FAQ's

In this section we go through the most common questions that we receive. It's not all encompassing, so if your answer isn't there, look through the other sections before contacting us via the form a the bottom of the page.

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HOW DO I?

Our tripod systems are the most versatile and functional in the world. The modular functionality allows for your tripods to work in different configurations. This guide takes you through the most common of these.

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COMPATIBILITY

We offer various different compatibilities with other brands and some industry standard fittings. This guide will help you decide which products are right for you, or which replacement footwear you may need for your model.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

USER MANUALS

Our user manuals are all downloadable online. Click on the link below to take you through to the downloads page. Here you will find manuals for discontinued products too.

INSTRUCTIONS

WHERE ARE MY ACCESSORIES?

Every 3LT tripod comes with some basic tools (this varies according to model). These tools can be found in a hidden pocket, just inside the rim of your bag, or clipped directly to the tripod.



I'VE LOST A...

Lost one of your rubber Bootz? Or your release plate? No problem at all - they are available to purchase from our online store or a retailer near you. If you've lost an internal component, please contact us.

SPARES & ACCESSORIES

LOST OR BROKEN CHICKEN LIPS

Inside the leg mechanism there are plastic shims (we call them Chicken Lips). If you lose or break one you'll need to contact us with your range and model number so we can help you.

CONTACT US

TRIPOD MAINTENANCE

Our tripods are designed in such a way that they can be disassembled for cleaning and servicing. We have a page of How To videos which provide guidance for you on the most common technical needs.

HELP VIDEOS

RETURNS & REPAIRS

If you think your product needs to be returned to us for repair or servicing, contact us via the email at the bottom of this page, and provide a brief explanation of the issue. 

CONTACT US

TRIPOD MANUALS

Below are the links to our tripod instruction manuals in several languages. Whilst our products all utilise similar technology, there are real differences between the Pro Range and Punks Range, so please download the correct manual.

MONOPOD MANUALS

HOW DO I?

In this section we cover the basic functions of our tripods, and how they operate. We have created videos to explain the different functions, and help you get familiar with the world's most versatile tripod system.

We also have a complete page of videos showing all of the basic configurations, and methods of servicing, cleaning and replacing parts.

CONVERT TO MONOPOD
On one of the legs you will see an orange band, near the top by the hinge. This denotes the monopod leg. The method for transforming to monopod depends on which product you have, as they vary according to range.


REMOVE THE CENTRE COLUMN
To remove the centre column, you must first unscrew the D-Ring or spring hook from the bottom of the column. Then loosen the collar (friction lock) allowing you to slide the column out. Unscrew the mounting plate and thread from the column, and screw directly to the canopy.


ADJUSTING THE SWITCH CLAMP
Different release plates have different base profiles. Whilst your Switch Clamp should automatically accept a 3LT plate, it may be too tight or too loose with a different brand plate. Locate the hex bolt through the centre of the orange lever. Use the included 2mm hex key to loosen or tighten the clamp.


HOW DOES THE TRI-MOUNT PLATE WORK?
The Tri-Mount plate at the top of your centre column is a unique technology to 3 Legged Thing. It's patented design enables connections via six 1/4"-20 and one 3/8"-16 threaded holes, and three hollow spurs for accessory attachment and cable management. Go to the How-To page for explanation videos.


COMPATIBILITY

3 Legged Thing tripods offer compatibilities with a number of other devices. Below is our guide to compatibility with release plates, clamps, ball heads & footwear.

Our release plates are all Arca Swiss compatible

  • QR3P: Square Plate, standard Arca Fit, compatible with Peak Design Capture system
  • QR4: Square Plate, standard Arca Fit, includes security screws which, if removed provide Peak Design Capture compatibility
  • QR6: 38mm x 60mm Plate, standard Arca Fit, 3 slots and security screws
  • QR7: 38mm x 70mm Plate, standard Arca Fit, full slot, security screws and strap connector
  • QR11-LC & LG: 110mm Universal L Bracket, standard Arca Fit, Long slot and security screws, cable access and strap connectors on both sides

Our Ball-heads are universally compatible.

We don’t use proprietary technology where a universal solution exists, because we know our customers may have built up their gear over many years, and won’t want to upgrade or change from a trusted item. 3 Legged Thing’s AirHed range of ball-heads have a standard 3/8" UNC socket in a flat base which makes them compatible with any tripod with a flat mounting plate and a 3/8" UNC bolt .

Multi functional clamps

Our clamps have a universal base with a cross socket, to be retro-compatible with most ball-heads. Our clamps also have the unique feature of being mountable on any 3/8”-16 device, such as a monopod. The clamps bear two sockets for compatibility with plates that have security screws (like our QR4, QR6, QR7, QR10-L, QR11-LC and QR11-LG), and will fit any standard 38mm Arca-style release plate

Footwear options

All current 3 Legged Thing tripods have either 1/4”-20 threads, 3/8”-16 threads, or a 1/4” thread with a 3/8” sleeve, for dual compatibility. Our footwear options all have the same dual thread, and will fit any tripod that has standard threads.

A GUIDE TO COMPATIBILITY

The most comprehensive guide to the QR11 Universal L Bracket

One of the most common questions we receive is about compatibility with cameras. This guide is designed to show you what you should expect. The QR11-LC & LG fits most modern cameras, but may require some adjustment or compromise. The QR11-FBC & FBG will fit most full-body DLSRs and Gripped Cameras and are excluded from this chart.

A GUIDE TO TIER 3 COMPATIBILITY

Compatible.

The following cameras support the QR11, but access to the cable and battery doors is impeded.

CANON - 100D, 1300D, M3, M5
NIKON - 1V3, 1J5
SONY - A68, A77, A99, A99ii, A5000, A6000, A6300, A6500, A7, A7ii, A7r, A7s
FUJI - X100/S/T, X-E2/S, XT1, XT2, XT10, XPRO 2
OLYMPUS - E-M1, E-M1 II, E-M10 II, E-M5 II, E-PL7, E-PL8, PEN-F
PENTAX - K-1, K-3 II, K-50, K-70, K-S2
A GUIDE TO TIER 2 COMPATIBILITY

More compatible.

The following cameras support the QR11, and with a small adjustment, enable access to battery, cable door, or both.

CANON - 5D II, 5D III, 5D IV, 6D, 7D, 7D II, 700D, 750D
NIKON - D750 
A GUIDE TO TIER 1 COMPATIBILITY

Most compatible.

The following cameras support the QR11, and with some adjustments enable full access to battery and cable doors.

CANON - 760D, 80D
NIKON - D3300, D3400, D5300, D5500, D5600, D500, D610, D700, D7000, D7100, D800, D810, D850

RETRO-COMPATIBILITY

Got one of our discontinued products? Here's a guide to compatibility with footwear and release plates.

The early days...

1st Generation - X1 Brian, X2a Kirk, X1a Adrian,  X2 Eddie & 1LT Bob

  • Non-removable feet
  • Stripey Carbon
  • Arca Swiss compatible release plate and clamp

2nd Generation - X1.1 Brian, X1.1a Adrian, X4 Eric & X4a Jack

  • 8mm thread removable rubber boots & spikes
  • Arca Swiss compatible release plate and clamp

The Evolution...

Evolution 2 - X1.1 Brian, X1.1a Adrian, X2.1 Eddie, X2.1a Dave, X4.1 Eric, X4.1a Jack, X0 Keith, X0a Tim, X5 Frank, X5a Tony, 3LT Bob, 3LT Pete & 3LT Sid

2012 - 2013

  • 8mm removable Bootz & spikes
  • Arca Swiss compatible
  • Black Rapid FR-T1 compatible

2013 - 2015

  • 3/8" removable Bootz & spikes
  • Arca Swiss compatible
  • Black Rapid FR-T1 compatible

The next Evolution...

Evolution 3 - Brian, Roger, Steve, Nigel.

  • 3/8" removable Bootz, Heelz, Stilettoz & Clawz
  • Arca Swiss compatible
  • Peak Design compatible

Never Mind The Ballheads

1st Generation Punks - Rick & Vyv

  • Non-removable footwear
  • Arca Swiss compatible

Evo 3 Punks - Rick & Vyv

  • 1/4" removable Bootz
  • Compatible with all current footwear
  • Arca Swiss compatible
  • Peak Design compatible

CONTACT US

3 Legged Thing LTD
Unit 9, Kinsbourne Farm, Bury End
Stagsden
Bedfordshire
MK43 8TS
United Kingdom
General Enquiries
support@3leggedthing.com
Call Us Today!
+44 (0) 1234 828834