Manfrotto Ball Head 488RC2 - Slipping

I started using the Manfrotto 488RC@ Ball Head only recently and find it is not holding the position I put it in - it continually slips.

Today I used it with the Canon 100mm Maco Lens and after repeated unsuccessful attempts to keep the position with the head, I ended up moving the tripod around to get the position I wanted which was totally frustrating. Having the ball head seems totally pointless if it can't hold the position.

I'm tightening it into position as tightly as I can, the pan lever is in the locked position. I tried compensating for the expected slippage but it appears to be inconsistent so that didn't help.

This is a popular head I think - are others experiencing this and how do you handle this to get the shot you want? Grrrrrrrrr

plbb wrote in post #2447805
I started using the Manfrotto 488RC@ Ball Head only recently and find it is not holding the position I put it in - it continually slips.

Today I used it with the Canon 100mm Maco Lens and after repeated unsuccessful attempts to keep the position with the head, I ended up moving the tripod around to get the position I wanted which was totally frustrating. Having the ball head seems totally pointless if it can't hold the position.

I'm tightening it into position as tightly as I can, the pan lever is in the locked position. I tried compensating for the expected slippage but it appears to be inconsistent so that didn't help.

This is a popular head I think - are others experiencing this and how do you handle this to get the shot you want? Grrrrrrrrr

Mine does not slip.

I would suggest loosening the ball as much as you can and wipe it clean over all the surface of the ball that you can get to.

If cleaning it does not work, make sure you are tightening it enough. You shouldn't have to crank down on the knob very hard, but it is possible that you are not tightening it enough.

If these things don't work, I would suggest contacting Bogen or Manfrotto (depending on where you live) and get their advise.

Thank you Skip, I will try wiping it. It is also helpful to know that yours does not slip.

I use mine with a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 on my 20D with battery grip and it certainly doesn't slip either.

ive never had it slip either. Id try cleaning the ball like Skip says.

no problems to report here!

Sounds like he might just have a defective one or something was not machined correctly.

The slipping problem is resolved - thanks Skip!

I wiped off a considerable amount of something black - lubricant? It's holding strongly now.

I also discovered a bit of wobble in the in the stem of the head attachment plate, where it connects to the center column. I hadn't attached it properly obviously so I took that apart and redid it. Everything is solid and as it should be this time. This likely contributed to the slipping as well.

Thanks again Skip and everyone who shared their experience. It helped to spur me on to look for other causes knowing that there shouldn't be a slippage problem.

I like happy endings!

Ephemeral wrote in post #2453699
I like happy endings!

Me too. Glad to hear that the problems are resolved.