Manfrotto Quick Release Does Not Release
Jul 25, 2015 12:23:18 #
Tarfun
Loc: Red Bank NJ USA
This message turned into more of a rant than a request for help. I guess I am more steamed than I care to admit. Feel free to skip to the end to read about my hands-on problem.
I recently purchased a Manfrotto Quick Release (Part No. 394), but could not open it. Their website provides an email "contact us" option. I explained the problem.
Their first response suggested that I not press the trigger until the locking lever is half way to full open. (That is contrary to the printed instructions.) The responder clearly failed to understand that I could not move the locking lever.
They also told me to make sure that when I lock the plate on, I don't tighten it excessively, as this just makes it harder to disengage. I responded, "I cannot move the locking lever 'C'. Now what?"
Their response: "Hello, Is it stuck in the closed or open position? Help Desk" I bit my tongue and emailed "Closed position." [Here is how I really wanted to respond: Isn't "can't open device" the same as "closed position?"]
That exchange occurred on Thursday, July 16. They did not respond before the close of business on Friday, July 17. Saturday I repeated my response, knowing they would not see it until Monday. On Tuesday (7/21) I emailed this message: "Help Desk, Why are you ignoring me?"
No response to date.
Would I recommend Manfrotto to a friend? No!
Whew! Glad the rant is done.
The following describes my hands-on experience with the Manfrotto Quick Release:
While holding the device in my left hand, I place my right thumb on the locking lever and depress the trigger with my right forefinger. Nothing moves. I repeat that a number of times. Then quite unexpectedly (perhaps after a dozen or so failed attempts; it is not predictable) the locking lever, under my full thumb pressure, rapidly moves to the stop at the full open position. At that point my thumb slips off the locking lever, thus allowing it to spring back to the closed position.
What do I not understand?
I recently purchased a Manfrotto Quick Release (Part No. 394), but could not open it. Their website provides an email "contact us" option. I explained the problem.
Their first response suggested that I not press the trigger until the locking lever is half way to full open. (That is contrary to the printed instructions.) The responder clearly failed to understand that I could not move the locking lever.
They also told me to make sure that when I lock the plate on, I don't tighten it excessively, as this just makes it harder to disengage. I responded, "I cannot move the locking lever 'C'. Now what?"
Their response: "Hello, Is it stuck in the closed or open position? Help Desk" I bit my tongue and emailed "Closed position." [Here is how I really wanted to respond: Isn't "can't open device" the same as "closed position?"]
That exchange occurred on Thursday, July 16. They did not respond before the close of business on Friday, July 17. Saturday I repeated my response, knowing they would not see it until Monday. On Tuesday (7/21) I emailed this message: "Help Desk, Why are you ignoring me?"
No response to date.
Would I recommend Manfrotto to a friend? No!
Whew! Glad the rant is done.
The following describes my hands-on experience with the Manfrotto Quick Release:
While holding the device in my left hand, I place my right thumb on the locking lever and depress the trigger with my right forefinger. Nothing moves. I repeat that a number of times. Then quite unexpectedly (perhaps after a dozen or so failed attempts; it is not predictable) the locking lever, under my full thumb pressure, rapidly moves to the stop at the full open position. At that point my thumb slips off the locking lever, thus allowing it to spring back to the closed position.
What do I not understand?
Jul 25, 2015 12:45:10 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
Tarfun wrote:
This message turned into more of a rant than a req... (show quote)
You might want to stay away from such complicated machinery!
Jul 25, 2015 13:07:37 #
Leitz wrote:
You might want to stay away from such complicated machinery!
All joking aside,well maybe, I would try to demonstrate this to a young kid who will most likely be able make it work. I'm serious.
Jul 25, 2015 14:15:15 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
DaveO wrote:
All joking aside,well maybe, I would try to demonstrate this to a young kid who will most likely be able make it work. I'm serious.
Interesting you should say this. I almost asked if there wasn't a 10 year old neighbor kid who could take a look at it. Though I use mainly Manfrotto heads and plates, and they all work very smoothly, it's possible that this one has a slight defect, which hopefully the OP can easily correct.
Jul 25, 2015 14:24:52 #
LOL, I had the same thought about a defect. I use Manfrotto exclusively and so far so good. I buy almost everything from B&H because they do have some very qualified people to take care of the customer.
Jul 25, 2015 14:32:19 #
Tarfun
Loc: Red Bank NJ USA
Leitz wrote:
Interesting you should say this. I almost asked if there wasn't a 10 year old neighbor kid who could take a look at it. Though I use mainly Manfrotto heads and plates, and they all work very smoothly, it's possible that this one has a slight defect, which hopefully the OP can easily correct.
That's what I thought. Attempted repair but ended up with a partially disassembled "gadget" that I could not put back together. This is the second QR that behaves just like the first one.
Jul 25, 2015 14:33:25 #
Tarfun
Loc: Red Bank NJ USA
DaveO wrote:
LOL, I had the same thought about a defect. I use Manfrotto exclusively and so far so good. I buy almost everything from B&H because they do have some very qualified people to take care of the customer.
Me too! Great outfit. They were not able to help me.
Jul 25, 2015 14:34:18 #
Jul 25, 2015 14:35:31 #
Tarfun
Loc: Red Bank NJ USA
DaveO wrote:
All joking aside,well maybe, I would try to demonstrate this to a young kid who will most likely be able make it work. I'm serious.
No kids here in a wrinkle city.
Jul 25, 2015 14:41:34 #
Tarfun wrote:
No kids here in a wrinkle city.
How about a camera shop where you might "look" at different qr's like a 394? Not tasteful, but it may be difficult to solicit help for a product you purchased somewhere else. Any clubs around?
Jul 25, 2015 14:43:18 #
All the Manfroto (Bogen) heads I have used required operating a separate mechanism prior to using the release lever. I assume this is a safety feature to prevent accidentally releasing the camera.
Jul 25, 2015 14:45:45 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
Tarfun wrote:
That's what I thought. Attempted repair but ended up with a partially disassembled "gadget" that I could not put back together. This is the second QR that behaves just like the first one.
Hopefully this will help:
http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/2747/media_document/live_2/394_20030407.pdf?1272346407
http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/2747/media_document/live_2/394_20050510.pdf?1272346407
Jul 25, 2015 15:20:49 #
Leitz wrote:
Ouch - I have to say that as the Manfroto (Bogen) quick release heads evolved they became more complicated and difficult to operate. Their older heads were much more reliable and user friendly. (except for the giant 6 sided plate)
Jul 25, 2015 17:00:54 #
Tarfun wrote:
This message turned into more of a rant than a req... (show quote)
The Manfrotto 394 is the replacement mount for the 410 plate commonly referred to as the RC4 QR system. The RC4 is designed for larger format cameras or heavy video gear and as such takes a lot more pressure to release than the RC2 system. The security latch is the chrome button on the lever and that has to be depressed before the latch lever will move, it is stiff to press because of the load rating. If you have tried to force the lever without pressing the button then the lever gets very heavily locked in position because of the ramp-latch style of the plate. Never use force on these latches as it will work against you every time.
Depress the button, pull the lever, it will come loose, but may take some force due to the pressure you have applied to the latch by now. If you bought this head/plate new it came with a breakdown drawing detailing the operation. If you bought it used then they may have been lost.
Follow this procedure and it will open.
By the way, the RC4 is not a good choice for a DSLR type camera as it is pretty much overkill for what you are doing.
Jul 26, 2015 06:39:36 #
Tarfun wrote:
This message turned into more of a rant than a req... (show quote)
I own a Manfrotto and had the same problem. I could not get the lever to move if I tried to push the button and move the lever. Solution: do not push the button until you move the lever half way, when the lever stops then push the button and move it all the way over until it stops. To release it depress the little round brass circular rod holding the lever over.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.