Joby Gorillapod Focus // Fail
I purchased a Joby Gorillapod Focus earlier today from B&H Photo in New York City. I walked around the corner to the James Farley Post Office and using the built-in 1/4″ screw I attached my Nikon D90 to the Gorillapod’s mounting platform and proceeded to wrap the Gorillapod’s legs around the railing on the post office steps. Then the unexpected happened, two of the Gorillapod Focus’ legs popped off in my hands and my Nikon D90 nearly went crashing to the pavement below. Luckily for me, I wasn’t yet convinced of the Gorillapod’s ability to safely hold my camera, so I still had the camera strap around my neck.
The most disappointing part of this whole sad saga is that I was really looking forward to using the Gorillapod Focus to capture some long exposures of New York City, like the one I made of the RFK/Triborough Bridge. I had been holding off on buying a Gorillapod for a while now because, to be perfectly honest, the look of them doesn’t necessarily instill confidence. But after seeing stunts like this on Lisa Bettany’s photostream I was feeling more confident about a purchase. Oh well, I guess I will have to resort to using a traditional tripod. Unfortunately though, most of the NYC long exposure shots I had in mind were only possible thanks to the Gorillapod’s versatility, so they will probably have to go back on hold for the time being.
On the bright side, I was able to return the broken Gorillapod to B&H Photo less than an hour after purchasing it, so at least I’m not out $100. I had literally owned it for such a short period of time that when I returned to B&H my receipt info wasn’t even in the returns department’s computer systems yet. Fortunately though, they were able to look-up the transaction and they refunded me the full purchase price, no questions asked.
Hi Nick,
We’re really sorry to hear about the problem you had with your Gorillapod Focus. I know it’s frustrating to have something like this happen, and it’s not much consolation to know that this is a rather rare defect, so we’d love to replace your Focus with a properly functioning unit at no charge.
As you saw in Lisa’s video, the Focus usually works quite well, so we’d love to provide you with a unit that performs as intended. Feel free to email me directly and we’ll get a replacement out to you right away.
Best,
Peter (Joby employee)
I have one of these too. I always considered it, but then got into a bind for a wedding I was doing (needed two flashes on one tripod). I can’t say that it’s the most valuable thing I have in my bag, in part because it’s REALLY hard to get it to cooperate in any position other than landscape. But it’s nice to know it’s there nonetheless. The bogen super clamp is probably a better option though (and cheaper).
Peter,
I am extremely impressed with your company’s customer service. I never expected any response at all, but yet here you guys are, pretty much immediately, offering to go above and beyond to rectify the situation. It really says something that you are willing to stand so firmly behind your products.
I’ll send you an email right now.
Yoshi,
I have a pair of the original Gorillapods that I use with my point and shoot and with flashes. They work great, but I’m also not expecting them to hold too much weight.
Hmm, I hadn’t considered the Bogen Super Clamps. I’ll have to swing by B&H a little later and take a look around their lighting dept and see what options are available.