Ballheads Discussion

fxk wrote in post #5847432
Loctite is a liquid that is applied to threads on a nut or bolt that hardens and prevents the nut and bolt from coming apart - like a lockwasher, ot a nylon castellated lock nut. The liquid comes in different strengths - blue is the "basic" compound for when dissassembly may later be required. Red is for semi-permanent mounting of non-threaded items, like bearings.

You would use a couple of drops on the mounting screw that attaches the clamp to the ball head to ensure it stays in place and tight.

It can also be used on a variety of things around the house and garage.

I know about adhesives, but just i didn't get the point of using it in the ballheads and clamps, but now i know why they are using, is that meaning that without that adhesive then those nuts and bolts may come out and then the ballhead with clamp may separate or loosen anytime suddenly?

Tareq wrote in post #5847454
I know about adhesives, but just i didn't get the point of using it in the ballheads and clamps, but now i know why they are using, is that meaning that without that adhesive then those nuts and bolts may come out and then the ballhead with clamp may separate or loosen anytime suddenly?

Markins uses loctite to secure their clamps to the ballhead. That is why you need to indicate "no loctite" when you order from them if you want to easily remove their clamp and replace with a RRS clamp or other QR. If you don't plan on using the Markins clamp, then you can order the ballhead without it. But, if you plan on using someone elses clamp, you will need to get the titanium stud if you are using a 3/8"-16 threaded clamp. Otherwise, you can get a reducer bushing (I would suggest from RRS) and use a 1/4"-20 screw. My suggestion if you are buying a Markins ballhead and wish to switch to a RRS clamp, buy the Markins ballhead with "no loctite." You will get the Markins ballhead with the Markins Quickshoe clamp and titanium stud that is easily removable. Then use the titanium stud with your RRS clamp. Apply some "blue" loctite and you have a killer ballhead. Use the Markins Quickshoe on a monopod. Once you have all the necessary RRS plates and L brackets, you will have a universal system and you not need to think about QR again.

jhom wrote in post #5848019
Markins uses loctite to secure their clamps to the ballhead. That is why you need to indicate "no loctite" when you order from them if you want to easily remove their clamp and replace with a RRS clamp or other QR. If you don't plan on using the Markins clamp, then you can order the ballhead without it. But, if you plan on using someone elses clamp, you will need to get the titanium stud if you are using a 3/8"-16 threaded clamp. Otherwise, you can get a reducer bushing (I would suggest from RRS) and use a 1/4"-20 screw. My suggestion if you are buying a Markins ballhead and wish to switch to a RRS clamp, buy the Markins ballhead with "no loctite." You will get the Markins ballhead with the Markins Quickshoe clamp and titanium stud that is easily removable. Then use the titanium stud with your RRS clamp. Apply some "blue" loctite and you have a killer ballhead. Use the Markins Quickshoe on a monopod. Once you have all the necessary RRS plates and L brackets, you will have a universal system and you not need to think about QR again.

Thats mean when i will order BH-55 then i don't ned loctite [no loctite], but later when i will order Markins Q3T without clamps then i have to think about that loctite, i will use BH-55 with AS II and i will never think to replace it, unless RRS will produce new clamps that will kick out any current clamps then maybe i will think to upgrade, i think i ended my decision about RRS ballhead, now i have to worry about Markins ballhead to use with RRS clamps and plates.

Tareq wrote in post #5848411
Thats mean when i will order BH-55 then i don't ned loctite [no loctite], but later when i will order Markins Q3T without clamps then i have to think about that loctite, i will use BH-55 with AS II and i will never think to replace it, unless RRS will produce new clamps that will kick out any current clamps then maybe i will think to upgrade, i think i ended my decision about RRS ballhead, now i have to worry about Markins ballhead to use with RRS clamps and plates.

It should not be a worry. The M6 or 1/4" bolts that the AS II uses can be readily seen if the loosen (the bolt head will pop up from surface of the clamp).

The Markins stud makes for a much stronger clamp/head connection. The down side is that if the clamp loosens and starts to unscrew, you may not readily notice it before it releases. Common sense check out will catch this, but not everyone will do this. So....even though you could safely work without Loctite by just snugging down the clamp (and checking periodically), Markins advises, to protect people from themselves (and to probably protect Markins and their name) that the connections should use Loctite. They recommend (and use) "red". I use "blue" as I might want to change at some time. Markins (Steve) has said that they would remove "red" attached parts for a nominal fee if it was needed in future.

jrsforums wrote in post #5848468
It should not be a worry. The M6 or 1/4" bolts that the AS II uses can be readily seen if the loosen (the bolt head will pop up from surface of the clamp).

The Markins stud makes for a much stronger clamp/head connection. The down side is that if the clamp loosens and starts to unscrew, you may not readily notice it before it releases. Common sense check out will catch this, but not everyone will do this. So....even though you could safely work without Loctite by just snugging down the clamp (and checking periodically), Markins advises, to protect people from themselves (and to probably protect Markins and their name) that the connections should use Loctite. They recommend (and use) "red". I use "blue" as I might want to change at some time. Markins (Steve) has said that they would remove "red" attached parts for a nominal fee if it was needed in future.

even that i have to think about the tighten and fixed and loosen and so, seems i never sleep unless i can be sure that my ballheads working perfectly without any problems of releasing or loosen and so, i will see what i can do.
Thanks

Tareq wrote in post #5848552
even that i have to think about the tighten and fixed and loosen and so, seems i never sleep unless i can be sure that my ballheads working perfectly without any problems of releasing or loosen and so, i will see what i can do.
Thanks

It's always something, isn't it....

jrsforums wrote in post #5849105
It's always something, isn't it....

OK, i have to order the ballhead first then later we will think about anything else.

Okay so just got a Markins Q3T head with the titanium bolt and an RRS B2 LR II clamp and some blue Loctite. My question is this: Do I put the Loctite on both the end that goes into the ballhead AND the end that goes into the clamp or just on the end that goes into the clamp?

Also when I use this stuff I just put a bit on the threading of the titanium bolt and thread it on in and then let it sit?

And lastly how long does it need to sit for?

ben_r_ wrote in post #5940223
Okay so just got a Markins Q3T head with the titanium bolt and an RRS B2 LR II clamp and some blue Loctite. My question is this: Do I put the Loctite on both the end that goes into the ballhead AND the end that goes into the clamp or just on the end that goes into the clamp?

Also when I use this stuff I just put a bit on the threading of the titanium bolt and thread it on in and then let it sit?

And lastly how long does it need to sit for?

When you get the answer please shoot every step, i can't understand all the answers in English, so the best way to understand is by photos samples.
I've got RRS B2 LR II as well, but i will order the heads [BH-55, Q3T] next month.

Tareq wrote in post #5940249
When you get the answer please shoot every step, i can't understand all the answers in English, so the best way to understand is by photos samples.
I've got RRS B2 LR II as well, but i will order the heads [BH-55, Q3T] next month.

No problem, Ill add it to my Gitzo 1541T and Markins Q3T w/ RRS Clamp review thread here.

ben_r_ wrote in post #5940445
No problem, Ill add it to my Gitzo 1541T and Markins Q3T w/ RRS Clamp review thread here.

Thank you very much.
Just that loctite i don't know where to put and how to use it for ballhead and clamp, i don't want to d something wrong, but i will see when i will get that ballhead then i will see what i am gonna do.

finally, i've got my RRS ballhead 3 days ago and my Markins yesterday.
Really great products and my 2 tripods are happy setup in my room just for nothing rather those ballheads are on top of them [LIke a Crown].

Tareq wrote in post #6056443
finally, i've got my RRS ballhead 3 days ago and my Markins yesterday.
Really great products and my 2 tripods are happy setup in my room just for nothing rather those ballheads are on top of them [LIke a Crown].

LOL!!! Yes, EXACTLY like a crown!