I don't think luck is with me on this trip. I'm currently in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. From the screw on my Gitzo tripod getting loose to now my Markins Q3T not working at all. I'm actually quite depressed about it. Anyways, the knob that loosens and tightens the ballhead is stuck. However, the ballhead itself can still move. What this means is that if I mount the camera on it, I can still move the ballhead, but I can't tighten it so the camera will ultimately start shifting position as a result of its weight. The knob is stuck tight and I can't figure out how to loosen it. Either way, withy the ballhead itself moving, I think it's possible the knob may be broken. Any tips on what to do next would be greatly appreciated.
I've read the PDF file, but I don't think it would be wise to use a screwdriver with a metal tip on a plastic knob. I've tried to lightly turn it with a flat screwdriver counter-clockwise, but it didn't move. Any other idea?
That's got to be the problem. Make sure the friction adjustment is backed out all the way. If it is out, it will not be flush with the surface of the knob, but protrude a bit (turn it counter clockwise all the way so it protrudes). Also, if you really honked on the main knob when loosening it, it can be tight and hard to tighten. So, try - with some vigor - to turn that knob clockwise - I don't think you will or can hurt it.
Currently the friction adjustment thing is flushed with the main knob. I can't turn it safely with a screwdriver unless I damage it. I'm sure the metal part of the screwdriver will chip the plastic.
I didn't do anything inappropriate with my ballhead. Yesterday I just pulled my ballhead out of my suitcase and it was like this! Seriously!
This has happened to me twice with my Markins Q3. Both times on overseas trips. Must have gotten knocked around in transit I guess. The first time I used a screwdriver to carefully undo the small friction dial. The 2nd time I didn't have a screwdriver handy, so I just turned the main knob with a fair bit of force and it got unstuck... I could then loosen up the small friction dial with my finger. Not quite sure how to prevent this from happening, as I'm not sure how it's getting stuck in the first place. Maybe I should leave the friction limit undone while in transit...
This has happened to my M20 and a friend's M10 multiple times - it's some sort of design flaw. I have discussed it with Markins to no avail. The design of the thumb tensioner is incredibly stupid. No standard tool will fit comfortably in those slots...they are too skinny to accept a big slotted screwdriver tip, and with the hole drilled in the middle there is too much slop to allow a small slotted screwdriver tip too get 'purchase'. I suggested that they modify the thumb screw to accept a tool that you might actually have on hand like a coin, or a standard slotted bit... or a phillips tip, or better - a hex head indentation that would accept standard plate wrenches that we all have. These thumb tensioners definitely somehow get stuck from time to time, and it's always at a bad time - when there isn't a hardware store around where you can find something to fit those lame poorly designed threads or whatever you want to call them...
Well, honestly I have no idea what you are talking about. MY Markins has been working for years without any major problem. Some times I thought I was stuck. But within fraction of a second, it was going smooth again and again. I had a ArcaSwiss before this Markins. Hopefully it works out for you as well.
I've a Markins M10 bought 5 or so years ago. Today out in the woods the ballhead locked up. I am back home and I cannot release the main locking knob. I have in the past head issue, but managed to release it, this is the first time it has got stuck fast. Not good. I am now without a ballhead tomorrow, sunday, with no opportunity to get a replacement.
Added later: okay, after fiddling around with the main knob, it has loosened. This is not good. I've always hated the nasty pan knob, very painful on the fingers, and ineffective, and now the main knob has seized up. I had to give up taking photos of fungi and return home.
I've used three Markins Q3T ballheads. They're very nice but can be finicky in use, the panning "lock" is actually a brake and the smaller heads are prone to locking up, especially in cold weather. Here's a relevant instruction from one of the user manuals (under Notes):
Do not turn the ball locking knob excessively past its CCW limit. It can be locked if the torque limit dial is in use. If locked, unscrew the torque limit dial with a screwdriver, and hold the ball locking knob tight and apply some impulsive torsional force to unlock it.
The key is to apply a sudden impulsive force, not just try to turn it. It might help to wear gloves or wrap a rag around the knob, grip it really tight and then jerk it anti-clockwise. Hopefully that will work.
None of my screw drivers fit the tension lock screw, they just tear it up, as the grooves are so shallow. I think the problem is that the tension screw gradually drifts, which is what happened with me.
