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Leveling Base for Tripod

I'm revising my tripod system and looking for a leveling base that does not tighten up when panning right.

I'm currently using a Leofoto LB 60 and it has worked flawlessly for the past 3 years. With a new carbon tripod coming in soon, I wanted to go to a different style leveling base but have heard of complaints that some of the leveling heads tighten up when panning to the right.

Some shooters have modified the leveling base to prevent this from happening, but they never explain what they did. The only leveling base I know that will not lock up is one made by Warrior Tripods. I've done quite a bit of searching, but haven't come up with anything yet.

I'm looking for how to mod or a base that is not too expensive. Since the Leofoto has worked out so well, I'll continue to use it until I can find the base I'm looking for.


Screenshot 2023-12-12 at 3.50.58 PM.png
 
I use the rt90 tripod with their leveling head. Yeah, it tightens when rotating it.
I was going to convert to a super fine thread that would minimize it but just got use to it.
 
I'm not familiar with what you have or what you specifically want. It sounds like you want a half-bowl leveling base. Which is independent of the arca head, but may be offered by various vendors. If you continue to have problems finding what you want at the price you like, I would suggest looking at videographer tripods and heads. You may have already thought of that. I use a tripod with w 75mm bowl leveling head which is fast to adjust. On top of that I have a video fluid head which provides both pan and tilt smoothly and the friction is adjustable. Fluid heads do not tighten up with panning as that is what they are designed to do. But there are always trade-offs!
 
I have a Manfrotto video tripod that came with the leveling base. I always loosen the locking screw, make the adjustment with light tension and tighten when nominal. For panning motions, I'll rely on the head that's mounted on the 3/8 stud. Either a Manfrotto fluid head, an RRS ball or, currently, a gimbal that I've been playing with.
 
I personally like the leveling head. I keep one hand on the tightening extension and just snug up when on target. I've played with the RRS set up and while it's definitely nice, I'm just use to mine, hasn't held me back.
 
I know I’m bringing up a dated thread but has anyone figured out how to modify the leveling heads to not tighten up panning to the right?
 

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