AZ3 tripod conversion

[ST_Steve]

I have a spare AZ3 and would like to remove the AltAz assembly and convert the tripod to 3/8” but discarding the AltAz.

I did wonder about using the attached adapter...

Has anyone had any experience with modding in a similar fashion or could suggest a solution?

[Ricochet]

What is the size of the bolt through the AZ3 tripod? M10 perhaps? If you find a M10-3/8" adaptor then you could screw so M10 threaded rod through the bottom of the tripod, and secure it with appropriate nuts and washers. You could then fit the adaptor to the rod and fit your preferred mount head to that.

[Stu1smartcookie]

I have the adapter , which I use to convert an EQ5 tripod to a 3/8” mount (Az5) it works great .. sorry I can’t be more specific about your mount but just letting you know about the adapter 

[banjaxed]

The AZ3 mount and tripod are not really suitable for using the adaptor you are looking at. The adaptor you are looking at is for use on the steel legged EQ tripod tripod.  I have an AZ3 mount and rarely use it because I bought the 3/8" stainless steel tripod which will take most AZ mounts without the need for adaptors and is significantly more solid.

[John]

23 minutes ago, banjaxed said:

The AZ3 mount and tripod are not really suitable for using the adaptor you are looking at. The adaptor you are looking at is for use on the steel legged EQ tripod tripod.  I have an AZ3 mount and rarely use it because I bought the 3/8" stainless steel tripod which will take most AZ mounts without the need for adaptors and is significantly more solid.

Having owned a few AZ3's I agree with this.

The way that the AZ3 attaches to the tripod top is not the same as other mounts. This webpage describes how to service the AZ3 and shows the mount base / tripod hub design:

http://www.spacegazer.com/index.asp?pageid=97491