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Manfrotto Quick Release Does Not Release
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Jul 26, 2015 07:02:20   #
Tarfun Loc: Red Bank NJ USA
 
Leitz wrote:
You might want to stay away from such complicated machinery!


Now you tell me after 55 years as an engineer and tinkerer of things mechanical. :D

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Jul 26, 2015 07:16:13   #
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.


Thanks again. There are no 10 year old kids here in "wrinkle city." The reason I bought this plate was that the 394 that came with the pan tilt head had the same problem. I attempted to fix it, but was able to only partially disassemble it. I think the odds of two 394s having identical defects are remote.

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Jul 26, 2015 07:23:34   #
Tarfun Loc: Red Bank NJ USA
 
pete-m wrote:
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.


Quite correct Pete. The instructions direct one to operate the "locking lever 'C' and safety button 'D'". Nothing moves. :-(

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Jul 26, 2015 07:29:57   #
Tarfun Loc: Red Bank NJ USA
 
Leitz wrote:
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


Pete, Thanks for the exploded drawing. Sub-assembly R354.08 stymies me. I do not have a tool sufficiently small to engage the screw.

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Jul 26, 2015 07:38:57   #
Leitz Loc: Solms
 
Tarfun wrote:
Pete, Thanks for the exploded drawing. Sub-assembly R354.08 stymies me. I do not have a tool sufficiently small to engage the screw.


Pete?? Anyway, I was hoping the drawings would help in reassembly. All kidding aside, I'd really like to see you get the problem solved. Have the comments by MTShooter or Millismote been of help?

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Jul 26, 2015 08:35:14   #
Tarfun Loc: Red Bank NJ USA
 
MT Shooter wrote:
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.
The Manfrotto 394 is the replacement mount for the... (show quote)


Thank you Carter.

The 394 came with the 055 pan tilt head. I have the drawing detailing the operation of the quick release. The original had the same defect. My botched attempt to repair it led me to buy the replacement. I found it odd that both items would have the same "defect." Hence I turned to UHH for advice.

Does it mean anything to you if the safety button on my 394 is aluminum (not chrome)?

You suggest that pressing on the locking lever tightens the mechanism. Is there a way to loosen it—to start all over so to speak? I have tried depressing the safety button and pulling the locking lever, but nothing seems to happen.

Update: I just completed disassembly of the original 394. I do not see any irregularities that might impede movement of the locking lever. :-D

A clear view of the base plate shows why pressing the safety button serves no purpose until the locking lever is half-way across. It's regrettable that the printed instructions do not include that information.

Examination of the under side of the locking lever reveals a chip in the black finish on the flat leading edge, and a sloped line is scribed across the bottom edge of the canted face.

That is my forensics report for now. Never before have I felt so incompetent. :(

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Jul 26, 2015 09:31:36   #
Tarfun Loc: Red Bank NJ USA
 
DaveO wrote:
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?


Dave, Nearest camera shop is 40 miles from here. There are a couple of clubs. They meet in the evening, but I am shying away from driving after dark. Your suggestions are appreciated.

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Jul 26, 2015 11:01:44   #
RRS Loc: Not sure
 
Tarfun wrote:
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?
This message turned into more of a rant than a req... (show quote)


Before you buy another one you could mail this item to me and I will do my best to make it work. I also use Manfrotto and have never had a problem. This isn't a joke, I can fix almost anything. Do you not have a friend near by that is into photography too. PM me if you like.

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Jul 26, 2015 17:35:01   #
LarryN Loc: Portland OR & Carbondale, CO
 
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.


Agree with you on both Manfrotto & B&H. And they certainly are customer oriented. I have a new 234RC & it works perfectly, including the lock feature, which I like.

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Jul 26, 2015 18:48:34   #
gmb3 Loc: Coastal CenCal
 
I really like the ARCA-Swiss style. Very universal. I converted my Bogen-Manfrotto pistol grip ball head to the ARCA style. Never looked back. All my tripods and equipment are now fitted with ARCA-Swiss quick releases and plates.

However, YMMV.

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Jul 26, 2015 20:17:45   #
jcboy3
 
Tarfun wrote:

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?
br The following describes my hands-on experience... (show quote)


Millismote described the correct procedure for operating this QR adapter.

The locking lever (black) should move halfway without depressing the safety lever (silver). This is a friction lock; it moves when pressure is applied. Nothing will suddenly release it. There is a stop at the halfway point where the safety catch prevents further movement; this is the point where pushing the safety lever in will release the safety catch and allow the lever to move all the way. When the lever is moved the full distance, a brass rod will pop up (on the inside) to hold the lever in the open position. This will also pop the QR plate up. The QR plate will release this lock when it is pressed back in.

Because this is a friction lock, if you press hard on the lever to lock it, it will be difficult to unlock. However, you have released the friction lock per your description; so it will move. Just apply consistent force to move the lever to the stop, then press in the safety lever and move it to the open position.

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Jul 27, 2015 00:04:36   #
JoBear Loc: Pacific Northwest
 
I have a Manfrotto 498RC2 ball head and lately it has been having same problem, the larger gray lever sticks in the fully closed position (camera attached, a 5dIII) and it takes several attempts to unlock and remove camera. Of course there is the little brass swivel that works fine and when moved allows the larger gray lever to move. I tried using a couple of different plates on bottom of camera but it made no difference.
The brass one works fine but the larger gray lever is stuck making it impossible to remove camera. I figured that perhaps something was "worn" out. Perhaps some lubricant will solve the problem. Will try.
John

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Jul 27, 2015 00:17:33   #
Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago
 
Hi tarfun. I had the same issue with my Manfrotto 498RC4 ball head. I use it with a D610 and a Sigma 150-600S. It's a heavy rig. I couldn't get mine to release smoothly and I had to send it to CRS service in Arizona. They service Manfrotto equipment here in the U.S., and did a great job with a fast turn-around in less than 10 days. I'd totally recommend them. B&H and Manfrotto distribution also recommended them.

Here's their info:
Manfrotto Service@CRIS
250 N. 54th Street
Chandler, AZ 85226
(480)940-1103

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Jul 27, 2015 00:52:51   #
jfn007 Loc: Close to the middle of nowhere.
 
Sounds as complicated as taking calculus in Mandarin.
Millismote wrote:
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.

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Jul 27, 2015 08:55:28   #
Tarfun Loc: Red Bank NJ USA
 
RRS wrote:
Before you buy another one you could mail this item to me and I will do my best to make it work. I also use Manfrotto and have never had a problem. This isn't a joke, I can fix almost anything. Do you not have a friend near by that is into photography too. PM me if you like.


Thanks RRS. I once thought I could fix almost anything. I hope to do so with the QR394. I will get back to you later.

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