RRS L-plate 1dmk3/4 on Markins Q10

Can I use RRS L 1D Mark III/1D Mark IV/1Ds Mark III on a Markins Q10?

I think it can but I want to make sure.

Yes. If you have the screw clamp, it will work on any Arca compatible plate. If you have the Markins lever clamp, it's adjustable. RRS is Arca compatible, BTW, and will work with any Arca style clamp.

The RRS lever clamps are not adjustable and do not work with all of the plates from other manufacturers.

Gordon, thanks for the info. I am thinking to get the q10 lever clamp release.

The Q10 is a great medium size ballhead and will work fine with your RRS plates. However Markins does suggest that even though their lever clamp is adjustable it's better to use just one plate manufacturer so you don't need to adjust the clamp all the time.

I'm living proof that Markins plates do not fit the RRS lever clamp. It needed the addition of a layer of sticky sailcloth under the plate before it would hold. Looks bad, but it does now work. But it shows how tiny manufacturing tolerances on a standard Arca-Swiss design affect things so I agree, use the same plate as the clamp manufacturer and vis versa.

Lowner wrote in post #14715146
I'm living proof that Markins plates do not fit the RRS lever clamp.

They actually say this on the RRS web site now I believe.

We should reiterate though that RRS plates work just fine in Markins clamps be they lever or screw knob.

Peter,

I assume thats why the screw clamp is more universal, its more adjustable. The RRS lever clamp is superb, but very fussy, requiring only RRS plates.

I am not trying to put people off RRS, it is extremely well made kit.

Lowner wrote in post #14715146
I'm living proof that Markins plates do not fit the RRS lever clamp. It needed the addition of a layer of sticky sailcloth under the plate before it would hold. Looks bad, but it does now work. But it shows how tiny manufacturing tolerances on a standard Arca-Swiss design affect things so I agree, use the same plate as the clamp manufacturer and vis versa.

It's been a while since I've had both plates, and I really wish I had taken pictures to illustrate my point. Your Markins plate isn't just a difference in manufacturing tolerances. I compared a RRS, Wimberley, Acratech and Markins plate. The Markins was actually designed differently. IIRC, the angle of the dovetail was shallower and sharper, whereas the profile of the others matched perfectly.

This was a while back, so I don't know if Markins has changed their design. Their pictures on the website aren't big enough for me to see any detail.

Gordon,

Thanks for tht. I've never ever thought to compare them. Once I'd overcome the Markins plate issue with the sailcloth I promptly forgot about the whole thing.

Lowner wrote in post #14722564
Peter, I assume thats why the screw clamp is more universal, its more adjustable. The RRS lever clamp is superb, but very fussy, requiring only RRS plates.

What RRS say on their site is that RRS and Wimberley plates fit perfectly, with the inference that all others don't. In practice users of Kirk and other plates report that their plates work well in a RRS clamp, but I suppose if you have a no-name plate from eBay it's a risk.

klr.b wrote in post #14722734
It's been a while since I've had both plates, and I really wish I had taken pictures to illustrate my point. Your Markins plate isn't just a difference in manufacturing tolerances. I compared a RRS, Wimberley, Acratech and Markins plate. The Markins was actually designed differently. IIRC, the angle of the dovetail was shallower and sharper, whereas the profile of the others matched perfectly.

You can see it with the Markins clamps and other manufacturers' plates, the dovetail angles are very slightly different. It doesn't seem to be a problem though and I use many different plates - Benro, ProMediaGear, RRS, Sunwayfoto, Wimberley etc. and they all work reliably in the Markins clamps. I've carried a heavy camera/lens combo on my shoulder too and the clamp/plates are very secure.