RRS ballhead; woobly main lock T-lever

Killerbob

I am using the BH-40 ballhead and have a question;

The main lock T-lever, i.e. the big tightening knob for the ballhead is working just fine. However, even when tightened, it is a bit wobbly, and I would like to know if others are experiencing the same, or if my ballhead is a bit "off"?

Golf007sd

Can you take a video of what you mean about "bit wobbly?" I do not have this happening at all on my BH-40.

Killerbob

I don't really have a place to upload a video, but if you say yours is totally "solid" when tightened I'll talk to RRS...

Mine works fine, but the knob itself can still be jiggled and is wobbly, even ig tightened and the ballhead is totally tight.

Golf007sd

You can upload video's to Flickr.

haroldp

RRS stuff should not 'wobble'.

Ironheart

@Killerbob, youtube has been around since 2005

Killerbob

You are all right, I am using Flickr, just didn't know I could do video there as well...

Anyways, here is a small video, where it is very evident at the end:

Msmoto

@Killerbob
The "wobble" appears fully as intended. This allows easy positioning of the lever out of one's way. All the ball-heads I have with a lever such as this are like this.

JJ_SO

Msmoto already explained one reason for the wobble. The other is the "limiter" screw on the other side, which allows to adjust the pressure of the "released" ball so the camera won't fall down if the lever is fully open. This limiter sometimes works the way to press a packet of springs against the ball. And the main screw does also have to work against that pressure. Even a ball-head like a Gitzo GH3780 has that play although it's never in the way like a lever. And all levers with such a star- or crown-clutch for turning them into the best angle for use do have this kind play, that's okay.

Just enjoy the obviously smooth movement of the ball

JJ_SO

double post - and all the edits are gone. Thank you so much, forum-software.

Golf007sd

@Killerbob: Ok now I have a better understanding of what you mean. I, too, have that type of play in my BH-40 head. To be honest I have never even noticed it till now. I do not believe to be a defect but I will call RRS tomorrow and find out.

spraynpray

@killerbob - When you talk to RRS don't call it 'wobble' or the next sound you hear will be any credibility you have flying out of the window. The correct term for it is backlash in the locking knob.

Using the correct terminology makes the need for multiple postings and a video superfluous.

Killerbob

OK, I guess it is acceptable with an amount of play/backlash in the T-knob. It just feels a bit wrong as I am certainly using that knob to fine-adjust the tension on the ballhead.

Thanks for all the feedback and language lessons:)

Golf007sd

Talked to RRS and they informed me that the little "play" is perfectly normal.

Symphotic

I've pretty much gone 100% RRS, even to the point of filing down my manfrotto plates to fit the RRS clamps on the few bits of gear that still use them. RRS is about to take a garnishment on my paycheck!

Killerbob

From getting a new ballhead, a mount for my monopod, the L-plate for my D800, and a plate for my BlackRapid, I am now awaiting a shipment with an all-new tripod, monopod, flash bracket, various plates, tool, and a new collar for my 80-400mm.

RRS is great, but Symphotic and Msmoto are right; I might as well have signed over a paycheck to them...

Golf007sd

In the long run, you will see the path you have taken is, IMHO, a good investment in your photography gear.