RE: [Leica] tape for tripod legs

["Dan Honemann" <danh@selectsa.com>]

Steve,

The thinner liner gloves are an excellent suggestion that I hadn't
considered.  I was also surprised by how cold the gitzo carbon legs got to
the touch.  I'd put my gloves on to adjust the legs, then take them off to
focus and set exposure, but it got to be a royal pain taking those gloves
off and on and finally I just let my hands freeze.

I thought of trying the handle-wrap tape that is used for tennis racket
handles: nice and cushy, and plenty of insulation--without adding much
weight.  That will only insulate the upper leg segments, however, while the
glove liners will help with all of it.

Dan

> Hi Dan,
>     I am surprised that you found the carbon fibers to be a real
> problem in
> the cold.  They do not conduct the cold nearly as much as the metal legs.
> If the cold was from holding the legs, most people go with foam pipe
> insulation that you find in the hardware stores and wrap it with
> electrical
> or heavy duct tape.  This gives you the added benefit of some
> cushion if you
> have a heavy camera and lens that you keep on the tripod and you heft the
> rig over your shoulder when on the move.  I have seen people go with the
> wrap that you find for wrapping car steering wheel or bicycle handle bars.
> I don't think any of these will give you much protection if the
> cold fingers
> are from touching the adjusting controls.  My recommendation would be to
> wear double gloves.  Inside wear thin gloves so you can still work the
> controls of the tripod and camera.  Outside wear a pair of heavy mittens
> that you can stuff your hands into to keep warm.  I often use a chemical
> warmer "Hand Warmers" that provide a pleasant relief when I
> return my hands
> to the mittens.
>
> Steve