Markins Q3 question

[amoergosum]

So I've done a lot of research regarding different ballheads for my Velbon Sherpa Pro 630 and I've decided to go for the Markins Q3.
In the photoproshop.com description it says:
"The Q3 comes with the new Markins QR-48 Quick Release shoe"

https://www.photoproshop.com/usa/images/q3_shop.jpg


I'm a little confused now what else I need to order. What kind of plate would you recommend for the Q3?
best,
Ben

[argyle]

It looks like an Arca-Swiss compatible clamp. However, Really Right Stuff (RRS) does not recommend using their clamps with L-brackets and camera plates manufactured by others due to compatibility issues with how the dovetail mates. TBH, I've been using Kirk L-brackets with my RRS lever clamps and haven't had any problems. Not sure about Markins compatibility, though. You may want to contact Markins to be sure. Either way, you'll either need a camera plate or an L-bracket (I'd go with the L-bracket).

[dcdead]

Makrins clamps are compatible to RRS plates, at least they write this on their page. If you're going to order at photoproshop, you can order your plate there. Unless you want an L-Bracket, the normal plates they are selling there are pretty good

[argyle]

There's a thread on FM about this very subject. Apparently, if you call Markins, you'd be able to order the ballhead without the Markins screw clamp. You can then order a lever clamp (if that's the style you prefer) from RRS and never have any doubts as to compatibility with L-brackets and other hardware. Here's the link to the thread on FM:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/597429

[René Damkot]

However, Really Right Stuff (RRS) does not recommend using their clamps with L-brackets and camera plates manufactured by others due to compatibility issues with how the dovetail mates.

That's only for "lever type" QR clamps.
I have a Markins Q10, and the "screw" QR plate works perfect with my RRS L bracket.

[jhom]

The Q3 comes with a quickshoe that will accept body and lens plates from several companies. The body and lens plates you buy depends on what gear you have. A very convenient body plate is the L bracket available from RRS and Kirk. Here is a link that explains the L bracket, http://reallyrightstuff.com/video/L-Plate.html. I have RRS plates on my gear. To reduce any hint of incompatibility, I switched the standard quickshoe that came with the Q3 with a lever clamp from RRS. However, the standard Markins quickshoe is compatible with RRS plates.

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/5561/q3tb202530rrski1.jpg

[amoergosum]

Apparently, if you call Markins, you'd be able to order the ballhead without the Markins screw clamp. You can then order a lever clamp (if that's the style you prefer) from RRS and never have any doubts as to compatibility with L-brackets and other hardware. Here's the link to the thread on FM:


So if you order the Q3 without a screw clamp, how easy is it to attach
the RRS lever clamp?

[amoergosum]

I have RRS plates on my gear. To reduce any hint of incompatibility, I switched the standard quickshoe that came with the Q3 with a lever clamp from RRS. However, the standard Markins quickshoe is compatible with RRS plates.



How easy was it to switch the standard quickshoe?

[argyle]

So if you order the Q3 without a screw clamp, how easy is it to attach
the RRS lever clamp?

You'd just need to match up the threaded hold on top of the ball to the proper sized stud, then attach the lever clamp with a little bit of Loctite blue thread locker. I'm not overly familiar with Markins (although that Q3 looks like a work of art), but the folks at RRS would be able to tell you just exactly what you'd need. Their website used to have a compatibility guide for choosing clamps...since they redesigned the site, I wasn't able to find it. You're best bet would be to call them.

Then again, if a screw clamp is okay for you, then forget all the above ;)

[jhom]

So if you order the Q3 without a screw clamp, how easy is it to attach
the RRS lever clamp?

Simple, if you order a Markins "without loctite." You will get the ballhead, stud, and quickshoe. The stud and quickshoe are hand tighten on when you receive it. Then, all you need is a RRS B2 LR II lever clamp. Screw it on and use a little nonpermanent loctite. You will then have a dynamite setup.

[patrick835]

hey, i just got a gitzo explorer, and couldn't tighten the Q3 (screw in) to the tripod yet. i did it by hand - holding the panning base and spin it in, don't know if there is any tool i need to use?
every time i tilt the column to take some macro shots with my 180mm, the weight start rotating the ballhead off the tripod. I guess if i lock the panning base hardly and hold and spin the whole ballhead, i can make it tighter, but i'm afraid that something may happen inside the ballhead if i do so

any advice for newbie ? :D

[jhom]

hey, i just got a gitzo explorer, and couldn't tighten the Q3 (screw in) to the tripod yet. i did it by hand - holding the panning base and spin it in, don't know if there is any tool i need to use?
every time i tilt the column to take some macro shots with my 180mm, the weight start rotating the ballhead off the tripod. I guess if i lock the panning base hardly and hold and spin the whole ballhead, i can make it tighter, but i'm afraid that something may happen inside the ballhead if i do so

any advice for newbie ? :D

I would first try tightening the pan lock as handtight as possible. Spin on the ballhead onto the gitzo base as tight as possible. See if the setup is tight enough for you. If not, the next step is a strap wrench. Usually the strap wrench is all you need.

[René Damkot]

Strap wrench: Click (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=465662)

[patrick835]

so if i lock the locking knob of the panning base all the way until it get to the hardest, will it effect/damage anything inside?

thanks you guys

[jhom]

so if i lock the locking knob of the panning base all the way until it get to the hardest, will it effect/damage anything inside?

thanks you guys

If you hand tighten the pan lock, no damage except for the skin burn you gripping holding the knob.