Quick release clips - I hate them!

[tdodd]

Hi, back again. The "leaving the QR plate on the camera at all times" is a sound idea, except I have three cameras and just the one tripod, so I'd have to keep unscrewing the plate of the camera into the other one, etc.

Or get three lots of tripods.

Now I have the two (the original one with the QR clip) and the "classic version" I've just recently bought, it should be less of an issue for me. :-D

I actually quite like that magicball concept, though - looks like a "best of both worlds" thing. Bet it does come with a hefty price tag.

No. You get some extra plates for your other cameras. Then you leave each plate permanently and securely fastened to your cameras (and lenses). I'm yet to venture towards the Arca system and am still firmly attached to my RC2 system for which I have loads of plates. Not only is each plate torqued firmly into the camera/lens, but I have applied light duty threadlocker to each one so the chances of accident are reduced further.

 

[jerry12953]

Hi, back again. The "leaving the QR plate on the camera at all times" is a sound idea, except I have three cameras and just the one tripod, so I'd have to keep unscrewing the plate of the camera into the other one, etc.

Or get three lots of tripods.

Now I have the two (the original one with the QR clip) and the "classic version" I've just recently bought, it should be less of an issue for me. :-D

I actually quite like that magicball concept, though - looks like a "best of both worlds" thing. Bet it does come with a hefty price tag.

Ah, the OP!

If I understand your post correctly and you really don't like messing around with QR plates the Magicball would be ideal. I wouldn't entirely trust the mini- version, so why not have a look at the medium one. Available from Speed Graphic. It does have weaknesses but it is very much more versatile than a normal b&s head.

 

[markmullen]

I'm yet to venture towards the Arca system and am still firmly attached to my RC2 system for which I have loads of plates. Not only is each plate torqued firmly into the camera/lens, but I have applied light duty threadlocker to each one so the chances of accident are reduced further.

That's one of the benefits of the AS system, you can get custom plates which fit much better than a generic plate, I check the L bracket on my 5D3 from time to time and since I fitted it a year ago it hasn't shifted even a millimetre and is still tight on the body.

 

[mjb123]

Hence why I was pleased when I have got hold of a tripod that doesn't HAVE that feature (instead, the grip is attached to the base)!

I don't like this quick release feature that seem to be the norm with tripods these days as 1) You either have to really tighten the base to the camera otherwise the camera wriggles loose from it - but end up doing it too tight that it becomes stuck fast 2) How I need a blunt edge object (2p, etc) to insert in the notch to tighten it up in the first place, something I never seem to have on me when I am out and about with the camera. 3) I have lost the base itself once and am afraid the same will happen again and 4) It becomes very fiddly to see where the base slots in when I'm taking photos in the dark.

Personally, the "quick release" feature is a bit like the philips screwhead, why was it invented when the traditional flathead screw does the job very nicely (and less risk of "shearing")?

Now I like my "new" tripod which houses the traditional screw built in the base, it even has a decent handle grip to tighten up by hand.

But would like to hear your thoughts, though. Maybe it's all in the brand (I use a fairly cheapish Velbon).

I can't believe you think slotted screws are better than Phillips have you ever tried hanging a door with slotted screws!!
Or have I missed the point!!
That's like saying I can't believe they replaced cassettes with cd's!!!

 

[Nod]

Like Tim (tdodd) I have all my mountable kit fitted with the Manfrotto RC2 plates and all my main supports have the suitable QR platform. Currently toying with the idea of the TrekTech magnetic system for the travle kit but am finding that the magnet on the star connector is too powerful and I had to prise the parts apart with a selection of precision screwdrivers rather tha risk pulling the bottom off a camera! I'll probably stick with the lightweight Giottos heads and plates I've got.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

Hi, back again. The "leaving the QR plate on the camera at all times" is a sound idea, except I have three cameras and just the one tripod, so I'd have to keep unscrewing the plate of the camera into the other one, etc.

Or get three lots of tripods.

Now I have the two (the original one with the QR clip) and the "classic version" I've just recently bought, it should be less of an issue for me. :-D

I actually quite like that magicball concept, though - looks like a "best of both worlds" thing. Bet it does come with a hefty price tag.

Just get more plates. I must have at least 7.

 

[redddraggon]

I've never had any issue with QR plates, If I go out landscape shooting I just leave the plate attached. I'm largely happy with the RC2 system, but will be going Arca Swiss soon for a decent L-bracket set up.

 

[HoppyUK]

Yes, a plate for everything. Some of the Arca-Swiss custom plates are expensive and not always necessary, these are the cheapest basic plates I've found - £7 from RedSnapper http://www.redsnapperuk.com/camera-accessories/RSH-12_Ball_Head_QR_Plate.html Put RED10 in the coupon box and get 10% discount for being a TP member