Manfrotto 322RC2: quick release loose?

Just wondering if anyone else has had a problem with their 322RC2 quick release adaptor becoming loose over time. If I bump the camera, the thumb latch will loosen just slightly, enough to cause the camera not to be in the same shooting position.

The lever on any Manfrotto RC2 quick release system must be manually tightened a bit after inserting the QR plate into the receiver. Simply relying on the lever's spring tension is not adequate.

I've use the RC2 system in a variety of Manfrotto heads for quite a few years and never once had one loosen up while using it.

SkipD wrote in post #12731760
The lever on any Manfrotto RC2 quick release system must be manually tightened a bit after inserting the QR plate into the receiver. Simply relying on the lever's spring tension is not adequate.

I've use the RC2 system in a variety of Manfrotto heads for quite a few years and never once had one loosen up while using it.

It's never come off on me, but it means the camera has a slight bit of slack in it, bumping the camera will cause it to move sideways just slightly.

tangcla wrote in post #12731762
It's never come off on me, but it means the camera has a slight bit of slack in it, bumping the camera will cause it to move sideways just slightly.

I have never once had that happen to me. Try tightening the lever by pushing it after it's seated.

Also, you must make sure that your QR plate(s) fit the head properly. Due to apparent manufacturing tolerances and slightly different design of the RC2 system components over time, one or two of my QR plates (I have several) have required a little filing to allow them to properly fit all of my heads.

I push it in to lock it, but bumping the camera will loosen it just that little bit.

tangcla wrote in post #12731785
I push it in to lock it, but bumping the camera will loosen it just that little bit.

Have you tried a different QR plate? It sounds to me like there's possibly something wrong with the fit of either the QR plate or the mating surfaces of the lever (or both).

I can bang on my camera all day long and it won't come loose until I deliberately pull the lever back away from the QR plate.

Let me try to find another QR plate.

I didn't notice that, I've got one here but only used it for a week. My hands hurt and I found using it to be difficult

I've had mine for about 5 years. Maybe that has something to do with it?

Hmm...could be. Is there anything loose on it that you can tighten up? I have arthritis pretty bad in my hands from lots of bicycle miles and couldn't use it, just to hard to operate.

I tried to tighten the screw that holds the thumb screw on, it doesn't seem to budge.

I like Manfrottos equip generally, especially from a value/money point of view, but TBH I think the RC2 QR system is poor. They should've just made a mini-version of the RC4 system. And even then it has the problem of only being able to be mounted in a single orientation and position and no loops for straps on the plate. Not to mention that different Manfrotto heads often take different plates, so you might like RC2 but want one of their geared heads which comes with RC4. Plain stupid.

If you're not heavily invested in their QR system it's worth looking at alternatives IMO. Arca-swiss compatible systems being an obvious choice - though being in Aus you'll find there aren't many suppliers here, so you'll end up buying it all online basically.