Ball head creep?

I own a Bogen/manfrotto 3021 with a RRS BH-40
When I lock the focusing ball it seems to creep every so slightly, Im just wondering if small amounts of creep is normal?

For example,
When I mount a gripped XTi with a 35L on the ballhead, Loosen it and adjust the ballhead such that the center focusing point is right at a certain point, I hold the camera steady and lock the ballhead in place by turning the knob, when I let go, it shifts down ever so slightly.

Normal?

Yes it is supposedly normal. I don't have the BH40, however many users report a slight but predictable movement with the BH40. I believe it has to do with the clamping mechanism used in the ballhead.

On the other hand, when I mount a similar setup as you described I do not experience any lens creep or droop with my Markins Q3. The Markins uses a different locking mechanism that doesn't exhibit the same problem.

No creep on my RRS BH-55 but I did get noticeable creep when I was using a Manfrotto 488RC2.

jhom wrote in post #5524066
On the other hand, when I mount a similar setup as you described I do not experience any lens creep or droop with my Markins Q3. The Markins uses a different locking mechanism that doesn't exhibit the same problem.

My Q3 is solid too and the very reason I parted ways with my Manfrotto 486CR2. I'd be extremely disappointed in a RSS head that creeped.

I've never heard of any creep on a RRS head! Or a Markins!
Give 'em a call...I'm sure they'll make it "good."

i just got the gadget infinity ballhead
and it moves slightly when i tighten the twoknobs

I find this quite interesting....
I've been "shopping" for a tripod and ballhead for a couple of weeks. I have pretty much nailed the ballhead to the Markins or RRS. Probably RRS at this point.
I have not used either, but I have read so many posts and articles on this (here and elsewhere) and have yet to hear of this being an issue with either. In fact, quite the contrary. That's one of the main reasons I am "upgrading!" I hope I'm doin' the right thing!!
Also, I have spoken and written to both companies and found them both to be quite responsive and proud of their products.

I cant speak for markins, but RRS customer service is very good.

Im not sure if its just mine because I bought the ballhead used. Im going to drop them an email today and see what they say about it.

"I think you will find that you notice this only when performing macro work. All ballheads will demonstrate a small amount of shift when performing the final locking step (this is actually slightly different than the “creep” you mentioned - that’s a different issue). For example, an Arca-Swiss B1 ballhead tends to shift slightly “up” and our ballheads tend to shift slightly “down.” This almost imperceptible shift occurs because of the way the tension is applied to the ball. An AS ballhead has the tensioning applied from the bottom-up, and ours is applied around the perimeter of the ball. If you’re shooting in the range of half to full-life size, then you might want to consider some sort of macro focusing rail. We do sell a few (one geared, two non-geared). It’s pretty difficult to lock down the focus without a macro rail.



Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions."

I have read several posts from people who have stated that the Markins ball heads are free from shift as the ball is locked.

Is there anyone else who reads this thread as "Bald headed creep" like I have since this thread was started?!

mismis wrote in post #5529263
I cant speak for markins, but RRS customer service is very good.

Im not sure if its just mine because I bought the ballhead used. Im going to drop them an email today and see what they say about it.

RRS and Markins are excellent companies to deal with,their products are top-notch, and their customer service is a cut above. I have plenty of RRS gear, but decided to go with a Markins M-10 ballhead on my new Gitzo. Markins has the best weight-to capacity ratio of any ballhead manufacturer (at the present time). With a 5D/100-400L and 5D/70-200 2.8, I don't have any creep, drift, or slip whatsoever.

Gave it a quick try on my M10: Put on the 80-200, tripod ring, 200mm, about closest focussing distance.
If I set the tension as loose as possible (camera almost flops over), I see a small shift upward (say: a bit more then the thickness of the line (red box) around an AF point) when locking down to max tension.
I see about the same shift if I move my eye (wearing glasses), so it's hardly noticeable.

However: In real life shooting, I set tention a bit higher, and never touch the knob again. So in testing I see a little upward shift when locking down, in real life not.