Attaching a head to a Gitzo without a column?

[Frank Petronio]

So my friend gives me this wee Gitzo but it is lacking the 0-series column. Any suggestions for attaching a head without the column?

[Frank Petronio]

Also what would be a good cheap ballhead for 0-series Gitzo? Standard 1/4-20, none of this Arca plate BS please.

[besk]

Markins may make an adapter that will work. That is what I have on my Gitzo 1228.

I have been using a Benbo Standard ball head for years. It is cheap, sturdy and a little sticky but is great for the money.

[35mmdelux]

Cheap ballhead that I find outstanding after years of use: Bogen 3262.

My other ballhead is a Swiss Arca [pricey].

[Frank Petronio]

Oh I know all about Arcas and Markins, etc. but this was a freebie and I'm looking for a ghetto $20 head and some DIY mounting solution. It's just a tiny 0-series 36" tripod.

[ChrisN]

What diameter is that hole down the centre? Go to the local hardware store, and get some wooden dowel or a length of broomstick. Whittle it down to the right diameter (or turn it in a lathe if you have one handy). Buy a 1 inch x 1/4 bolt and cut off the head with a hack-saw. Drill a 1/4 hole in the dowel and glue it in place with epoxy glue leaving about 1/2" of thread sticking out to screw the ball head on to.

If you have a friend with a metal-working shop you can make it from aluminium.