Putting leg extension marks on carbon tripod

[Felix01]

I'd like to put leg extension marks every six inches or so on the bottom section of a carbon fiber tripod for ease of initial set-up on site. Anyone done that? And if you have, how did you do it?

[Matthew_Kartch]

Plain old Sharpie marker works for me. Haven't immersed in river or ocean.

[Felix01]

I considered that but didn't think it would be visible enough on black cf legs.

What color did you use? One of the fluorescent maybe?

[Ken_Tanaka]

There are silver and gold Sharpie markers which show up much better. The bad news is that they are basically paint markers and, as such, their marks can wear off fairly easily.

I tried this strategy years ago on a video tripod. Honestly, it wasn't as useful as "common sense" might suggest, particularly when the legs need to be set to adapt to uneven surfaces.

Actually the most useful "trick" is to simply loosen and extend all legs, keeping them together, then simply push the tripod down to a level just above where you need it. Then tighten and extend the legs, adjusting for unevenness. With practice you'll be able to perform this setup very quickly.

[LarryRyder]

Try the silver Sharpie. I haven't tried it on a tripod but I mark a lot of black things (power adapters etc) with it and it is very visable on most surfaces

[Matthew_Kartch]

Originally Posted by Felix01

I considered that but didn't think it would be visible enough on black cf legs.
What color did you use? One of the fluorescent maybe?

All of my Gitzo CF legs are really gray, so plain black marker shows up like proverbial sore thumb.
mck

[Felix01]

Many thanks for all the suggestions, guys!

Matthew, yes, of course you're correct...those Gitzo cf legs are dark gray...not "black" as I incorrectly wrote. I posed the same question on another forum and a fellow had a similar comment to yours...that black will show up on gray w/o ruining the aesthetic appearance like using gold, silver, etc. might. He further noted that Sanford makes an "Industrial" Sharpie marker which is water resistant and quite durable and has worked well for him.

But Ken Tanaka's "trick" reminded me of the old V-8 commercial...slapping the forehead and saying "Why didn't I think of that!"

It's the ideal solution. Why I've been extending tripod legs one at a time when I'm setting up on a level surface, and then further adjusting them, I'll never know. The Gitzo legs provide just enough tension when slightly loosened to allow doing exactly what Ken suggested.

[Pro Photo Store]

Visit the B&H Pro Photo Store for the best Gear Prices and regular specials!

Brilliant Color for any Digital SLR
White Balance Cap
The Pros Agree on ColorRight
What People Are Saying