Markins Ballhead Help Please

[MizzGrizz]

I just got my first ballhead and it's the Markins M10. While I think I'm really going to like it I'm very frustrated at this point because I am having a dickens of a time figuring out the friction control part of the adjustment. According to the (very limited) instructions that came with the head and several other posts I've read here there should be two different dials to use to control this but for the life of me I just can't figure this out. I know it's operator error and I'm hoping someone can help me see what it is that I'm missing. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

[ed rader]

I just got my first ballhead and it's the Markins M10. While I think I'm really going to like it I'm very frustrated at this point because I am having a dickens of a time figuring out the friction control part of the adjustment. According to the (very limited) instructions that came with the head and several other posts I've read here there should be two different dials to use to control this but for the life of me I just can't figure this out. I know it's operator error and I'm hoping someone can help me see what it is that I'm missing. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.


it's that black dial flush on the face of the main tension knob.

http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/M10.php

ed rader

[MizzGrizz]

it's that black dial flush on the face of the main tension knob.

http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/M10.php

ed rader


OMG.........:oops: I knew it would be something simple. Thank you, Ed! I have tried to move every part of that dial except for that tiny little wheel. Just tried it and it works perfectly, of course. Thanks again!!

[ben_r_]

Dont feel bad, I didnt know it was there either at first.

[Cyclop]

Yes, that small dial will do the trick.

[tvphotog]

I had to go on the web to the Nikonian website where they review this head to get its function clearly in my mind. I think we all agree that the only thing not high end about these heads are the instructions.

[NYPhotog]

I think we all agree that the only thing not high end about these heads are the instructions.

The panning base lock on all Markins heads really suck - big time. I guess that's one thing that's not high-end about those heads.

[MR do little]

The panning base lock on all Markins heads really suck - big time. I guess that's one thing that's not high-end about those heads.

Nope it doesnt, but sure if your planning on doing panorama work with a 400m lens on your camera while you carry it over shoulder then the locking might not be optimal.:rolleyes:

[NYPhotog]

Nope it doesnt, but sure if your planning on doing panorama work with a 400m lens on your camera while you carry it over shoulder then the locking might not be optimal.:rolleyes:

The lock is not "optimal" when carrying one's rig over the shoulder with ANY lens.

[MR do little]

The lock is not "optimal" when carrying one's rig over the shoulder with ANY lens.

No problem with lenses that weighs around 1kg. You taking alot of photos with the camera mounted on the tripod over your shoulder ?

[tvphotog]

The panning base lock on all Markins heads really suck - big time. I guess that's one thing that's not high-end about those heads.

Never had a problem with it.

[Cyclop]

The Markins M10 and M20 are quality made ballheads. No manufacturer brand has a "fool-proof" friction head if you so desire to carry your camera with lens attached on a tripod.
However, Kirk Enterprises makes a Snap Collar for the Markins M10 ballhead and other brands that prevents the ballhead from inadvertently moving to the side potentially damaging respective equipment.

[NYPhotog]

Never had a problem with it.

Perhaps YOU haven't, but this is a known "feature" of Markins heads.

[NYPhotog]

The Markins M10 and M20 are quality made ballheads. No manufacturer brand has a "fool-proof" friction head if you so desire to carry your camera with lens attached on a tripod.


Really? I have have carried my rig over the shoulder using A-S B1 and Z1 and RSS BH-55 and never had an issue with weak panning locks.

[MR do little]

Perhaps YOU haven't, but this is a known "feature" of Markins heads.

Well ill take a potential lose panning base with heavier lenses rather then B1 known " feature" to lock up during field use, or
Z1 "known" stem debacle of last summer.

[Lowner]

"I think we all agree that the only thing not high end about these heads are the instructions".

Thats odd, because with mine I got a glossy coloured brochure style instruction "pack". Too elaborate to be called a leaflet. I also got a small ordinary paper leaflet which I imagine is all the rest of you got?

I'd agree that the panning lock is feeble. It's the one area of the M10 that needs attention

[tvphotog]

Perhaps YOU haven't, but this is a known "feature" of Markins heads.

I guess I got the good one, then. Perhaps not so much an issue with the Q3t.

[Cyclop]

NYPhotog, FYI... Kirk Enterprises also makes the Snap Collar for the Arca Swiss B1 and Z model ballheads. Not sure regarding the Really Right Stuff (RRS) BH-55.