500 PF and the Dastardly Dangerous Quick Release Foot

If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).

PAUL50

PAUL50

Well-known member
Supporting Member
Marketplace
Member's gallery
Steve warned us to be careful with carrying the 500PF by the foot. It has a useless quick release lever and they ain’t kidding. I just received a 500PF, attached it to my D4s and appropriately carried the rig outdoors by the foot when lo and behold my thumb inadvertently hit the quick release button leaving me only holding the foot. The rest of the rig hit the ground with a big thud. Fortunately, no damage, but the next thing I did was replace Nikon’s trick foot with the Wimberley replacement foot. So, the morale of this story, if you own or are considering purchasing the 500PF, is either carry it by the barrel or replace that darn foot. Just saying . . .
 
Member's gallery
I have posted my solution to this problem, it is simple, block the quick release mechanism from operating.
It does means that you lose one mounting hole but on my lens and D500 I have no problems.
A section of thread with a slot one end and tightnen snugly onto the back of the release lever.

500PF_FOOT_BCG.jpg
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
 
When I ordered a 500 PF I also ordered a replacement from Hejnar. Very nice and fair price, unfortunately I never did get a lens to put it on. So now I have a foot here somewhere without a leg. :-/
 
Member's gallery
PAUL50 said:
Steve warned us to be careful with carrying the 500PF by the foot. It has a useless quick release lever and they ain’t kidding. I just received a 500PF, attached it to my D4s and appropriately carried the rig outdoors by the foot when lo and behold my thumb inadvertently hit the quick release button leaving me only holding the foot. The rest of the rig hit the ground with a big thud. Fortunately, no damage, but the next thing I did was replace Nikon’s trick foot with the Wimberley replacement foot. So, the morale of this story, if you own or are considering purchasing the 500PF, is either carry it by the barrel or replace that darn foot. Just saying . . .
Click to expand...
I replaced it the very first day with the Hejnar foot as per Steve's advice. The Hejnar foot and Lenscoat sat in my cupboard for almost more the 11 months before my 500 PF arrived. It was well worth the wait.
 
Member's gallery
I was lucky enough to get the 500 PF the very first day it was available in the USA. I removed the foot immediately and haven’t seen it since. I have no idea where it is and won’t be replacing it! This lens was made for hand holding in my opinion :)
 
Member's gallery
When I watched Steve’s review I could not help but smile when he was waving the foot around with no lens attached. Heeding his Warning I ordered the Hejnar as soon as I knew my lens would arrive.
it cost over 60 GBP with postage but then surprise another 20 odd GBP in tax and Vat when it arrived.
That said it is a much better foot than the original. Easier to hold and better made.
I actually did the upgrade as per soundbyte to lock the mechanism on the original but would not change back .
 
Member's gallery
I purchased my Hejnar foot before purchasing the lens as well. There were times when I was considering the 300 PF with tc 1.4 because of the difficulty of getting the 500pf. So I purchased the replacement foot and filter before I purchased the 500 so that I wouldn’t change my mind. Finally got the lens in June. The first foot was so tight that I couldn‘t get it on. Contacted Chris and he immediately sent me another. He was great! The second one was a snug fit but I got it on. It’s solid as a rock.
 
Member's gallery
PAUL50 said:
Steve warned us to be careful with carrying the 500PF by the foot. It has a useless quick release lever and they ain’t kidding. I just received a 500PF, attached it to my D4s and appropriately carried the rig outdoors by the foot when lo and behold my thumb inadvertently hit the quick release button leaving me only holding the foot. The rest of the rig hit the ground with a big thud. Fortunately, no damage, but the next thing I did was replace Nikon’s trick foot with the Wimberley replacement foot. So, the morale of this story, if you own or are considering purchasing the 500PF, is either carry it by the barrel or replace that darn foot. Just saying . . .
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear but glad no damage. I immediately got the RRS foot. Unlike the Hejnar, it does still have a quick release but tightening the screw on the really right stuff… There’s no way it’s coming off. Although I just realized Hejnar is about 15 minutes from my house, so I might have to check out whatever else he builds! 😃
 
Member's gallery
Yup, the foot on that lens should be replaced immediately IMO. I was warned that it could happen prior to going out, but I had my doubts. Still, I cranked down on the knob just to be safe - and it still fell. So, be careful :) The Hejnar foot is well worth it IMO.
 
armchicago said:
Sorry to hear but glad no damage. I immediately got the RRS foot. Unlike the Hejnar, it does still have a quick release but tightening the screw on the really right stuff… There’s no way it’s coming off. Although I just realized Hejnar is about 15 minutes from my house, so I might have to check out whatever else he builds! 😃
Click to expand...
Nice quality and will do custom work. (y)
 
Member's gallery
Just a related question for the group. When attaching feet to lenses or plates to camera bodies, is it adviseable to use Locktite Blue. Last time I was in the field it seemed I spent way too much time with screw drivers and pliers tightening down my gear. I did all the checks in the morning when it was cold and by the time I was out in a meadow at Cades Cove where it warmed up everything was loose. I missed a bear shot because a slide loosened on the camera body and almost lost the camera off the gimbal head-talk about frustrating, but then again, how hard is it to unscrew something fastened with Locktight Blue?
 
Blue is fine but I choose not to use it. Don't use red on anything you want to remove. I haven't had very many problems with things loosening on there own (other than my Feisel tripod). I just snug everything down and call it good. If I notice something is loose I tighten it.
I do not have a 500mm PF but I usually hike between 5 and 10 miles per day with a 200-500mm or 150-600mm
 
Member's gallery
Hut said:
When I ordered a 500 PF I also ordered a replacement from Hejnar. Very nice and fair price, unfortunately I never did get a lens to put it on. So now I have a foot here somewhere without a leg. :-/
Click to expand...
If you’re still looking, two days ago I was notified but Adorama and B&H that they had the lens in stock. They may already be gone, but it might be worth a couple phone calls.
 
PAUL50 said:
If you’re still looking, two days ago I was notified but Adorama and B&H that they had the lens in stock. They may already be gone, but it might be worth a couple phone calls.
Click to expand...
Thanks, after I got turned down twice I bought a Nikon 200-500 to replace my Tamron 150-600 and invested in other f/2.8 lenses. So, now I am not sure if I will ever order one again or not. Maybe look for a f/4 someday instead. I still get my notifications from B&H I must have missed it. I am used to just deleting those now after so many....lol
Thanks again
 
Member's gallery
PAUL50 said:
Steve warned us to be careful with carrying the 500PF by the foot. It has a useless quick release lever and they ain’t kidding. I just received a 500PF, attached it to my D4s and appropriately carried the rig outdoors by the foot when lo and behold my thumb inadvertently hit the quick release button leaving me only holding the foot. The rest of the rig hit the ground with a big thud. Fortunately, no damage, but the next thing I did was replace Nikon’s trick foot with the Wimberley replacement foot. So, the morale of this story, if you own or are considering purchasing the 500PF, is either carry it by the barrel or replace that darn foot. Just saying . . .
Click to expand...
Glad it survived the fall.. I can only imagine what you thought when seeing it on the ground...
 
Member's gallery
PAUL50 said:
Just a related question for the group. When attaching feet to lenses or plates to camera bodies, is it adviseable to use Locktite Blue. Last time I was in the field it seemed I spent way too much time with screw drivers and pliers tightening down my gear. I did all the checks in the morning when it was cold and by the time I was out in a meadow at Cades Cove where it warmed up everything was loose. I missed a bear shot because a slide loosened on the camera body and almost lost the camera off the gimbal head-talk about frustrating, but then again, how hard is it to unscrew something fastened with Locktight Blue?
Click to expand...
I use loctite whenever I don't want a screw backing out on it's own... so yes I've used them on Lens feet... and many other things with my gear.
 
Last edited:
Member's gallery
gordon_g said:
Glad it survived the fall.. I can only imagine what you thought when seeing it on the ground...
Click to expand...
LOL! There were two other people standing around and we just looked at each other with “that look,” especially since I’d just gotten the lens and had to return the first one as defective. Probably don’t have to repeat the comments Immediately following!
 
Member's gallery
PAUL50 said:
LOL! There were two other people standing around and we just looked at each other with “that look,” especially since I’d just gotten the lens and had to return the first one as defective. Probably don’t have to repeat the comments Immediately following!
Click to expand...
No I'm sure you don't. You're almost afraid it even look at it, or pick it up. Not a good feeling!
 
Member's gallery
PAUL50 said:
Just a related question for the group. When attaching feet to lenses or plates to camera bodies, is it adviseable to use Locktite Blue. Last time I was in the field it seemed I spent way too much time with screw drivers and pliers tightening down my gear. I did all the checks in the morning when it was cold and by the time I was out in a meadow at Cades Cove where it warmed up everything was loose. I missed a bear shot because a slide loosened on the camera body and almost lost the camera off the gimbal head-talk about frustrating, but then again, how hard is it to unscrew something fastened with Locktight Blue?
Click to expand...
I used a small grip washer on my Hejnar foot for security
 
Member's gallery
There are different colors of Loctite with more or less sticking poser. I would think that one of the lower grade ones would be adequate for this...but would test it on a similarly sized bolt and nut to make sure it seemed “secure enough”.
 
Member's gallery
Neil Laubenthal said:
There are different colors of Loctite with more or less sticking poser. I would think that one of the lower grade ones would be adequate for this...but would test it on a similarly sized bolt and nut to make sure it seemed “secure enough”.
Click to expand...

Tend to use 243 Blue for photography kit, I'm only using Red on non photo applications that I never want to undo :)
 
Member's gallery
PAUL50 said:
Just a related question for the group. When attaching feet to lenses or plates to camera bodies, is it adviseable to use Locktite Blue. Last time I was in the field it seemed I spent way too much time with screw drivers and pliers tightening down my gear. I did all the checks in the morning when it was cold and by the time I was out in a meadow at Cades Cove where it warmed up everything was loose. I missed a bear shot because a slide loosened on the camera body and almost lost the camera off the gimbal head-talk about frustrating, but then again, how hard is it to unscrew something fastened with Locktight Blue?
Click to expand...
I use blue sometimes - I try it without first, and if it gives me trouble, it gets a drop of blue. Most of the time, it's not necessary, however, every now and then I've had lenses that needed it (our 200-600 Sony's foot attainment was CONSTANTLY coming loose)
 
Member's gallery
Steve said:
I use blue sometimes - I try it without first, and if it gives me trouble, it gets a drop of blue. Most of the time, it's not necessary, however, every now and then I've had lenses that needed it (our 200-600 Sony's foot attainment was CONSTANTLY coming loose)
Click to expand...
Thanks Steve
 
Member's gallery
Hut said:
Blue is fine but I choose not to use it. Don't use red on anything you want to remove. I haven't had very many problems with things loosening on there own (other than my Feisel tripod). I just snug everything down and call it good. If I notice something is loose I tighten it.
I do not have a 500mm PF but I usually hike between 5 and 10 miles per day with a 200-500mm or 150-600mm
Click to expand...
Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top