Manfrotto Leg Tension Key

[skotbites]

Hello, I've just received my 055XPROB from a well known camera shop's online store and discovered that the tension key that should be attached to one of the legs is missing.

I've e-mailed the store regarding it and have been told they require the whole unit back to replace. this would be okay if they were going to send me a postage label to cover the postage of such a large heavy item. However, they don't send postage labels so I would have to foot the bill.

Not happy at this I e-mailed again to see what my other options were, they said " may be best speaking to your local store as they may be able to exchange the whole unit for you".

This would result in travel costs and parking costs to the city center which I shouldn't have to do.

Doesn anyone have any ideas on how I can resolve this? I don't mind paying a couple of quid for the key if it saves me postage/packing/travel/parking costs, but I really don't see why I should have to be the one put out for there error.

It was bad enough that I have to wait for the tripod head as it's on back order.

grrrrrr

Thanks
Scott

[flake]

Another of the reasons I moved from Manfrotto to Giottos which come with a much better tool kit which doesn't get lost as easily.

As a first step I reccomend you phone Manfrotto and speak to them as they might be willing to post one off to you. Alternatively talk to you local trading standards, as I remember in cases like this shops selling at a distance are liable for any return carriage.

After talking to Consumer Direct I can confirm that the seller is liable for all return cost under the Sale of Goods Act (not the distance selling regulations) they have failed to fulfil the contract by supplying you with a complete item and as such it is their responsibility to either replace it or send the missing item.

If they refuse contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 you might also want to ask for a complete refund and buy elsewhere.

I just sold an 055 ProB X (and parcelforce managed to break it in transit) and bought a Giottos, because it's a really poor design, you can't drop the tripod to the floor with the centre column upright, and it will only be possible if you have it in the horizontal position. Most other tripods allow a range of angles Giottos Induro Benbo etc. The Manfrotto doesn't have any hangers fo counterbalance weights which is really irritating if you have a heavy camera, because it isn't stable. Of course you can buy items like a shorter center column and spiked feet etc etc but by the time you have, you might have well bought a Gitzo!

All in all I've been less than impressed by the design, consider a change!

[skotbites]

Thanks for the info, I'll get in touch with Manfrotto direct.

As for my tripod selection, it's my 1st and I've been very impressed with it so far, I'm 6ft6 so the height is great.

There is a hook on the tripod for hanging a counter weight from it's just not on the center column.

Scott

[lifecapture]

Hi there,
This may sound a little silly but you have to ask, have you checked all the packages that came with the tripod? i seem to recall that the tool didnt come attached to the leg but in one of the sealed instruction packs - yes i have that exact same tripod.

Incidentally this is awful customer service, it sounds like a tactic to make you not bother with the whole thing. Contact manfrotto and try and contact the manager of the company, even email an editor or two of a magazines to see if they can help, no store likes bad press.