The Tripod Two-Step: 1. Attach the camera to the tripod. 2. Grip it firmly and make sure it is attached securely. On YouTube last night, I watched a pro photographer demonstrate how a...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

1. Attach the camera to the tripod.
2. Grip it firmly and make sure it is attached securely.

On YouTube last night, I watched a pro photographer demonstrate how a D750 and a 24-70mm lens fell from the tripod, bounced onto the rocks, and landed in a stream. Although the screw on the Arca-Swiss plate was tight, the camera wasn't firmly seated in the plate. The camera and lens were insured, but still, you don't want that to happen.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

With an RRS lever-release, you can't close the lever without the camera (plate) properly set. Like lots of things, you get what you pay for. And if not, you'd better have it insured.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

CHG_CANON wrote:

With an RRS lever-release, you can't close the lever without the camera (plate) properly set. Like lots of things, you get what you pay for. And if not, you'd better have it insured.

Nothing is fool proof!! I have seen and had a lever locks get caught on something and let go, of course there is the lever lock with lock pin. but it don't lock unless the lever is firmly seated. anything can happen any time and the price really don't have that much to do with it.
I personally like the thumb screw lock which I use but I constantly check to make sure it has not come loose.

Timmers Loc: San Antonio Texas.

jerryc41 wrote:

1. Attach the camera to the tripod.
2. Grip it firmly and make sure it is attached securely.

On YouTube last night, I watched a pro photographer demonstrate how a D750 and a 24-70mm lens fell from the tripod, bounced onto the rocks, and landed in a stream. Although the screw on the Arca-Swiss plate was tight, the camera wasn't firmly seated in the plate. The camera and lens were insured, but still, you don't want that to happen.

A long time in my past I was 'tide pooling' with a Leica IIIc and an Elmar 5cm lens, the lens was out and friction locked in the 'taking' position. Three times I was slipping and the camera went out of my hands, bounced off the rocks and went into the tide pool. The deepest pool was a good three feet deep and I got vary wet getting that Leica back out of the drink. Damage was to my shirt as I used it to dry off the camera and outer lens. Lens cleaning fluid in the camera bag with lens tissue to clean the lens optical front and the camera's view finders. I still have the camera and several other Leica gear. No damage to camera or lens. It is amazing just how well fitted the old Leicas are, and the early lenses.

Timmers Loc: San Antonio Texas.

Manglesphoto wrote:

Nothing is fool proof!! I have seen and had a lever locks get caught on something and let go, of course there is the lever lock with lock pin. but it don't lock unless the lever is firmly seated. anything can happen any time and the price really don't have that much to do with it.
I personally like the thumb screw lock which I use but I constantly check to make sure it has not come loose.

This goes to the heart of the issue. How many really need 'quick releases' on their tripods?

I have used and keep the six sided mounting plates for my gear; have mounted from 35mm to 11X14 wooden field cameras and the 8X10 Calumet all metal view camera (a real beast of a camera) and never had any failures. I have also tossed and given away heads that take the small rectangular 'quick release' plates, they just don't seem to be worth a damn.

SteveInConverse Loc: South Texas

Using a tripod makes me nervous for the above listed reasons and experiences.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

SteveInConverse wrote:

Using a tripod makes me nervous for the above listed reasons and experiences.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Manglesphoto wrote:

Nothing is fool proof!! I have seen and had a lever locks get caught on something and let go, of course there is the lever lock with lock pin. but it don't lock unless the lever is firmly seated. anything can happen any time and the price really don't have that much to do with it.
I personally like the thumb screw lock which I use but I constantly check to make sure it has not come loose.

To confirm the relevance of this anecdote, was Really Right Stuff anywhere in the story?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Timmers wrote:

A long time in my past I was 'tide pooling' with a... (show quote)

Good news.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

CHG_CANON wrote:

To confirm the relevance of this anecdote, was Really Right Stuff anywhere in the story?

No Bogen and some others that were higher end, this was before RRS hit the market, all I am saying nothing is fool proof, nothing. don't get your kickers in a wad. sm01: I use a Gitzo GT5561with a Wimberly WH 200 head and a Manfroto CF with an acra-tech ball head both with A/S plates and screw lock and I check from time to time through out the day, in the last 20 yrs I found one screw a bit loose but not enough for the camera to move in the clamp.
Personally I wouldn't own a quick release.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Manglesphoto wrote:

No Bogen and some others that were higher end, t... (show quote)

So, any slanders against RRS were unintended, but not intentional nor based on experience ...

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

CHG_CANON wrote:

So, any slanders against RRS were unintended, but not intentional nor based on experience ...

There wasn't any slander against any Mfg. just a statement! Nothing Is fool proof, No matter the cost.
And I am not pushing cheap tripods and heads.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Manglesphoto wrote:

Nothing is fool proof!! I have seen and had a lever locks get caught on something and let go, of course there is the lever lock with lock pin. but it don't lock unless the lever is firmly seated. anything can happen any time and the price really don't have that much to do with it.
I personally like the thumb screw lock which I use but I constantly check to make sure it has not come loose.

Isn't there a law written by a Murphy?

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Architect1776 wrote:

Isn't there a law written by a Murphy?

Yes and it is still in effect!!!

tcthome Loc: NJ

jerryc41 wrote:

1. Attach the camera to the tripod.
2. Grip it firmly and make sure it is attached securely.

On YouTube last night, I watched a pro photographer demonstrate how a D750 and a 24-70mm lens fell from the tripod, bounced onto the rocks, and landed in a stream. Although the screw on the Arca-Swiss plate was tight, the camera wasn't firmly seated in the plate. The camera and lens were insured, but still, you don't want that to happen.

I came close once. Nikon D810/200-500 & was lucky enough to have a fast reaction time & caught it with my left hand. That said, a lot of times I keep the shoulder strap on the camera & around my neck until I know the camera is secured & the tripod is firmly planted/ I seen that vid, or another similar one about a week ago & luckily, that it was insured.