Quick question on cleaning a Manfrotto 468MGRC2 Hydrostatic ball head

12 years 8 months ago #129099 by Steven.Powell
I just picked up this ball head used for a song and dance. I think I see why I got it for so cheap, it looks like it was dunked honey or some sort of something :blink: and then dipped in pile of dirt. I'm amazed the seller sent to me like this.

Moving forward, how can I clean one of these? When I move the ball head around I can feel there is dirt inside. So I'm guessing I will need to take apart?

Thoughts?


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12 years 8 months ago - 12 years 8 months ago #129140 by MLKstudios
Who would treat that head that way? That's a shame.

Fortunately, Manfrotto gear is pro level, and can be fixed or repaired if needed. You don't have to go out a buy a new one if something is messed up.

I agree, you may need to take it apart. It'll be a multi step process.

1. Clean what you can with a thinner like Turpentine, WD-40 will also work.
2. If that doesn't get it thoroughly clean, then you'll have to disassemble it.
3. Take it apart and clean all the pieces separately.
4. Put it back together again.
5. Replace the original lubrication (a tiny dab of bicycle grease works well)

HTH and congrats on the find. Hope it works for you.

Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"

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12 years 8 months ago #129209 by Silver Fox
Won't the WD-40 be bad to have on the ball head part of it? Considering the lubricant in it?


Photo Comments
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12 years 8 months ago #129651 by Stanly
I don't think I would be spraying WD-40 on this, but wipe it down good and take compressed air to it

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Photo Comments
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12 years 8 months ago - 12 years 8 months ago #129653 by MLKstudios
You first have to remove all the dirt and oil (grease). Replace the lubricant afterwards.

He described it as a real mess...

"... it looks like it was dunked [in] honey or some sort of something and then dipped in pile of dirt."

Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"

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12 years 8 months ago #129701 by Travel Nut
I would break it all down, clean with old tooth brush and acetone, wipe any residue off and put it back together from there.


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