In various test reports there is talk of a separable centre column and also on the data sheet and the operating instructions, which are linked here, the tripod is shown with flat legs and a short centre column (so that the camera is more or less on the ground and not 40cm above it...).
However, on the tripod I received, neither the centre column is separable nor was a shorter centre column included. Can someone explain to me why this is so? Was it the same for other buyers, or did something go wrong for me? And is it possible to buy a shorter centre column separately as an accessory?

Question

In various test reports there is talk of a separable centre column and also on the data sheet and the operating instructions, which are linked here, the tripod is shown with flat legs and a short centre column (so that the camera is more or less on the ground and not 40cm above it...).
However, on the tripod I received, neither the centre column is separable nor was a shorter centre column included. Can someone explain to me why this is so? Was it the same for other buyers, or did something go wrong for me? And is it possible to buy a shorter centre column separately as an accessory?

Answer

But they must have been different types. Rollei had a confusing variety of types.  On the C5i and also on the C6i, which I have (and would not buy again), the centre columns cannot be shortened. Some Sirui and various Gitzo tripods come with short centre columns. The Rollei here is a cheap product and you have to make corresponding compromises.

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Question about Rollei C5i