ian Johnson~IJES.ca

Hi Paul, the tubes can be very hard to release from the brackets. Once in a while they will come apart with a heavy tap using a big hammer and a nylon block. If not you can try enclosing the end in a plastic bag full of acetone although that is highly toxic so be safe and read the MSDS for the Acetone. Cutting the brackets off using a cutting disc on a Dremel is your last alternative and then you can just replace the brackets as well as the damaged tubes. We have stock of tubes and brackets if you need them. Best of luck, Ian. www.IJES.ca

Hi Karl, my business IJES.ca specialises in the repair of camera support equipment, perhaps I can offer some help and insight here as we perform factory authorised work on all of the named equipment mentioned in this thread. The OConnor 2575 is no good for you, way too big for your 23lb payload. The 1030 would work but is yet a little big. The Video 18 is a robust little head but you'll never get "perfect balance" unless you weight your setup just right. All the same it is very popular. If as you say you are just using the setup for hobby work then consider the Manfrotto combo's, although basically prosumer equipment as opposed to professional, they offer a pretty good bang for the buck. Cartoni has the Focus HD and a number of different tripods some of which are quite inexpensive. Good quality and reasonable pricing. If you contact me directly through our website IJES.ca I'll be happy to help you further. Regards, Ian.

Hi Grant, Our company IJES.ca has trained our technicians with Sachtler, Vinten, OConnor, Miller and Cartoni at their facilities in Italy and the US. We specialise in the repair of Camera suport equipment of all makes. In answer to your question regarding the adjustment of the lower leg lock on your eng2cf tripod. The 4 screws you see on the opposite side of the lock lever are the adjusting screws. Just don't be tempted to overtighten them and make sure you adjust them to an even torque. All you want is enough to hold your payload basically. the screws will strip in the plastic if they are overtightened or you may break the bracket. Please also check that none of the brackets are cracked and that the tubes are firmly bonded into their respective positions, you may see a line just above the bond line, this indicates that the leg has come loose. I am afraid that Sachtler does not produce repair manuals, just "explosion drawings" and I see that you have one now. I hope this helps. Best regards, Ian.