New Markins Ballheads with lever clamps

RandyS wrote in post #9702884
It looks like they only sell the Q3 with a lever clamp. While I'm sure others love them, I have a mix of plates on my bodies/lenses. While it doesn't make the Markin's ball unusable for me, it does drive the cost up in having to standardize on one plate mfgr. or another.

The price increase may take them off of some folks short list. I wonder why they don't list the screw clamp any longer. Or am I just not finding it?

They still offer the screw clamp in addition to the lever clamp versions. http://www.markinsamer​ica.com/MA5/category.p​hp?req=1

If you only want the lever release, then just so you know I emailed Markins and they emailed back letting me know the lever release will be available around Mid March...

jhom wrote in post #9703085
They still offer the screw clamp in addition to the lever clamp versions. http://www.markinsamer​ica.com/MA5/category.p​hp?req=1

Excellent - didn't find that linked to their main ball head menu.

Thanks.

Nice! It looks pretty good. I may have to try this one out.

I'm assuming that since Markins now has their own lever-lock plate they will no longer install the RRS plate for free?

Seems like a reasonable assumption.

perfect, i was planning on getting the RRS version, with the q3, but this will be a better package for me. I didn't like how big the RRS version was.

As stated on the Markins website, once you commit to level clamp you should stay with one brand for all your plates. This would be applicable whether you go with Markins or RRS. The possible advantage of the Markins lever clamp is the adjustment screw providing it does not loosen with use.

I'm glad I've been holding out on switching to a RRS clamp on my M10.

Arca Swiss is less of a standard then some people make it out to be.

bohdank wrote in post #9712448
Arca Swiss is less of a standard then some people make it out to be.

Tolerances become an issue with lever clamps. Otherwise, the standard screw clamp does well with AS plates from many established companies.

One reason why the screw clamp exists, poor tolerances. Let's face it, we're not talking tolerances so fine as to increase cost of manufacturer or to cause such problems in lever clamps.

Sounds more like manufacturers have purposely been loose with their tolerances. If it was so hard or expensive then no two Markins/Kirk/RRS plate would be the same.

I do give credit to Markins for addressing that, partially, in their new clamp.

I would love to try this lever clamp out. I never got the chance to replace my screw clamp to the RRS QRL. Once they release it, I'll go be the guinea pig. Any body else wanna join me?

A major advantage for us here in Europe is that Markins have a European outlet. That gets around the nightmare of trying to import RRS kit. Why RRS have not signed a deal with a European retailer I will never understand, because they have been approached.

About time someone else comes out with a lever clamp. Maybe this will help drive down RRS prices with some competition. I love the RRS lever clamps and I love the Markins ballheads. I'd bet this clamp is pretty decent like all the rest of the Markins stuff.

I've gotta tell you though, the knob clamp that comes on the Q3 is the cutest little thing. I like it much better than the RRS big long knob on their full size screw knob clamp.

J.