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.
get the conversation kit and turn it into a TFC
i've made a few purchases at pictureline. they have some good prices on my ink cartridges for my P800 Epson
Well for anyone that is curious of RRS response. They did get back to me today.
Good thing is, they were closed for almost a week for New Years, but responded to me quickly on their first day back open. So great customer service with that.
Bad thing is, I was really given zero solution.
I sent them a bunch of photos from both TFC-33 tripods, and they were forwarded with my email to both the Assembly team and the Repair team at RRS.
Summary of what they said........
"Both departments confirmed this is glue! And it happens at the factory during assembly as the vents are right next to where the glue is applied, but it is supposed to be noticed and taken care of before going out to customers and vendors, and the glue settling.".........They were just as surprised as me that I received 2 in a row like this!
But now the glue has settled and can not be removed. This glue is supposed to attach the top leg section to top hinge (Spider), so it binds rock solid, and never comes off or loose no matter the force or pressure.
I'm picturing them in my mind, they put this "Super" Glue on the top end of the leg section during assembly, they twist it into place, the glue squirts into the air vents, and the employee doing the assembly is supposed to clean it up and wipe away the excess immediately before it settles, but they are not.
So I followed up with what am I supposed to do? And am waiting for them to write back again. I asked.....
- If the 3rd copy arrives tomorrow with the same problem, is there a way for me to clear open the air vents?
- If I can clear the air vents, than how do I get the dried glue that has dripped onto the carbon fiber legs off without scratching the carbon fiber?
- Do I keep exchanging the tripod legs at B&H until I go through all the remaining stock until I get a good one?
- Do I order the remaining 5 they have in stock all at once, rip open all the boxes, and if 1 is good, return the other 4?
They do have the TVC33's in stock as well. Which was my second choice, but I really have no use for the Versa plate right now. But if indeed the 3rd TFC33 shows up tomorrow defective yet again. I will exchange for the TVC33. If that TVC33 has the same defect, and I go 0 for 4........I will buy a Pro Media Gear tripod.
I definitely want a 3 section tripod. Hopefully I won't have to go over ProMedias tripod catalog.......3rd RRS copy arrives today.
I went over RRS email response. I still can't believe they just told me.....
Yes those are defective tripods, it happens, but it shouldn't. And no direction.
If the 3rd copy does happen to be defective, RRS really should pull the remaining 4 or 5 they have in stock at B&H and recall them, or at least request B&H open them all and inspect them
I had to buy a 4-legged tripod recently and don't like it even more than I thought I would not. There is 50% more screwing/unscrewing which adds to human user pain and suffering when repositioning frequently day after day. Getting all the sectors lined up is annoying. It's not worth it to save a few inches and lose some rigidity. I'd be looking for a 3-legged tripod in stock when you need it (maybe Gitzo).
I definitely want a 3 section tripod. Hopefully I won't have to go over ProMedias tripod catalog.......3rd RRS copy arrives today.
I went over RRS email response. I still can't believe they just told me.....
Yes those are defective tripods, it happens, but it shouldn't. And no direction.
If the 3rd copy does happen to be defective, RRS really should pull the remaining 4 or 5 they have in stock at B&H and recall them, or at least request B&H open them all and inspect them
sjms wrote:
it looks like they think if you want compact you kind of mean it including packed length. all my legs are 4 section. much preferred.
Yea I see what ProMediaGear means. They assume if you want a tripod with a shorter folded length (4 Section) Than you probably also want it thinner in diameter when folded.
I do not care about compactness with this tripod. The only reason I preferred the TFC33 over the TVC33 was because RRS told me the TFC has 100% the same exact rigidity, sturdiness, and stiffness as the TVC model. So if I have zero intention of using a center column, video bowl, or leveling base, there is absolutely no reason at all to buy the TVC version.
Might as well save 0.4 Pounds and 1.7 inches in diameter, if all things are equal.
Even on a short 2 hour hike. 0.4 Pounds makes a difference on your backpack.
In my mind I thought the TVC was superior in "Strength", for no reason but my own mind Hahaha. If RRS told me the TVC33 was stronger, I would not want the TFC33.
I own a Gitzo traveller that is 5 sections! And I am very happy with it for what it is. Folds down to 14 inches in length, and I can fit inside my backpack if needed.
DustinLevine wrote:
Yea I see what ProMediaGear means. They assume if you want a tripod with a shorter folded length (4 Section) Than you probably also want it thinner in diameter when folded.
I do not care about compactness with this tripod. The only reason I preferred the TFC33 over the TVC33 was because RRS told me the TFC has 100% the same exact rigidity, sturdiness, and stiffness as the TVC model. So if I have zero intention of using a center column, video bowl, or leveling base, there is absolutely no reason at all to buy the TVC version.
Might as well save 0.4 Pounds and 1.7 inches in diameter, if all things are equal.
Even on a short 2 hour hike. 0.4 Pounds makes a difference on your backpack.
In my mind I thought the TVC was superior in "Strength", for no reason but my own mind Hahaha. If RRS told me the TVC33 was stronger, I would not want the TFC33.
I own a Gitzo traveller that is 5 sections! And I am very happy with it for what it is. Folds down to 14 inches in length, and I can fit inside my backpack if needed....Show more →
Everyone will have a different views. I had the original set of the TVC33. It fit my need for the r years I used it and for its original need. Then I got the TQC14 for my travel wants/needs. It got a great amount of use. Got a TVC24 as a more general use and that for the way things were going for me it made the TVC33 rather redundant. Then the conversion kits came about so I got it to lighten up the TQC14. So for awhile I did the swapping back and forth but for me I liked the center post and on that it got used a lot. I actually purchased the conversion setup for the TVC24 the savings in weight and girth overall was minimal so it went back. On that tripod I use all of its capabilities so it remains a well used TVC version. And there is where I have been for years now. Since my work is travel based quite a bit the 4 section works on both and allows my wanted versatility. Rigidity difference is all but nonexistent in use. And compared to other makers in equivalents they exceed.
The TVC/TFC 34L is basically a 33 with one extra section. For me, the 34L is the perfect solution. On even ground where I only need to extend 3 sections, it can be used just like a 33. When shooting outdoor, where deep slope is often unavoidable, the 4th section works the wonder.
The Bad : I did get four tripods. Three copies of the TFC-33 and one copy of a TVC-33. All 4 did have dried glue inside the air vents!
The Good : Really Right Stuff has been incredible so far in handling this issue. They have had amazing customer service and communication with me. Someone at the company even called me, spent a good 15-20 minutes talking to me, and they seemed very concerned about this, and genuinely investigating and trying to get to the bottom of it and fix whatever caused this so it is rectified and does not happen again.
RRS requested I send them the tripod instead of returning it to B&H. So I shipped it to RRS a few days ago, and they said they will resolve it for me.
So as long as the tripod comes back to me, and looks and functions perfectly, I will be very happy. And confident knowing RRS takes care of their customers!
DustinLevine wrote:
Just an update for anyone curious.......
The Bad : I did get four tripods. Three copies of the TFC-33 and one copy of a TVC-33. All 4 did have dried glue inside the air vents!
The Good : Really Right Stuff has been incredible so far in handling this issue. They have had amazing customer service and communication with me. Someone at the company even called me, spent a good 15-20 minutes talking to me, and they seemed very concerned about this, and genuinely investigating and trying to get to the bottom of it and fix whatever caused this so it is rectified and does not happen again.
RRS requested I send them the tripod instead of returning it to B&H. So I shipped it to RRS a few days ago, and they said they will resolve it for me.
So as long as the tripod comes back to me, and looks and functions perfectly, I will be very happy. And confident knowing RRS takes care of their customers!...Show more →
I will say that the customer service at RRS is superb, at least in my limited capacity. As i stated before, I drove down to their HQ a few weeks ago, and they worked on my apex for like an hour, trying to get the hex screws out - but they ended up having to drill out the thread to get the hub off. Cost me $96, but included a new hub, screws, a rubber leg and shrink wrapped in a box (almost like new)
That is good that they are having the tripods sent to them. They can work on the legs in house, as they manufacture some stuff there I believe (big buildings).
