Concern regarding Arca-Swiss clamps.

This might sound silly to some, but yesterday my camera came loose, and slid off the clamp. Camera was fine, but my heart missed several beats

Had anyone had similar problems before?

I only ask because I now have the fear that next time im out shooting seascapes that i might lose my camera and lens to the sea.

What clamp do you use, and how did it get loose?

You can get a plate that has safety stops, but that won't help if the clamp opens completely.

MattD wrote in post #16914349
I only ask because I now have the fear that next time im out shooting seascapes that i might lose my camera and lens to the sea.

Add a strap betrween the camera and the tripod to catch it if the worse should happen.

What clamp and plate are you using?

peter_n wrote in post #16914465
What clamp and plate are you using?

Sirrith wrote in post #16914427
What clamp do you use, and how did it get loose?

You can get a plate that has safety stops, but that won't help if the clamp opens completely.

Not sure what plate it is at the moment (its at home, Im at work). Its definitely my fault and not the plates though. I simply didn't tighten it enough.

Which leads me too....

hollis_f wrote in post #16914431
Add a strap betrween the camera and the tripod to catch it if the worse should happen.

Sound idea. Going to do that. cheers!

MattD wrote in post #16914470
Not sure what plate it is at the moment (its at home, Im at work). Its definitely my fault and not the plates though. I simply didn't tighten it enough.

A less fiddly alternative is to switch to a lever clamp. It is very obvious when your clamp is locked or not with those, and you won't have to mess with a tether every time you take your camera on/off the tripod (which for me is very often).

What were you doing with the camera that it could slide off the plate? I'd imagine a tripod situation was very static and when not in use the camera would be the first thing to be removed?

I use a monopod regularly and theres possibly more chance of an accident. As already suggested, I use a lever lock and have never had any issues.

Lowner wrote in post #16914678
What were you doing with the camera that it could slide off the plate? I'd imagine a tripod situation was very static and when not in use the camera would be the first thing to be removed?.

Just not tightening it enough - it slid sideways out of the clamp while I was walking with it on the tripod. Its my own fault, my concern is not doing it again

A lever lock, or a strap (or both) are the way togo I think

I only use screw clamps, but being a paranoid type I make sure the lens plate or camera plate has those little slide stop screws in place.

I had my camera fall off the ballhead once. I was using a lever clamp, and didn't notice that it wasn't fully engaged. Expensive (but effective) lesson!

I prefer screw clamps myself.

I've now used both screw and lever clamps, and in both cases I keep hold of the camera until I verify the connection. And it is a good thing because there was a time or two I did not seat the camera properly. Paranoia... yeah. But I have not had an accident yet. Knock on wood.

MattD wrote in post #16914470
Not sure what plate it is at the moment (its at home, Im at work). Its definitely my fault and not the plates though. I simply didn't tighten it enough.
Which leads me too....

Sound idea. Going to do that. cheers!

which is the reason I use a RRS flip lever, self-adjusting, QR. my wife is on me about not tightening lids and caps on jars and bottles, and I almost lost my camera once too. the flip lever only requires one quick motion to tighten.

The problem would appear not to be the clamp but the QR plate. Under the Arca (compatible) banner there are a variety of safety devices designed to stop this happening. Unfortunately they are not all compatible! Some use 3mm Allen bolts, to act as stops, and others use various spring loaded studs that engage in THEIR Qr plates.
Which make/model of head/clamp do you use?

Making sure the clamps & plates are tight is great advise. That's why I also prefer acratech's locking lever clamps, less chance of just catching the lever on something & loosing your gear.