Philip Partridge 
, Nov 25, 2004; 05:25 a.m.
I am going to buy one of the 1127 Gitzos as soon as I get the answer
to this inquiry: can I get a good quality base plate to fit on top of
the collar of the 1127 to which I can fit the head directly, or do I
need to use a short center column?
I only ever use the center column for hooking a shock cord to; and I
would rather do without one. I came across such a base plate by
Markins for the 1227/8 series, but not for the 1127 - a version of
this part or something like it would suit me fine.
See: http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA3/TB-20.php for details.
I see Gitzo and Kirk sell short center columns for around $35-45,
which would my next best option. Any suggestions?
Edward Ingold 
, Nov 25, 2004; 10:34 a.m.
The only reason to buy a short column is to get as close to the ground as possible. It is not any more or less stable than the standard column.
The column on a Gitzo tripod has tight tolerances, and is about as stable as it can get. However, the collar raises the camera platform about 1.5 inches, which is somewhat destabilizing. If you want the best stability, get one of the G13xx or larger tripods, which have interchangeable columns, and use a base plate.
Philip Partridge , Nov 25, 2004; 02:51 p.m.
Thanks Edward. Yes, of course a heavier tripod will be 'better' or more stable. So will a heavier tent, jacket, pack, etc, but I won't carry more than I need on 8 day bushwalks into the wilderness. I do not need a 13nn to hold steady MF rangefinders with normal/wide lenses.
I do not do macro, etc, (r/finders) so the reasons for a short column come down to saving weight (see above), bulk, and load on the center column anchor point from a bag or shock cord creating lateral force (from a hanging bag moving, for example, or an off-centre placement of the legs).
Edward Ingold , Nov 25, 2004; 03:15 p.m.
You did not state that your primary concern was weight. In that case, you've answered your own question: get a short column.
Salvatore Mele , Nov 26, 2004; 08:38 a.m.
Philip,
when I got my Gitzo it was clear I would never have used the default central column for two reasons (1) effectively turns a tripod into something more than a monopod, as I read around here and (2) it was to be added to tent and other trek paraphernalia. Being weight-concerned, I discussed on the phone with the Swiss importer (I am mostly located in Switzerland, but eventually purchased at B&H). He understood the point, had me talk with a technician who suggested (1) a liberal amount of glueing to get a plate instead of the short column or (2) chopping off a part of the already-short short column. The idea seemed interesting since I wanted anyhow to add a panorama plate (novoflex). In this way, however, you lose the hook below the short column which is quite valuable for extra stability hanging your pack.
Given the use of the hook I planned to do, the weight of the short column altogether and the hassle of glueing and not being able to change mind later or re-sell the stuff, I eventually decided to go for the short column.
The end of the story is that everytime I am packing for long holidays I first discard the 80-200 since is too heavy, and then the tripod altogether, but this is another story....
Philip Partridge , Nov 27, 2004; 07:24 p.m.
Salvatore, thank you for your reply, I have ordered the shorty center column along with the 1127 since I cannot find a vendor for the base plate part I wanted. I figured to loop my shock cord over the collar with a base plate installed. But the hook is easiest and best, this I do at present with a drilled hole in the center column of my trusty Bogen 3001. And let me berate you for not using your flashy tripod whenever possible, you might need some good primes! cheers, philip.
