anymore....!
When is this product available?
My center column knob can't be in lock position. if i push it, it always sprung back out. how do i fix this? thanks
Idk if your aware of this, but I’ve seen a few ads in FB market place selling your PD travel tripod for $39.99 dollars. I’ve seen the ad two or three times. It was the PD travel tripod picture. But it was some no name company I’ve never heard of selling it. I knew it was fake and reported the post to FaceBook.
I was hoping Peak Design could make an ergonomic handle for the bottom portion of the center column of the Peak Design Tripod. One that would slide up the column from the bottom, conforming to the triangular shape, and then lock in place using the existing locking mechanism employed by the hook. Then we could use just the center column for vlogging.
I got the carbon tripod last week and now I'm waiting for the year 3000 to do the cleaning maintenance.
“Residual knob grease” 😂😂😂
Okay, so obviously I should have watched this video before I decided to disassemble the head and now cannot figure out how to reassemble. If such an instructional video exists in the depths of your manufacturing process documentation it would be super helpful for the those of us stubborn enough not to seek guidance before diving in.
My smart phone holder stuck insider and unable to take it out what should I do 😓
Can i adjust the rotation alignment of the ballhead's plate dock relative to the rest of the head to align the plate dock differently (i.e., rotate it's alignment)? I'd like to align it so that when you stand directly behind the center column knob (and directly in between the back two legs on either side), and have the head in the fully collapsed position, that the head will align your camera exactly straight on. In other words, have the camera point exactly towards the front, third leg when the head and center column is completely collapsed. Or in other words, the ballhead in the collapsed position just doesn't line up straight and I want to adjust to make it straight. you could attach the quick release plate to your camera in an askew manner to sort of make it work but then it's hard to manipulate the release button.
@GeoffreyBaker
4 жыл бұрын
Not sure what the problem is, you can snap your camera to the ballhead then adjust the position of the ballhead 360 degrees in a second and tighten down. I understand what you're saying but don't see the problem. If it takes only a millisecond to adjust to the angle you want, where's the downside? But to be more specific in answer to your question, to fully collapse the ballhead into the tripod frame, you have to turn it slightly, and when collapsed it does have the ballhead plate point about 20 degrees off between the legs. But I always lift the ballhead off so that I can have full rotational control, to me that is much more important. As you say, you could set the capture plate on your camera at the angle you want. What might be less frustrating would be to buy a cheap panorama ring and put the PD plate on that, then you can swing the camera any angle you want (and know the measurement you want) with the head still completely collapsed. That's how I would handle that, I think...
@FreeNelsonMandelaNow
4 жыл бұрын
@@GeoffreyBaker Extending the spindly center column makes it more prone to vibration especially for long exposure shorts. The most stable position for long exposure shots is with it fully collapsed. But when the center column is collapsed, you can't make it straight (and there doesn't seem to be a reason why not).
@GeoffreyBaker
4 жыл бұрын
@@FreeNelsonMandelaNow I think I discovered a workaround. Extend the center column so the head is about 3/4 of an inch high from the base. Then turn the head around so the 3 solid bars under the head are each directly over a leg. Lower the head until those bars seat solidly, each centered on a leg. NOW tighten the center column lock tightly. Next, with the head ball release loose, turn the head until the camera lock bracket is aligned as you want - centered on the front leg. The ball head bars should each still be sitting on the edge of a leg. Now tighten down the ball head. Your tripod is now centered with the camera bracket pointing towards the front leg, with the head still contacting the legs forming a very solid and stable lock. The center column is NOT fully recessed, but because the ball head bars each rest on the top of the leg (although angled around so they are nearly off the leg) there is still solid contact giving you a very stable environment for your camera. Etc etc. Works for me. Works very well and is very stable with no more vibration than when fully closed. Easy to do, as well, once you've done it a few times. Hopes this helps.
@FreeNelsonMandelaNow
4 жыл бұрын
@@GeoffreyBaker That makes sense. I see you can get some of that balance on some of the legs even with the head slightly tilted, which may be useful in a real windy environment coupled with hangind something on the underside center column hook. I thought the fact the head/plate didn't just "line up straight" was an oversight--as it could easily line up perfectly. The tripod is built very well (and is so compact) but like any tripod, when the center column is fully extended it is working really hard to keep vibration down (arguably it's impossible if very windy). But I've now used the tripod for nighttime long exposures with the center column extended a few inches (where the ballhead is completely adjustable, which may be necessary for shots on uneven ground or with ) and the photos turned out tack sharp. It wasn't windy and I was shooting with a Sony A7Rii with a 16-35mm 2.8 Sony GM.
Ordered one and waiting for the delivery. I need an L bracket to go with this PD tripod for taking landscaping. Could you please recommend one either from PD or any other brand. Some good quality ones pls. Money is not objective.
@GeoffreyBaker
4 жыл бұрын
I bought a 3 Legged thing Ellie with the PD capture base - its what you want. Nice, simple, works well.
Where can I buy leg replacement?
Soooooo lets say one took apart the ballhead on accident....where does that little spring go ?
Guys just used this in twice for some landscape work in Australia. Great design but the legs jammed so easily with the slightest dust. Took me an hour to clean. Figured it was new and maybe a bit of grease mixed with the dust. Then did some long exposure shoots on the beach. And need to strip the whole thing down again 🤦♂️ please tell me you have some 2.0 legs in the loop otherwise this is useless for people who actually use it in outdoor environments
@taituara
2 жыл бұрын
I love Peak Design stuff, owning everything but this. Being waterproof I barely need to do it (once a year, just for the sake of longevity), but I can disassemble and fully reassemble the legs of my Sirui without any tool in a fraction of the time needed here to take out a single section! I am a (mostly) seascape photographer in New Zealand
Now if only there was a place to actually ORDER the replacement parts for the travel tripod. Nowhere to be seen is the ballhead they talk about replacing in this video...
I should have watched this video sooner, i managed to get that super sticky grease on my fingers and on one of the tripod legs on day 1 when i accidently removed the nob in the middle. I can confirm - its bloody sticky. lol
Please come up with a hiking/camping bag. That can take camera 2 lenses tripod, tent, sleeping bag and all other bits for 2 nights camping.
When can we order the different types of feet?
@FloatingOnAZephyr
4 жыл бұрын
They were available as part of the Kickstarter.
@GeoffreyBaker
4 жыл бұрын
www.peakdesign.com/collections/all/products/spike-feet-set
The tripod is amazing, but that cute little tool that snaps into the holder on the leg already fell out.. lost it while taking the tripod in and out of the car... I hope I don't need it soon for maintenance..
I got had sand get right inside the ball head mechanics on DAY 1 of taking this thing out for a shoot. And this video happily looked over that event 😭😭 So I had to wing it (but I shouldn't have had to!) Somehow, I managed to get it nice and smooth again and put it back together. Great design inside for it all, but sand is a thing and it doesn't cope well. Advice for others and future removal of ball head sand would be appreciated
David Harbour Jr.
lamborghini of tripods...
I could buy three decent carbon fiber tripods for what one of these costs.
That tool is not a wrench, it's key.
First, it’s me that liked !!! 😄
Knob grease…the ladies know about that
@somethingsomethang
2 жыл бұрын
Ball head maintenance…sounds like a joke lol
ifxit be like 100/10
Is somebody going to help me?
Is that really a tripod or a very expensive gadget
Ship my tripod
If my great great great great great grandson has my tripod, can he get it fixed for free?
Peak Design Tripod...coming summer of 2033
@FloatingOnAZephyr
4 жыл бұрын
To say this comment is unfair would be an understatement.
Great video, but I don't understand why you so staunchly condemn taking apart the ball head. It's about as complicated as the legs, just that you have to assemble it in the correct order, or it will seize up. I'm pretty mechanically skilled, so I was able to figure it out fine, but other people might for example, jam up the planetary gears, so it would make sense to have a tutorial for it. There aren't even that many parts. I'd write a well-written and easy-to-follow tutorial, but It'd probably just get deleted. It's clear the engineers spent a lot of time making literally EVERY component as absolutely-simple, yet highly-featured as possible, so it seems like a disservice to call the ball head "off limits", especially since dirt is certain to gather inside the ball head over time, by small amounts getting on the ball, then pivoting the head over it.
this is the worst expensive tripod the thing fell apart after a couple uses and the camera isn't locking on so it moves just as I am about to take a macro shot hate it hate it