QD connector failure

[thott]

Frankly speaking, I don't know why so many people rely on QD connectors.

When I see that QD connectors require a safety cord, that's a no-go for me.
There are so many other safe quick-connections on the market

 

[Chappy]

so the gun forums sound like the camera forums on QDs too, that is interesting. I wonder how many failures were due to equipment, ie made poorly, user error, debris inside the socket etc.. No way to know.

What do you attribute the QD from coming out, yet working afterwards?

I don't care if my gear falls and dies it's insured. I DO care in the context of not being able to take pictures on a bucket list site.

It is either one of two things. My first thought is I just didn't push in the QD male side enough for th eballs to come out and lock. The second thing is that there was foreign matter of some kind on the balls or in the socket. I suspect it is the first because I have never seen any kind of foreign material.

Either way, I think it was my own fault and that is why I check the QD by both turning it in the socket and pulling hard on the strap.

I am a cotton farmer by trade. I deal with equipment all the time and metal fatique and failures of equipment doesnt happen very often. Most of the time breakdowns outside of engines or transmission on tractors or farm equipment is due to user error and yes i speak from experience with user error. Now add water or dirt or some other foreign substance and every thing changes. That is why I keep insurance on all my more sensitive farm equipment and my cameras.

 

[maxxus46]

I agree with viper699
I only use Magpul QDs. Certainly not the cheapest - but I did try a generic version…once! Connected it to my Z9, gave it a slight tug and it detached with ease.
So, straight into the bin it went. Obviously, there’s still no guarantee and anything can fail, but the Magpul QDs seem very well made

Yes , Magpul QDs are used by military to carry heavy rifles in bad conditions. Another reputable military spec brand of QD is BCM (Bravo company) along with GrovTec . Just a few that I would trust to heavy gear. I would never use an off brand QD whether sold by BH or Amazon. Often they are cheap China made knock offs using poor quality steel and components. Good luck
UPDATE: the BCM are my favorites due to recessed button design to prevent accidental releases : https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-quick-detach-sling-swivel-heavy-duty-design/
Another great QD connector by GrovTec; https://grovtec.com/products/recess...ush-button-swivels-manganese-phosphate-d-loop

 

[Doug Herr]

I have not used a QD device before - largely because the whole concept just seems like a giant opportunity for a camera to hit the ground - and so I may be missing something, but doesn't having an additional safety tether sort of defeat the whole purpose of the QD by requiring a person to release a second strap in addition to the QD when you want to use it?

That's how I see it.

 

[Chappy]

That's how I see it.

Not everyone has the same use case. We all have different genre tthat we shoot and different ways we that we need to handle our cameras and lenses. Unfortunately there are a lot of other ways and things we do that cause a camera to hit the ground. Ive seen more cameras and lenses hit the gound that fell of tripods or monopods. I've seen cameras hit the ground because of the quick release foot on some nikon lenses. Once I saw a man raise his tripod over his shoulder with Canon 1Dx and probably a 600mm lens come off of the tripod and hit the ground with the lens and camera breaking apart at the mount. Even today I still cringe when I think about it.

Point is Ive seen these magpul QD's used on rifles and cameras for a long time and never seen a failure. Failures happen to everything and there is always risk. How would you like ot have a camera and lens fall to the ground after one of the lugs broke off on a Z8. That was on Nikon but it did happen to many people who purchased a Z8. For me the greatest risk may be getting my camera equipment stolen from my truck. So the best thing for me is to have insurance on my camera gear, a backup camera and being a member of NPS. Maybe thats overkill as I have never had a claim on my camera insurance. But as a farmer i try and mitigate risk all the time on my farm.

 

[viper699]

Now add water or dirt

Indeed water esp does a lot more damage to many things than most people would think

Cotton plants showing that cotton are gorgeous. I remember seeing in person for the first time beside a highway- so interesting and impressive!

 

[viper699]

Frankly speaking, I don't know why so many people rely on QD connectors.

When I see that QD connectors require a safety cord, that's a no-go for me.
There are so many other safe quick-connections on the market

View attachment 110613

I almost bought that QD product- clever

 

[Wrogu]

Frankly speaking, I don't know why so many people rely on QD connectors.

When I see that QD connectors require a safety cord, that's a no-go for me.
There are so many other safe quick-connections on the market

View attachment 110613

This tether is done seriously wrong. If the metal loop fails you are screwed.

No matter the carrying system for a 400/600 prime I would never trust a single connections. That is also why Peak design is a bad solutions for heavy lenses. You want a closed loop strap and double connector. One for carrying and a redundant one for safety if first fails.

 

[Hooligans Imagery]

Frankly speaking, I don't know why so many people rely on QD connectors.

When I see that QD connectors require a safety cord, that's a no-go for me.
There are so many other safe quick-connections on the market

View attachment 110613

FWIW, the PD solution was tested by PMG and rated at 15lbs, but it should be connected to the camera eyelet IMO.
Also the QD quality varies. PMG or Magpul are solid brands.
Also check out the thread on insurance which covers accidents and thefts for the future.

Photography Equipment Insurance Options (retitled discussion)

EDIT - December 22, 2024 This post has been updated many times so I added the date for reference. Shopping for insurance has been a challenge. This post reflects my experience. Some of the main reasons for this type of insurance is that it will cover things that other insurance would not...

bcgforums.com

 

[Hooligans Imagery]

I regularly carry my Z9 using a QD connection. I initially used the Magpul, which I liked. But after about a year, I found the QD mechanism became stiff when trying to either insert or release it. I cleaned it regularly and then used a little lubricant which improved it a lot. And it never released unexpectedly. But I didn’t really trust it after that. So into the recycle bin.
I then swapped to a Black Rapid cross strap and installed a Kirk QD at the connection point. It would then connect to the Hejnar foot on my 600PF. I also have the Black Rapid safety tether connected to the strap and another QD with is attached on the L frame of the camera. So if either QD fails, or if the foot disconnects, nothing should hit the ground. Whenever I connect the QDs, I give them a test pull and routinely check the foot for tightness. I find the Kirk QDs to be high quality. I was surprised at the issue I had with the Magpul. There are others out there that are good. I would never trust the cheap Amazon knockoffs.

The Kirk Security Strap still has a knob and not a locking clamp so there is still risk there as well.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1499339-REG/kirk_ss_1_kes_security_strap_for.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&store=420&smpm=ba_f2_lar&lsft=BI%3A514&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD7yMh2GjmOZ0pAszKVrV8JVqLRmQ&gclid=Cj0KCQjw782_BhDjARIsABTv_JD7i1OtuC-UFfCKDeBugByWofHDOKHwj4ZdYYq-VWPvttAOjY8k6T4aAtyqEALw_wcB

Interesting that Leofoto apparently won a lawsuit against RSS and they are starting to design products with locking clamps that will be out in the next couple of months. While I have objected to their business practices in the past, this is a good development.

MPG-02L - Leofoto

Leofoto was founded at the beginning of 2014. It is located in Zhongshan, beautiful Pearl River Delta area in China. Leofoto team has been designing and manufacturing series of camera support systems by comparing and studying the high-end photographic accessories made in China and abroad and...

leofoto.com

 

[soundwatts]

who made the QD connector and how old was it (how much use)?

Can’t remember but it was about 15 dollars at b&h

I'm really sorry about this major loss. I hope your equipment is covered by a camera insurance.

I don't use QD connections and don't trust them. They're too fragile and mechanical ambiguous for me. I've read about their failures several times.

I only use mounts and camera plates from PeakDesign and a quick-release plate from SpinnDesign for the PD Slide. The PF Anchors have a breaking load of 90 kg with two wear indicators.

i do have insurance

 

[viper699]

The Kirk Security Strap still has a knob and not a locking clamp so there is still risk there as well.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1499339-REG/kirk_ss_1_kes_security_strap_for.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&store=420&smpm=ba_f2_lar&lsft=BI%3A514&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD7yMh2GjmOZ0pAszKVrV8JVqLRmQ&gclid=Cj0KCQjw782_BhDjARIsABTv_JD7i1OtuC-UFfCKDeBugByWofHDOKHwj4ZdYYq-VWPvttAOjY8k6T4aAtyqEALw_wcB

Interesting that Leofoto apparently won a lawsuit against RSS and they are starting to design products with locking clamps that will be out in the next couple of months. While I have objected to their business practices in the past, this is a good development.

MPG-02L - Leofoto

Leofoto was founded at the beginning of 2014. It is located in Zhongshan, beautiful Pearl River Delta area in China. Leofoto team has been designing and manufacturing series of camera support systems by comparing and studying the high-end photographic accessories made in China and abroad and...

leofoto.com

Clever gimbal design I think.

 

[Oldnintheway]

Is it really worth all of that to avoid a few turns of a screw into the foot? I think not.

 

[thott]

FWIW, the PD solution was tested by PMG and rated at 15lbs, but it should be connected to the camera eyelet IMO.
Also the QD quality varies. PMG or Magpul are solid brands.
Also check out the thread on insurance which covers accidents and thefts for the future.

Everyone has their own experiences and preferences when it comes to camera attachments. With or without safety strap.

When I read about the numerous failures of the QD connection compared to the PD Anchor or Capture Clip, the PD is definitely the best for me.

Furthermore, the anchors have two wear indicators. The QD ones don't. They work digitally...either they hold or they don't.

Beside the PD Anchor my safety strip is my camera insurance (lost, theft, damage by myself, repair work if out of warranty, …)



But again, it's not my place to demonize one or the other. Everyone is the master of their own decision.

 

[RichF]

Just use redundant connectors.
I run leofoto qd and a peak design anchor on a second slider tethered to the Lens. Takes extra 2seconds to connect additional PD anchor.

Check how reporter strap from Poland works. I think blackrapid Has their redundant connector as well.

Good idea. I have never had a QD connector fail, but I have had a camera slip out of arca swiss clamp when i *stupidly" did not tighten it.

 

[RichF]

I should add that when I am shooting sports, I often sit down on the baseline or in the back of the end zone and disconnet my straps. I am always carrying two bodies with different lenses and want them easy to disconnect from their straps.

Make sense if you are sitting, until the one time something happens. Generally I don't use a strap when on Safari. Then a camera nearly slips out of my hand and the straps go back on. Luckily I have never lost a camera.

 

[RichF]

I always give a few pulls to make sure it’s on there. This was just a random break

Great idea. I check occasionally but not every time

 

[RichF]

Everyone has their own experiences and preferences when it comes to camera attachments. With or without safety strap.

When I read about the numerous failures of the QD connection compared to the PD Anchor or Capture Clip, the PD is definitely the best for me.

Furthermore, the anchors have two wear indicators. The QD ones don't. They work digitally...either they hold or they don't.

Beside the PD Anchor my safety strip is my camera insurance (lost, theft, damage by myself, repair work if out of warranty, …)

View attachment 110631

But again, it's not my place to demonize one or the other. Everyone is the master of their own decision.

true.. we all make our own (wise or stupid) decisions. Hindsight tells us which it was.

 

[RichF]

Frankly speaking, I don't know why so many people rely on QD connectors.

When I see that QD connectors require a safety cord, that's a no-go for me.
There are so many other safe quick-connections on the market

View attachment 110613

Where did you get the leash to the anchor link?

 

[RichF]

It is either one of two things. My first thought is I just didn't push in the QD male side enough for th eballs to come out and lock. The second thing is that there was foreign matter of some kind on the balls or in the socket. I suspect it is the first because I have never seen any kind of foreign material.

Either way, I think it was my own fault and that is why I check the QD by both turning it in the socket and pulling hard on the strap.

I am a cotton farmer by trade. I deal with equipment all the time and metal fatique and failures of equipment doesnt happen very often. Most of the time breakdowns outside of engines or transmission on tractors or farm equipment is due to user error and yes i speak from experience with user error. Now add water or dirt or some other foreign substance and every thing changes. That is why I keep insurance on all my more sensitive farm equipment and my cameras.

Insurance may pay for repairs but if you (I) lose a camera/lens on a trip, the trip may be a bust. I have never found a way to insurance the cost of trip against camera failure

 

[RichF]

Yes , Magpul QDs are used by military to carry heavy rifles in bad conditions. Another reputable military spec brand of QD is BCM (Bravo company) along with GrovTec . Just a few that I would trust to heavy gear. I would never use an off brand QD whether sold by BH or Amazon. Often they are cheap China made knock offs using poor quality steel and components. Good luck
UPDATE: the BCM are my favorites due to recessed button design to prevent accidental releases : https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-quick-detach-sling-swivel-heavy-duty-design/
Another great QD connector by GrovTec; https://grovtec.com/products/recess...ush-button-swivels-manganese-phosphate-d-loop

It would be great if some organization did a indepth testing but then again a single random bad part could cause major damage to our equipment.

 

[RichF]

That's how I see it.

what do you use?

 

[RichF]

Not everyone has the same use case. We all have different genre tthat we shoot and different ways we that we need to handle our cameras and lenses. Unfortunately there are a lot of other ways and things we do that cause a camera to hit the ground. Ive seen more cameras and lenses hit the gound that fell of tripods or monopods. I've seen cameras hit the ground because of the quick release foot on some nikon lenses. Once I saw a man raise his tripod over his shoulder with Canon 1Dx and probably a 600mm lens come off of the tripod and hit the ground with the lens and camera breaking apart at the mount. Even today I still cringe when I think about it.

Point is Ive seen these magpul QD's used on rifles and cameras for a long time and never seen a failure. Failures happen to everything and there is always risk. How would you like ot have a camera and lens fall to the ground after one of the lugs broke off on a Z8. That was on Nikon but it did happen to many people who purchased a Z8. For me the greatest risk may be getting my camera equipment stolen from my truck. So the best thing for me is to have insurance on my camera gear, a backup camera and being a member of NPS. Maybe thats overkill as I have never had a claim on my camera insurance. But as a farmer i try and mitigate risk all the time on my farm.

goal is to minimize risk. There is no way to total eliminate (at a reasonable cost).

 

[thott]

Where did you get the leash to the anchor link?

Shown at the picture?
That’s not my arrangement…

 

[Fishboy1952]

The Kirk Security Strap still has a knob and not a locking clamp so there is still risk there as well.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1499339-REG/kirk_ss_1_kes_security_strap_for.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&store=420&smpm=ba_f2_lar&lsft=BI%3A514&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD7yMh2GjmOZ0pAszKVrV8JVqLRmQ&gclid=Cj0KCQjw782_BhDjARIsABTv_JD7i1OtuC-UFfCKDeBugByWofHDOKHwj4ZdYYq-VWPvttAOjY8k6T4aAtyqEALw_wcB

Interesting that Leofoto apparently won a lawsuit against RSS and they are starting to design products with locking clamps that will be out in the next couple of months. While I have objected to their business practices in the past, this is a good development.

https://leofoto.com/products_detail.php?

http://

The Kirk Security Strap still has a knob and not a locking clamp so there is still risk there as well.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1499339-REG/kirk_ss_1_kes_security_strap_for.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&store=420&smpm=ba_f2_lar&lsft=BI%3A514&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD7yMh2GjmOZ0pAszKVrV8JVqLRmQ&gclid=Cj0KCQjw782_BhDjARIsABTv_JD7i1OtuC-UFfCKDeBugByWofHDOKHwj4ZdYYq-VWPvttAOjY8k6T4aAtyqEALw_wcB

Interesting that Leofoto apparently won a lawsuit against RSS and they are starting to design products with locking clamps that will be out in the next couple of months. While I have objected to their business practices in the past, this is a good development.

MPG-02L - Leofoto

Leofoto was founded at the beginning of 2014. It is located in Zhongshan, beautiful Pearl River Delta area in China. Leofoto team has been designing and manufacturing series of camera support systems by comparing and studying the high-end photographic accessories made in China and abroad and...

leofoto.com

My setup does not have a knob. It appears to be very secure.

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