Looking to buy a Markins ballhead

jhom wrote in post #9426845
You might want to apply a little heat to the top of the clamp and stud to maximize loosening the clamp from the stud before wacking it.

How would you apply the heat?

jdizzle wrote in post #9430682
I have to inspect the head to see what you're talking about. From looking at pics on their website, isn't the stud the piece they call the "titanium center bolt"? If it is, they should've designed to so that it's easily removable.

yes... well you wouldn't want it to be easily removable. That implies that it could come loose in actual use

jdizzle wrote in post #9430695
How would you apply the heat?

Markins told me that they employ a torch to heat the red loctite that they use so it will loosen. And it destroys the stud, which they replace for $7.

When I was dealing with a $350 ballhead and a $150 RRS clamp, I really didn't want to screw up $500 worth of high tolerance equipment. Would you take apart an expensive watch and try to clean it yourself?

For me, it was worth the $7 and the shipping to let Markins do it.

I'm leaning toward the mail to Markins avenue when I get my RRS clamp myself!

bohdank wrote in post #9432686
yes... well you wouldn't want it to be easily removable. That implies that it could come loose in actual use

Good point! On my RRS BH-55, the center bolt has a hex key type bolt and it has never come loose during usage. I'd rather have this type of bolt instead.

tvphotog wrote in post #9432721
Markins told me that they employ a torch to heat the red loctite that they use so it will loosen. And it destroys the stud, which they replace for $7.

When I was dealing with a $350 ballhead and a $150 RRS clamp, I really didn't want to screw up $500 worth of high tolerance equipment. Would you take apart an expensive watch and try to clean it yourself?

For me, it was worth the $7 and the shipping to let Markins do it.

Of course I wouldn't want this to happen but, if I can do it myself, than why not? Paying $7 isn't bad though.

tomevision wrote in post #9434300
I'm leaning toward the mail to Markins avenue when I get my RRS clamp myself!

I definitely recommend the RRS QRL. It's totally worth it imo.

So, I received the ballhead and it really looks mint! No scratches whatsoever. One thing I do notice is how much lighter it is compared to my RRS BH-55. The other thing I need to make sure is that I order the correct QRL. I know it was mentioned earlier in the post but, I just want reconfirmation that it is. Thanks in advance.

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …p?ic=B2%2DLR%2D​II&eq=&Tp=

yup.... that's the one. Order plates from them also.

bohdank wrote in post #9467019
yup.... that's the one. Order plates from them also.

Thanks! I do own a few plates from RRS. My personal favorite is the L-plate that fits on the 1Ds MK III.

MDJAK wrote in post #9467592

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Nice pic of the ballhead. What plates are you using on the Nikon D3?