RHughes
New member
I just got my l bracket from Kirk. Can somebody tell me what the large hole with the sleeve in it is used for?
Kirk BL-Z8 l bracket
- Thread starter RHughes
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SoCalRick
Well-known member
Sounds like the QD connector slot.
If itis any anything like my RSS bracket it is a quick disconnect socket.
Billl
Billl
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RHughes
New member
Thanks for the quick reply. Did not know what QD was. Now I do.
thott
New member
May be I am overcautious and anxious but I have a bad feeling with this small QDs.
I personally would never resign my gear to a QD.
Of course every connection can fail.....but I do not trust those QDs.
Maurie
Active member
Are QDs reliable?
The good ones (eg Magpul, RRS) are the best connectors. There is an entire thread somewhere. If they fail, it's almost always user error. I wouldn't go cheap on either the connector or the plate it goes into.
joe43
Well-known member
I do not know much about QDs. My preference would be to rely on the "larger?" one that is similar to the one used for rifles. (I am not aware of the smaller ones.) The larger one is used in one of the Black Rapid straps that some photographers use. See more at the two links:
www.blackrapid.com
Here is what Kirk says about QD:
kirkphoto.com
BlackRapid Sport X QD Rifle Sling, Black, single point connection - BLACKRAPID
BlackRapid Sport X QD Rifle Sling, Black
www.blackrapid.com
Here is what Kirk says about QD:
Quick Disconnect System | Kirk Photo
Kirk Photo is a manufacturer of camera parts and equipment including camera monopod, gimbal & ball heads, mounting equipment, brackets, rails and more!
kirkphoto.com
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Darrellhar
Well-known member
Keep in mind that QD was originally designed for use with rifles and carried over to camera gear. I've been using QD strap for about 5 years now and have never had an issue with it either attached to camera with small lens or lens plate for larger lens. I use an OP/tech uni-loop strap as a back up but have never needed it.
Darrellhar
Well-known member
I believe they are the same size. I purchased my strap directly from MagPul (they market them only for rifle use).I do not know much about QDs. My preference would be to rely on the "larger?" one that is similar to the one used for rifles. (I am not aware of the smaller ones.) The larger one is used in one of the Black Rapid straps that some photographers use. See more at the two links:
BlackRapid Sport X QD Rifle Sling, Black, single point connection - BLACKRAPID
BlackRapid Sport X QD Rifle Sling, Black
Beats me but I'm not the one to find out. I would never trust my gear to this connector. No way no how.
This is the way I roll....takes a few moments longer to unhook (not unscrew) the strap and there is no chance of any unintended disconnects.
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Darrellhar
Well-known member
You are relying on that small pin to keep your camera from falling though. That is a lot thinner than the QD connector. Not saying you shouldn't, thats up to you, just trying to say there is no perfect solution and everyone has to go with what works best for them.
Attachments
thott
New member
This is my way to carry the camera with Lens. It is unhooked within seconds.
PeakDesign Slide and CaptureClip (old version).
The advantage of the two point connection versus one point connection is, that the camera swing less around during walking.
The PeakDesign anchors are specified for 90Kg load. I personally have a better feeling than with the QD
Btw...I never find a max permissible load for the QDs
Also don't need to check regulary the screw connections in the tripod socket if it get loosen.
.....in my humble opinion....
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To each his own. IMO the QD connection is a accident waiting to happen. In fact I can recount a 2nd hand story. A fellow Photog was getting out of a boat (or into I don't recall) and that QD release button was accidently hit. His camera and lens went into the briney deep.
Yes, that connection you circled MIGHT fail but not accidentally like the QD. And I would bet the farm it'll take more load (and impact) than the QD connection.
I hope no one has an issue with their QD but I won't be among the folks using it.
Good Luck
Darrellhar
Well-known member
I can't obviously speak to the specific case you are referring to but I have no idea how you could mistakenly push release button. Mine does not release easily and I have to put noticeable pressure directly on it to release it. It has to be deliberate is what I'm getting at and the strap has to be push to the side to even get to it. I use the optech strap as a security strap just in case but have fortunately never had to rely on it. Optech strap is a inexpensive insurance. Again I can only speak to my experience but its been rock solid and makes it really easy to transition to tripod when needed. I have same optech straps on all of my lens plates as well.
I'm not trying to convince you, you should use it if you are not comfortable. Just listed it for anyone else that is looking at using this system and wondering about it.
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RonNikon
Member
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QD connectors are highly reliable and and can hold up to 275lbs, I’ve been using them for years and never had one fail, another advantage to using QD connectors is if you want to mount the camera or lens on the tripod you just release the connector and your ready to put the camera on a tripod. The military uses QD connectors and ports to carry their weapons. Hudon Henry also uses QD connectors. I use them with my Holdfast Gear strapsHow much weight can a QD mount hold?
Superior Loadability & Durability * The maximum load weight of qd sling swivel is 264 Ib, but ultimate load weight is 275 Ib. * High strength steel hoop ensure maximum durability under heavy using
I don't recall the details as it was a few years back. I was surprised actually. On the Black Rapid I have no fear of that little pin breaking. And considering that it goes all the way thru the pin would have to break in two place so it's effectively stronger than it appears. Secondly the cap may be swaged on or even threaded which would add significant strength. I have to rely on Black Rapid for that being strong enough but I do believe it is (I've not heard of any failures but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen).
But even if I were to accept the QD system I would not use it. I carry my camera by hand with a wrist strap for safety when using non-footed lenses. I end up threading the Black Rapid part directly into my 100-400 S lens (I do not use the foot except for tripod use). This balances really well. With my 500/4 I screw the black rapid part directly into the foot. I guess I'm just never going to accept that putting $15,000 worth of gear hanging off the QD ball (which would be in tension in my setup) as the best/most secure way to carry it. All I need to do with the black rapid is open the carabiner to release the camera gear. And if I want I can tighten the safety stop on the carabiner which locks it closed. In one case an accident can happen (it may be improbable but it is possible). I the other case a failure needs to occur. Again, improbable but possible. Nothing is 100%
I'm not trying to convince you (or anyone else) to change but I do note that you feel some sort of additional security is required (nice implementation BTW) and I feel secure enough without a safety strap. I hope we're both right tho!!
Darrellhar
Well-known member
I've used that as insurance long before I moved over to QD (actually started using it when I had same black rapid set up that you do) so its not something specific to using QD. I prefer to always have a fail safe just in case. As we both said nothing is 100% fool proof and this is a $6 insurance policy.
SoCalRick
Well-known member
My go to carrying mechanism is the QD connector using my Black Rapid Sport X shoulder strap. I can’t for the life of me imagine how it could ever “accidentally” be released.
Everyone is free to decide whether to use the QD connector, or not. It is certainly a reliable and thoroughly tested technology.
Everyone is free to decide whether to use the QD connector, or not. It is certainly a reliable and thoroughly tested technology.
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Black Rapid sell a safety tether as extra security. One end attaches to the camera lug.
Might not be such a good idea with heavy lens on Z8.
www.blackrapid.com
Might not be such a good idea with heavy lens on Z8.
Extra Secure - Camera Strap Safety Tether II - BLACKRAPID
Get an extra secure camera strap. Whether you're a professional photographer or a passionate amateur, the Camera Safety Tether II is an essential piece of equipment. With a 7.25" long nylon tether (10mm wide) and small swivel carabiner, it's easy to attach your camera or long lens (with a...
www.blackrapid.com
ugh, whe
Ugh, where does it end...tho it seems to be an indictment against their very own hardware.Black Rapid sell a safety tether as extra security. One end attaches to the camera lug.
Might not be such a good idea with heavy lens on Z8.
Extra Secure - Camera Strap Safety Tether II - BLACKRAPID
Get an extra secure camera strap. Whether you're a professional photographer or a passionate amateur, the Camera Safety Tether II is an essential piece of equipment. With a 7.25" long nylon tether (10mm wide) and small swivel carabiner, it's easy to attach your camera or long lens (with a...
Thank you for this suggestion. I've bought a 5" set and it works just fine with my Black Rapid QD and long arca plate.
thott
New member
That’s one of the reason I do not trust single screwed connection of camera straps into the tripod socket.
The area of contact is too small to ensure a durable and safe connection.
See-saw and rotating of the camera enable loosing the screw.
And the fatality is, you do not notice it when it becomes loose.
Not only Blackrapid but also CarrySpeed recommend a safety strap. They know the possible problems.
I trust in the PD baseplate with a large area of contact….and the Capture Clip.
Mmmm, straps are such an emotive subject. The reality is that no matter what you use there will always be wear to deal with.
Cords fray, QD balls and sockets wear, the pin connecting the swivelling bail to the snap hook wears into the bail, embedded grit wears out webbing.
I have seen something as light as a set of keys drop to the ground because, over time, the pin and the bail had worn to the extent that the pin just dropped through the hole that it had worn through the bail.
No matter what you use, check it regularly and maintain it.
Cords fray, QD balls and sockets wear, the pin connecting the swivelling bail to the snap hook wears into the bail, embedded grit wears out webbing.
I have seen something as light as a set of keys drop to the ground because, over time, the pin and the bail had worn to the extent that the pin just dropped through the hole that it had worn through the bail.
No matter what you use, check it regularly and maintain it.
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I have two of these that I use and love them. Think Tank Holster