How to replace tripod head

Well, I finally decided on a new head - bought the RRS BH-40 yesterday - hopefully will have it in a week or so. Thanks to everyone who gave opinions about ballheads in my earlier thread.

My next question - Replacement. I'm currently using a Bogen 3047 head. Is anyone familiar with that head - if so, do you know how to remove it? I'm sure I can figure it out via trial and error, but I would rather not involve the error part. It's got one large hex head screw right thru the center, around which it revolves, but it also has three small screws underneath the column pad. Do I need to remove the three small screws as well, or just the main screw? All seem to be set with locktite, hence me not wanting to unscrew if not necessary.

Thanks for your help.

Bill, yes you do need to loosen (or remove) the bottom screws before the head can be screwed off the tripod. It will be easier to do if you can pull the center column out of the leg set.
Loctite is really not necessary with Bogen heads thanks to these bottom screws that create a very strong tension and prevent the head from coming loose.

Guy

Loosen the set screws, and then use an extension to get at the hex nut if it's inside a column. I use a deep set socket on my Bogen 3001. Be careful you don't twist the bolt off when retightening. They usually are brass and softer than you might think. Don't ask how I found this out.


Kent in SD

You don't say what legs you have. If your legs are of the 3001/3021/3221 types, then you shouldn't need to access that centre bolt at all. Once you loosen the three set screws, you should be able to grab the head and unscrew it without tools. Maybe if Loctite was used, a strap wrench might be of assistance, but you should be able to do it without one.

-Paul

Thanks guys for your insight. Rest assured Kent, I will be careful with any brass fastener. Like you, I have experienced the reality of over tightening brass in the past.

I just made the same change a week or so ago ( except I swapped in a Benro). As Paul said above, if you have the 3021 legs or something similar, you should be able to loosen the three screws under the head and then unscrew it without any tools. Thats how my 3047 came off anyway, and it had been there for a lot of years.

Al

My new head is due to arrive tomorrow so I tackled the task of removing my 3047 head tonight. Since it has been on the column since it was new (20+ years ago) I was expecting a hassle. So simple!! I unscrewed the three little screws, which unscrewed like they were brand new, and my head unscrewed without so much as a grimace. Wow, engineering that works!!

Thanks again everyone for your insights and advice!