A very strange and weird problem with new RRS Tripods?
I received my TFC-33 brand new from B&H last week. I immediately noticed that 2 of the legs were difficult to pull out and push in, while 1 leg functioned very smoothly. After looking around, I noticed the air vents (RRS call them Clevis's) at the top and on the back of the legs were the causing the problem. They were filled with a rock hard but clear substance. It looked to me like crazy glue or some kind epoxy. What made me realize it was not supposed to be there was how messy it was applied. Not to mention why would RRS design the air vents, talk about them in the marketing material, cut the slits into the carbon fiber, then to just plug them up. No air flowing through the air vents?
And even if this is intentional, why would it be applied so messy that is drips on to the tripod legs? I couldn't even get it off if I wanted, whatever it is, it is rock hard.
I returned the tripod, and got the new TFC-33 today, and again the same issue!
What is going on? I can only find a couple images on the Air Vents clearly online, and they all seem clearly "Open" and not blocked by clear epoxy.
Anybody with Mark 2 RRS tripod can confirm this, or care to share a photo? I would appreciate it.
I already emailed RRS about this, but they are still closed until tomorrow.
I also spoke to a tripod specialist today at B&H, and he said that is 100% not right, and is now sending me a 3rd copy of the same model. Hopefully third time is a charm.
Both tripods were also definitely brand new and not returns. I could tell by how it was sealed, it came direct from RRS this way. 100%.
So strange! I've wanted a RRS tripod for years, and have only heard of positive things about them.
For some reason I can't attach photos to posts here anymore, says I need to be a sell member.
DustinLevine wrote:
Thanks you, I also found zero info on this issue anywhere online. It perhaps was a bad run or bad batch only manufactured recently.
I did send all the photos to RRS already. They have great customer service, so I should hear back from them tomorrow when they reopen.
I did post a couple images of the problem on a thread I started on DPreview about the same thing.
you know I am not a specialist - SJMS seems to know a lot about their products, and surely will notice this post soon - but from experience with other stuff, it looks to me that they are protective assembly/production covers.
Meaning they might get the parts to assemble with end covers, and stick plastic wrap till they actually start assembling the tripod.
Maybe someone forgot to remove it? the way you described sounded someone dropped a gooey mess, like from a tube of silicone caulk or similar. That white stuff looks way too smooth and fitting....but don't take my word.
Are you sure that they cannot be removed? don't put a knife, screwdriver, or any fluid to it. Maybe a pull/and or twist once the legs are off the leg hinge?
since you cannot post directly, and some people might (justified so) be afraid to click on an external link, I will post them for you here
That first image is just a stock photo, it was the clearest photo I could find of the Air vent in the back.
I guess it is possible it was some kind of protective film. But that wouldn't explain all the "Splatter" I highlighted with arrows showing the substance outside the air vent. Those spots are rock hard, and no way to get off. So even if I was able to clean out the air vents, it's still all over.
One more thing I didn't mention. Both tripods came with a sticker on the top plate that said.....
"Remove after inspection".
(I have a photo of the sticker, I'll have to figure out how to share images)
This is my first RRS tripod so I'm not sure if that Inspection sticker was meant for me or meant for some in quality control at RRS? But I own RRS Ballheads, plates, brackets, and none of them came with a warning label to inspect before using it.
The tripod isn't in my possession anymore anyway, sent it back this evening after B&H said it appeared to be a lemon (2 of them!)
Bacalhau wrote:
you know I am not a specialist - SJMS seems to know a lot about their products, and surely will notice this post soon - but from experience with other stuff, it looks to me that they are protective assembly/production covers.
Meaning they might get the parts to assemble with end covers, and stick plastic wrap till they actually start assembling the tripod.
Maybe someone forgot to remove it? the way you described sounded someone dropped a gooey mess, like from a tube of silicone caulk or similar. That white stuff looks way too smooth and fitting....but don't take my word.
Are you sure that they cannot be removed? don't put a knife, screwdriver, or any fluid to it. Maybe a pull/and or twist once the legs are off the leg hinge?
since you cannot post directly, and some people might (justified so) be afraid to click on an external link, I will post them for you here ...Show more →
That first image is just a stock photo, it was the clearest photo I could find of the Air vent in the back.
I guess it is possible it was some kind of protective film. But that wouldn't explain all the "Splatter" I highlighted with arrows showing the substance outside the air vent. Those spots are rock hard, and no way to get off. So even if I was able to clean out the air vents, it's still all over.
One more thing I didn't mention. Both tripods came with a sticker on the top plate that said.....
"Remove after inspection".
(I have a photo of the sticker, I'll have to figure out how to share images)
This is my first RRS tripod so I'm not sure if that Inspection sticker was meant for me or meant for some in quality control at RRS? But I own RRS Ballheads, plates, brackets, and none of them came with a warning label to inspect before using it.
The tripod isn't in my possession anymore anyway, sent it back this evening after B&H said it appeared to be a lemon (2 of them!)
Yea it is hard to see in my photos. But the vents on mine are completely closed off. No air goes through them at all. The 1 good leg, you can feel the air push right through the slot.
And with the leg fully extended and than pushing the leg up, it has a lot of resistance. The one leg that is clear, folds up so much smoother.
Bacalhau wrote:
found another stock image - indeed the vent looks cleaner....hmmmm
The legs have to be attached to the spider in some way. Probably epoxy. I'd hazard a guess that the epoxy was applied poorly (either excessively or in areas it was not supposed to be) and it pushed into the vent area.
It's good that B&H are taking care of you (though it must be frustrating). Will be interesting to hear what RRS have to say.
DustinLevine wrote:
Yea it is hard to see in my photos. But the vents on mine are completely closed off. No air goes through them at all. The 1 good leg, you can feel the air push right through the slot.
And with the leg fully extended and than pushing the leg up, it has a lot of resistance. The one leg that is clear, folds up so much smoother.
yes that does look like a RRS issue
those vents should be clear of any obstructions. if not you have 2 choices:
1- send it back as bad from stock and B&H should send you a return ups tag. as i see they have stepped up to the plate.
2- if you have easy access to NYC (big assumption in the part of NJ that is close to PATH). take it back and have another pulled from stock and give it the full function once over and final inspect while there. i did send you a PM.
i'm just interested party that is not related to RRS other than i purchase stuff from them too. i do have a somewhat technical background. i would like to photograph the issue and send it to the appropriate individual. as it looks like stupid was done then they need to know and account for it for the consumer and themselves.
it looks like a combined issue in building and QC.
Yes that is completely possible, and makes a lot of sense. The person assembling the new tripods is applying wayyyy too much adhesive to the top of the legs before plugging it into the spider, and it just clogs up the air vents.
mcbroomf wrote:
The legs have to be attached to the spider in some way. Probably epoxy. I'd hazard a guess that the epoxy was applied poorly (either excessively or in areas it was not supposed to be) and it pushed into the vent area.
It's good that B&H are taking care of you (though it must be frustrating). Will be interesting to hear what RRS have to say.
Yea B&H always has great customer service. I called and asked to talk to someone who knows all about RRS tripods, not just a general sales person. And they took my phone # and an expert called me back 15 minutes later.
I asked him if he can check the stock, or look at my tripod before shipping the third to me. He told me it is impossible. They don't keep any, zero, at the store. They are all stored 90 miles away at a warehouse. And he told ne there is no way to explain to a warehouse worker what to look for. So he convinced me to try a 3rd tripod. He said if I receive yet another bad copy, they will pull all the stock out of the warehouse. And assume the entire shipment is bad.....they have 4 more TFC33's in stock. So I'm assuming they come in cases of 6 perhaps. Im also assuming if the same person assembled the entire case, the 3rd one that arrives tomorrow will be identical.
The more I think about the tag that says "Remove after inspection", Im pretty sure that was not meant for the customers. And someone at RRS quality control was supposed to inspect and go over the tripod before leaving the factory. And by the sticker still being there, they obviously did not.
sjms wrote:
yes that does look like a RRS issue
those vents should be clear of any obstructions. if not you have 2 choices:
1- send it back as bad from stock and B&H should send you a return ups tag. as i see they have stepped up to the plate.
2- if you have easy access to NYC (big assumption in the part of NJ that is close to PATH). take it back and have another pulled from stock and give it the full function once over and final inspect while there. i did send you a PM.
i'm just interested party that is not related to RRS other than i purchase stuff from them too. i do have a somewhat technical background. i would like to photograph the issue and send it to the appropriate individual. as it looks like stupid was done then they need to know and account for it for the consumer and themselves.
it looks like a combined issue in building and QC.
I just got off the phone with them, as they have to replace my Apex hub on the TVC34lMK2. There is a local shop that sells them as well; pictureline. They may have them in stock if you continue to have issues. Also, ProMedia Gear is just as good in my experience.
Thanks for the suggestion. I did just check Pictureline, and no TFC33 or even TVC33 in stock unfortunately.
I might have to take a look at Pro Media Gear if the 3rd RRS shows up tomorrow also defective, I have also heard great things about them.
Do you know what Pro Media Gear model is equivalent to the RRS TFC33?
I spent many weeks going over all the RRS models. First deciding I needed a 3 series over a 2 series. Than deciding between the 33, 34 and 34L. Than coming to the conclusion the 33 was for me, than debating between the TFC33 and TVC33.
It's a shame RRS might loose a customer over this.
Dustin Gent wrote:
I just got off the phone with them, as they have to replace my Apex hub on the TVC34lMK2. There is a local shop that sells them as well; pictureline. They may have them in stock if you continue to have issues. Also, ProMedia Gear is just as good in my experience.
