Bilora ball head

[richard ide]

Greetings,
I have a MF Bilora ball head which did not agree with my 4 x 5 . The post above the ball is fractured. I want to take it apart to weld the post, but it is not cooperating.

Does anyone know the secret?

Thank you

[archphoto]

If it cracked on you I would not even try welding because it will crack on you again.
The cracking is due to the fact that the ball head is too small and too weak for you camera, I would get a bigger (and stronger) one.

Try to get a replacement part for the ball head and use it for lighter gear in the future, and get a geared head like the 410 or 405 for your 4x5 from Manfrotto, depending on the weight of your 4x5.
The 410 is great for a Field and maybe a Sinar F, for a Sinar P(2) I would use the bigger 405.

Peter

[richard ide]

I have heavier equipment. I just want to repair the ballhead. Welding the post will make it much stronger than it was as the threaded hole for the platform is drilled too far into the stem which is where it broke.

[archphoto]

To take it apart..... any screws in the bottom ?

On the other hand, if you have taken it apart and welded can you still get everything mounted again ?
You could ask a welding shop localy....

Welding metals depends greatly on the material it self: cast iron can give problems, aluminium should me Tig-welded as far as I know.

Peter

[richard ide]

I TIG weld. The problem is no visible fasteners. The person who designed it did not want to make it easy.

[archphoto]

Could you send me an email with a couple of pic's of the head ?
Manufacturers like to hide screws and so on for better looks.... look below stickers, rubber bands/disks what ever....

Peter
archphoto@aol.nl

[richard ide]

Peter,
I knew that someday I would be forced to learn how to use my digicrapper.:o
It will have to wait for a couple of days.
Thanks
Richard

[John Koehrer]

archphoto's got it right. Access screws are usually hidden beneath labels etc. Don't forget to look at the bottom of the head where it mounts to the tripod. Frequently a ball head is assembled from the bottom.