There are two
different "old style" 3021 tripods.
There is very little visible
difference between them, since they
use the same leg locks and over all
style. The main casting and
leg braces are different and not
interchangeable without major
renovation. Here are the main
differences:
1 - The leg braces
where the leg attaches to the main
casting is different. The
oldest (before 1999) 3021 has two
visible bolts hold the two parts of
the leg brace together.
2 - Manufacturers labels are
different on the leg.
3 - The manufacturers logos and
identifying marks are in different
locations. The oldest 3021
(before 1999) has "#055" and the
Manfrotto tripod logo on the back
behind the knob. The newer
(after 1999) has "Manfrotto" and
"Italy" written on it.
4 - The oldest (before 1999) 3021
has a removable knob, with a hex
wrench built in. The newer
3021 (after 1999) has a rotating
knob that does not come off without
disassembly.
Part A
in the photo to the left may be the oldest available. The size and
width of the pins is the same as B and
C. The internal locking parts are not
interchangeable with the others. Part B is
the newest part, using one screw on the back instead of two like on
part C. Part C
seems to be the most common part available.
The
new brace Part B (on left) has one bolt and is the direct replacement for the old
style 2 bolt leg brace on the 3021Part C.
The locking pin and spring will fit either brace with no modification or
changes needed. These are called the 3021 original.
This shows the differences between the
new double spiral lock
and the old single spiral knob. The difference in the spirals are what
keeps the new knobs from working in the old locks. The new parts
cannot be modified or changed to work with the old double spiral locks.
Shown
at left, This is the oldest version leg lock (Version 1) it has a stubby
flip lever that is square in shape instead of the longer rounded edge
version 2 and version 3 leg locks (shown at right).
The newest
version of the 3021N, 3021PRO & 3021BPRO
have these distinct features:
1-
Snap locks that flip in and out
instead of rotate up and down, shown at left. Old style is shown at
the right.
2- Leg brace is different, the hinge points both point inward where the
older styles both point out (shown below and above for 3021 older styles)
3- 3021Pro has a domed PRO rotation
clamp and center post at the top,
3021N is flat
4- Labels are different
These
are the current style leg braces for the 3021 series and 055 series.
These are not interchangeable with any 3021 tripod made before 2004
