New Markins Ballheads with lever clamps

[jhom]

It appears that Markins are now producing ballheads with a lever clamp. The lever clamp has some interesting new features.

Q3:
http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/Q3E.php?req=Q3ELK#Highlights

M10:
http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/M10.php?req=M10LK

M20:
http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/M20.php?req=M20LK

[bohdank]

Ya, just after I bought and installed a RRS clamp ;-)

It was inevitable that Markins would come out with a lever clamp. They must have noticed how much business they were losing to RRS (clamps and plates)

[Jon]

I think the throw lever on the RRS clamp looks "safer"; the way Markins are showing the clamped/unclamped positions of the lever, it'll be easier to open accidentally than the RRS. If you're going to flip the lever to work the other way, you'll gain back a measure of security, but I think they tossed in the "either handed" feature without thinking it through.

[Lowner]

I like the adjustable screw and the reversable lever.

Does not have that indefinable RRS "quality" but being Markins will be a workmanlike product built to last, with the added bonus that we know it will work with Markins plates.

[sabesh]

It appears that Markins are now producing ballheads with a lever clamp. The lever clamp has some interesting new features
Very cool. I'm hoping that they will sell the clamps separately.

[SL888]

Did they always have the L plates? Hmmm none for my 7D
Just noticed that the spirit level is within the clamping channel....odd place to have it

[ben_r_]

Well good for them. Ill still stick with my RRS one though. I like tried and true. Give Markins time to prove themselves in the lever clamp arena.

[Mike K]

I like that they have the index marks on the top of the clamp, I really find that useful for (counter) shift panos with a TSE lens. The R/L lever flip is neat and my be useful when with some lens plats the camera body can get too close to the clamp. Will the screw adjusting the tension loosen through many cycles of open/closeing? One of us will eventually find out! I guess the spirit level is designed to level the clamp before putting the camera in it. Then you adjust the composition and can no longer see the level?
One feature I don't like is that the lever cam seems pretty circular, there does't seem to be any intermediate, half open position as with RRS. In the half open position on RRS, the camera or lens plate can slide in the clamp and adjust its position, while it is still securely held from sliding out (presumably the lens plates have stops). This adjustment feature is useful for the shift panos as mentioned above.
Mike K

[tomevision]

I might consider this Markins lever because I have a Markins plate. If I were to get a RRS lever I would also have to get a Wimberley plate!

[hfoto]

wow nice! did anyone else notice the L plates also?

[ed rader]

about time. i guess markins got the memo that everyone was swapping out their QRs for the competition's flip levers :D.

ed rader

[sabesh]

wow nice! did anyone else notice the L plates also?
Thx! Just looked it up:

http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/LC520.php

Might get one.

Cheers,

Sabesh.

[tvphotog]

Good for them. About time. However, let's wait for the time will tells.

[squaresnappr]

I like the feature of the plate being Left right convertible. I grip the camera in my right hand and close the lever with my left thumb. This is probably just me but it feels uncomfortable closing the lever to the right, I think I would prefer closing the lever to the left.

IMO, manfrotto has the best lever system, too bad my 486RC2 droops.

I see the laser markings on the clamp and I presume the markins L plate has laser markings like the RRS one does.

[RandyS]

It looks like they only sell the Q3 with a lever clamp. While I'm sure others love them, I have a mix of plates on my bodies/lenses. While it doesn't make the Markin's ball unusable for me, it does drive the cost up in having to standardize on one plate mfgr. or another.

The price increase may take them off of some folks short list. I wonder why they don't list the screw clamp any longer. Or am I just not finding it?

[jhom]

It looks like they only sell the Q3 with a lever clamp. While I'm sure others love them, I have a mix of plates on my bodies/lenses. While it doesn't make the Markin's ball unusable for me, it does drive the cost up in having to standardize on one plate mfgr. or another.

The price increase may take them off of some folks short list. I wonder why they don't list the screw clamp any longer. Or am I just not finding it?

They still offer the screw clamp in addition to the lever clamp versions. http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/category.php?req=1

[tomevision]

If you only want the lever release, then just so you know I emailed Markins and they emailed back letting me know the lever release will be available around Mid March...

[RandyS]

They still offer the screw clamp in addition to the lever clamp versions. http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/category.php?req=1
Excellent - didn't find that linked to their main ball head menu.

Thanks.

[jdizzle]

Nice! It looks pretty good. I may have to try this one out.

[Rigby470]

I'm assuming that since Markins now has their own lever-lock plate they will no longer install the RRS plate for free?

[bohdank]

Seems like a reasonable assumption.

[t.o.n.g.]

perfect, i was planning on getting the RRS version, with the q3, but this will be a better package for me. I didn't like how big the RRS version was.

[jhom]

As stated on the Markins website, once you commit to level clamp you should stay with one brand for all your plates. This would be applicable whether you go with Markins or RRS. The possible advantage of the Markins lever clamp is the adjustment screw providing it does not loosen with use.

[profec291]

I'm glad I've been holding out on switching to a RRS clamp on my M10.

[bohdank]

Arca Swiss is less of a standard then some people make it out to be.

[jhom]

Arca Swiss is less of a standard then some people make it out to be.

Tolerances become an issue with lever clamps. Otherwise, the standard screw clamp does well with AS plates from many established companies.

[bohdank]

One reason why the screw clamp exists, poor tolerances. Let's face it, we're not talking tolerances so fine as to increase cost of manufacturer or to cause such problems in lever clamps.

Sounds more like manufacturers have purposely been loose with their tolerances. If it was so hard or expensive then no two Markins/Kirk/RRS plate would be the same.

I do give credit to Markins for addressing that, partially, in their new clamp.

[jdizzle]

I would love to try this lever clamp out. I never got the chance to replace my screw clamp to the RRS QRL. Once they release it, I'll go be the guinea pig. :) Any body else wanna join me? :)

[Lowner]

A major advantage for us here in Europe is that Markins have a European outlet. That gets around the nightmare of trying to import RRS kit. Why RRS have not signed a deal with a European retailer I will never understand, because they have been approached.

[JohnJ80]

About time someone else comes out with a lever clamp. Maybe this will help drive down RRS prices with some competition. I love the RRS lever clamps and I love the Markins ballheads. I'd bet this clamp is pretty decent like all the rest of the Markins stuff.

I've gotta tell you though, the knob clamp that comes on the Q3 is the cutest little thing. I like it much better than the RRS big long knob on their full size screw knob clamp.

J.

[cuongduong]

Good timing! I was planning on getting the RRS level release quickshoe, but I think I will try the Markins

[smashing.poot]

damn, this comes a week after I buy them with the original screw mount :( Sucks!

[jhom]

damn, this comes a week after I buy them with the original screw mount :( Sucks!

Return it for an exchange.

[klr.b]

last summer, a member posted about a lever clamp from benro. surprisingly, not one reply...
new products from benro! (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=725664)

[deltron726]

I'm assuming that since Markins now has their own lever-lock plate they will no longer install the RRS plate for free?

I just sent in my RRS lever release today after speaking to Markins on the phone. They are going to swap it out for free, only cost of shipping to and from. (Which wasn't that cheap from FL ground by UPS). I didn't even notice these new clamps until I went to the site to see how much I originally paid for shipping.

[perwa]

The Markins lever action ballhead and plate for my 40D arrived yesterday, and I'm impressed so far. The convertible lever action makes it easy to experiment with various schemes for position, and the screwdriver adjustment for various sizes of plates is easy to change.

The Markins plate has the slot for handstrap, so I put the old Canon strap on without any trouble, added the little Op/Tech lug adapters to it and to the left camera lug (hot water works fine). With an Op/Tech #1 swivel clip adapter set the neck strap goes off and on easily, so it looks like I'm good to go. I did have to shorten the two swivel straps, since the camera ended up somewhat south of my navel at first.

As you can see, the ballhead nests quite nicely into the Gitzo 1541T. Together they are just what this old body needs.

[jdizzle]

The Markins lever action ballhead and plate for my 40D arrived yesterday, and I'm impressed so far. The convertible lever action makes it easy to experiment with various schemes for position, and the screwdriver adjustment for various sizes of plates is easy to change.

The Markins plate has the slot for handstrap, so I put the old Canon strap on without any trouble, added the little Op/Tech lug adapters to it and to the left camera lug (hot water works fine). With an Op/Tech #1 swivel clip adapter set the neck strap goes off and on easily, so it looks like I'm good to go. I did have to shorten the two swivel straps, since the camera ended up somewhat south of my navel at first.

As you can see, the ballhead nests quite nicely into the Gitzo 1541T. Together they are just what this old body needs.

It would be nice to see the camera mounted on the ballhead to see the clearance between the camera and the plate. :)

[perwa]

Julian:
I'll assume you mean "between the camera and the tips of the Gitzo." The picture pretends to show this (my wife's P&S. It is much too complicated for me, so I just fired it off hoping for the best). I have never carried the camera and tripod slung over the shoulder in this position, so maybe I'll try it hoping nothing breaks.

If that is not what you meant then the clearance between the plate and the camera is as close to zero as I can get it by applying undue force to the screw on the plate. Probably within molecular range, I guess. :)

[jdizzle]

Thank for posting that! You did good.:) I bought a M20 back in January and I wanted to replace it with the the RRS lever. Once I get back from my trip to St. Lucia, I'm going to have it sent out to replace it with this lever. The clearance looks good and the LR is tucked in nicely. Very nice! :)

[grewbek]

Julian:
I'll assume you mean "between the camera and the tips of the Gitzo." The picture pretends to show this (my wife's P&S. It is much too complicated for me, so I just fired it off hoping for the best). I have never carried the camera and tripod slung over the shoulder in this position, so maybe I'll try it hoping nothing breaks.

If that is not what you meant then the clearance between the plate and the camera is as close to zero as I can get it by applying undue force to the screw on the plate. Probably within molecular range, I guess. :)

I kinda like the screw clamp. Just feel like I have to make a deliberate effort to release the camera. Looks like the lever clamp could easily get bumped but maybe that's fear-mongering for nothing?

Not to hijack the thread, but Perwa, is that a Camdapter strap? How do you like it? I'd like to get away from my neck strap and go to the handstrap on my 40D and have been looking at the Camdapter.

[Tsmith]

I kinda like the screw clamp. Just feel like I have to make a deliberate effort to release the camera.

Your certainly not alone. I too prefer the screw type clamp.

[Jon]

Your certainly not alone. I too prefer the screw type clamp.
Most of the time, yes I just changed the QR plate on my RRS Monopod head to a lever release - having the two screw knobs one right over the other I was too likely to unscrew the wrong one, and reversing the head so I wouldn't undo the wrong screw made the whole assembly bulkier than I liked.

[perwa]

Grewbek: No, that is a regular Canon handstrap left over from my XT+battery grip days. As I discovered through another thread, this thing has a lug slot built into it on top, so a neck strap can be attached. Easy to overlook. By using the little plastic OpTech lug adapters and swivel snap connectors I can have the option of using the neckstrap or not. Different setups for different applications, and the switchover is a matter of seconds.

The only disadvantage, though slight, is that the lower attachment point for the strap is not at the corner but a ways towards the center of the camera base. But, for the few times I have used it so far that has not been a real issue.

As far as the lever release is concerned, my instinct is that it would take a very unique set of circumstances to accidentally release it, since it does not stick out very far. Also, the force needed to release it can be adjusted easily enough by means of the screw adjustment for the plate. I'm thinking this is unlikely to be a problem.

[jdizzle]

I kinda like the screw clamp. Just feel like I have to make a deliberate effort to release the camera. Looks like the lever clamp could easily get bumped but maybe that's fear-mongering for nothing?

Not to hijack the thread, but Perwa, is that a Camdapter strap? How do you like it? I'd like to get away from my neck strap and go to the handstrap on my 40D and have been looking at the Camdapter.
When I had my RRS QRL on my BH-55, I never ran into any issues with the lever getting accidetally bumped. I prefer the QRL for convenience over the screw clamp. Just my opinon. :)

[bohdank]

Using a screw clamp I would be in the habit of always doing a quick check (tighten it). With the RRS lever, it takes some pressure to shut and open it. I never feel the urge to check it. The lever shape seems to be have been well thought out, imo, to prevent accidental opening.

[jdizzle]

Using a screw clamp I would be in the habit of always doing a quick check (tighten it). With the RRS lever, it takes some pressure to shut and open it. I never feel the urge to check it. The lever shape seems to be have been well thought out, imo, to prevent accidental opening.
If I was drinking more than a few beers I could definitely blame myself for that happening. ;)

[JohnJ80]

Using a screw clamp I would be in the habit of always doing a quick check (tighten it). With the RRS lever, it takes some pressure to shut and open it. I never feel the urge to check it. The lever shape seems to be have been well thought out, imo, to prevent accidental opening.

Exactly right. I used to use the levers on my tripods and the screws on my monopods. After getting experience with the RRS levers on my tripods, I have since switched even my monopods over to levers - they work great and I'd do it no other way.

I think the QR lever clamps are easier to mount correctly especially in the cold with gloves on. It's pretty easy to get a screw clamp improperly mounted and they are much harder to use with gloves in cold weather.

The only place I use a screw knob is for a mount for my Cotton Carrier inserts. The knob that works great for this was the extra screw knob I have from my Markins Q3T when I replaced the clamp with a lever. It's the perfect knob for this with it's short shaft and compact size and offers more clamp surface than the small RRS clamp that Cotton Carrier shows.

J.

[perwa]

For those who are still considering the pros and cons of the lever clamp and how it fits, here is another view. This is on my backup body. :lol:

[Michael15]

Will the RRS plate fit the new Markins ballheads?? Don't know if its a standard size?

[jhom]

Will the RRS plate fit the new Markins ballheads?? Don't know if its a standard size?

There is no reason that it shouldn't given the adjustment screw. :D

[Maiku]

I was just in the market for a tripod and ballhead, and had decided on the GT1541 and Q3 - looks like this update came at an opportune time!

If there's anyone else who has gotten the new Q3 with lever clamp, please let me know your impressions! Thanks in advance.

[Dave Jr]

Anyone tried the Markins L Bracket in an RRS clamp?

[Dave Jr]

I received an answer from Markins, apparently the Markins L Plate will slide right through an RRS lever clamp.

[jdizzle]

I received an answer from Markins, apparently the Markins L Plate will slide right through an RRS lever clamp.
That's odd. My RRS plate works well on my M20 w/o issues. Just wondering why it's not compatible. I guess the build of the L plate is different?

[Lowner]

I solved that problem by adding a single layer of self-adhesive sail cloth to the underside of the Markins plate.

As the new clamp seems adjustable I don't imagine theres any problem.

[QuitePossibly]

The Markins camera and lens plates are narrower than the RRS plates. Since the RRS lever clamp is designed for their own plates and is not adjustable, the Markins plates cannot be securely fastened to the RRS lever clamp.

The Markins lever clamp is adjustable, so it can fit both the Markins and the RRS plates. However, you need to stick with one brand, as you need a screwdriver the adjust the lever clamp. They do not recommend adjusting it in the field.

[Wilt]

That's odd. My RRS plate works well on my M20 w/o issues. Just wondering why it's not compatible. I guess the build of the L plate is different?

The QR brackets are not all made to a single, carefully controlled dimensional standard. A screw-tightened QR can accomodate plates which are narrower or wider, by virtue of the fact that you screw it down until tight! A lever release has a cam action, and so it will not accomodate plates which are more narrow than a certain minimum dimension...and the Markins plates are more narrow than the RRS lever QR was designed to accomodate.

[Dave Jr]

Yes, that is what they (Markins) are saying. I've noted that Campdapter and Kirk plates fit perfectly in my RRS lever clamp, so it seems that Markins is the oddball in this case. It's too bad because their L plate for the 5d II is a lot lighter than the RRS version.

[Noobic]

Am i suppose to align the silver detent pin on the quickshoe with the hole on the camera plate?

[Lowner]

Noobic,

I have removed the spring loaded pin from my clamps. Actually I've just reversed the pin and reassembled. I found it just got in the way.

[Noobic]

do you notice if you to align with the detend pin, it will fit slant. How do you reverse the pin?

[Lowner]

Noobic,

My Markins QR-60 clamp has a pin opposite the little spirit level. It comprises of a small pin and a spring, both of which are held in place with a small brass hex headed screw seen on the reverse of the clamp. By removing the screw, its easy to remove the spring and pin.

To reassemble so the pin does not project, reverse the pin and fit it so that the shoulder that was nearest the spring goes in first. Now replace the spring and the brass screw. If your clamp is similar, the pin will no longer project but everything is still there if it's ever wanted in the future.

My RRS B2 LR II lever clamp has no pin as standard. RRS seem to agree with me that it's not needed.

[heliar]

I have compared in person both the Markins and Photoclam versions. I think the Markins, while being totally original, is not a mature and indeed safe version.

The Photoclam version is clearly a copy/improvement over the Arca Swiss flip lock system. ( I am not sure if there is any copyright infringement issue here.) (http://photoclam.com/require/zoom.php?idx=91)

The one that impresses me is actually from Kangrinpoche, I like the safty pin lock. (http://www.kangrinpoche.com/morepic.asp?id=206)

[keitaro]

do you care to share why? Just saying with out explaining is pretty pointless. Are you physically comparing all the locks, or just looking at the images?

[JohnJ80]

The A-S QR lever didn't get very good reviews. There was a problem with the adjustment loosening over time. I'd prefer a QR lever that did not have an adjustment for just that reason.

j.

[heliar]

do you care to share why? Just saying with out explaining is pretty pointless. Are you physically comparing all the locks, or just looking at the images?

the Markins is step-less, there is no stop between half open and fully open, unlike the RRS version which does. So if you accidentally open the lever, it can go unchecked all the way to fully open. While this design avoid the problem of over-tightening before settling to its final position (like the RRS version), I still think it is not safe, especially you have a heavy load.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4865671589_c763981f7d.jpg


the markins design looks similiar to the Gitzo QR design.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4866295804_40dcb5de54.jpg

besides, the level arm of the Markins looks a bit sissy...

[Lowner]

heliar,

Is that a Markins lever clamp on the bottom? Because it would appear to have the same flat machined into the lever as the RRS version on top.

[tvphotog]

the Markins is step-less, there is no stop between half open and fully open, unlike the RRS version which does. So if you accidentally open the lever, it can go unchecked all the way to fully open. While this design avoid the problem of over-tightening before settling to its final position (like the RRS version), I still think it is not safe, especially you have a heavy load.


This is the reason that I would stick with the RRS. And the jaws of the RRS are 60mm vs 48mm for the standard Markins lever, though they make a 60mm for heavier gear (as per their description.)

Also, and I don't know how the rest of you feel, but the more stuff you add to a simple piece of gear like the lever release (an adjustment screw and a 180* flip lever,) the more are the chances for problems.

[jdizzle]

Also, and I don't know how the rest of you feel, but the more stuff you add to a simple piece of gear like the lever release (an adjustment screw and a 180* flip lever,) the more are the chances for problems.
So far, I haven't had any issuse with my Markins M10 with QRL. Only time will tell if I run into that problem. You can't make a judgement just by looking at photos of the set up. You have to use it to see if any problems arise. I agree that the RRS is nice and well built but, so far, the Markins QRL is doing a great job.

[tvphotog]

So far, I haven't had any issuse with my Markins M10 with QRL. Only time will tell if I run into that problem. You can't make a judgement just by looking at photos of the set up. You have to use it to see if any problems arise. I agree that the RRS is nice and well built but, so far, the Markins QRL is doing a great job.

Thanks. Perhaps you're right.

Anyone else using the Markins lever QR, and what's your verdict so far? Any issues with the lack of an intermediate setting like the RRS has?

[JohnJ80]

I'm glad RRS is getting some competition on the QR lever plate. That said, I still think the RRS QR lever is the better design.

J.

[keitaro]

I've been using the new lever clamps for the past few months. I have not had no issues. I've even walked around with my tripod slung over shoulder with my camera still mounted. That is how confident I am with their system.

[Wallace River]

[QUOTE=keitaro;10813816.... I have not had no issues. ....[/QUOTE]

Do you really mean you HAVE had no issues? What you said indicates you HAVE had isssues. (double negative...). I think we know what you mean, I'm just saying........:D

[rvdw98]

DWhat you said indicates you HAVE had isssues. (double negative...).

I couldn't possibly fail to disagree with you less. :D

[tvphotog]

I couldn't possibly fail to disagree with you less. :D

:D:D:D