QD failed, one off or has this happened to others

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Well. Another scary story. I use QDs purchased from Kirk and RSS. After initial misgivings, I use them without a second thought. Probably gonna regret that, someday.

I can't (don't) use a safety strap because I am constantly taking one or the other camera off the harness to take overhead pictures (for example). Never had a problem, but I don't use them much unless I really need to...Too heavy and dangly. I prefer the Peak Design connectors, especially for normal-sized lenses.

Note that some systems, like the Moneymaker and the original BlackRapid, provide eyelets that screw directly into the camera. Of course, the first thing one does is toss them out because they get in the way of actual tripod mounts. And how many times have you brought your fancy tripod out in front of everyone to realize you're missing the ArcaSwiss plate, eh?

Can't win for losin'. :cry:
 
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As a matter of fact, QD is a precision system (originally developed for the American army if what I had read some time ago is correct).

To carry/attach priced equipment, it is best not to skimp on the quality of these fasteners, by purchasing RRS for example.
The same goes for the female side, which receives the 4 small balls of the QD attachment.

Safety comes at a price, especially for our expensive equipment.
 
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PeggyBaker said:
The Magpul QD I have that failed stopped retracting the ball bearings that hold it inside the connection. Not user error.
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If the balls are jammed out in the locked position and you "think" its engaged with the socket... is it not user error in that the connection was never actually made in the first place? What I think everyone here means by "fail" is a fully connected QD releasing unexpectedly under load.
 
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frdjohns said:
I believe the reasons above are the causes of most failures. You have to be smarter than the machine.

That said, you also have to be careful of your sources. I have bought QD connectors from Magpul, RRS, and from Ebay. I always test the connection when engaging QD connectors and sockets to be sure they are solid before heading out. I found the generic QD connectors from Ebay to be faulty. They connected to the QD socket, and you could hear the click as it engaged, but if I pulled hard the connector would pull right out of the socket. The tolerances of the fit were not quite right. Fortunately no damage was done, as I had checked them carefully, and subseqently threw them in the trash. The connectors from Magpul and RRS have never failed me.

Just be careful of where you buy them (use a reliable source) and always check the connection carefully before trusting your gear to the QD or any other system.
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I believe RRS swivel is actually Magpul. The recievers are obviously machined inhouse.
 
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The QDs that are used on RRS and Kirk brackets will fail over time IF the female side is aluminum. The male parts are steel and will wear the female side out. Military aluminum stocks are now commonly seen with steel inserts to prevent this failure. My Kirk and RRS Z9 brackets have an insert.
 
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RoyC said:
The QDs that are used on RRS and Kirk brackets will fail over time IF the female side is aluminum. The male parts are steel and will wear the female side out. Military aluminum stocks are now commonly seen with steel inserts to prevent this failure. My Kirk and RRS Z9 brackets have an insert.
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This is true. Though if the socket side is anodized aluminum this is not likely an issue for 99 percent of users. Under daily use sure the anodized surface will fail. But with occasional use that most amateurs subject it to it'll likely last indefinitely. And the socket is easily inspected for damage to the anodizing.
 
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aolander said:
Kirk plates, L-brackets, etc. with QD sockets have stainless liners which is why I like them. Not sure of others.
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Unfortunately it appears that not all of their lens plates have the steel liner. The 70-200/100-400 replacement foot from RRS does not have one, Kirk version does. Not sure about other plates but I know that one in particular does not. I still purchased RRS version as I'm guessing it would take a lot of on and off to wear that out.
 
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I am using Magpul on all my equipment currently but I am starting to have some doubts about it. Maybe a good old fashioned neck strap is the answer after all. Perhaps a Magpie on the really heavy lenses. I am wondering if even my 500pf needs a separate strap. It is not super heavy. What are people's thoughts?
 
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Yikes. Whole lotta yikes.

This, at least, justifies my paranoia a little. I made my own heavy duty safety strap, just because I strongly believe in redundancy. And even with both attached (primary to lens foot, safety to l-bracket), I still try to always keep my hand lightly holding the lens foot in case it slips. But I figure that even if one of the two QD connectors (both purchased from RRS) wears out, it's pretty unlikely that both will at the same time.

I do worry about wear, though. I've been making sure to clean them thoroughly after being exposed to rough conditions (saltwater spray, sand, dust, etc). Hoping that'll reduce likelihood of failure, too.
 
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My QD is I manually clip and unclip, after or before I screw or unscrew the safety in place. Yes, I use QD's on my AR's and other rifles but I don't have a $8,000+ investment hanging off them. With that said, I only have Magpul for the quality. I always check my connections and straps for wear and tear, if it looks worn, it's replaced.
BlackRapid Sport Strap
 
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It has been reported numerous times which is why I would never consider using one. It would be terrible on a trip to lose a camera and or a lens in this manner. If it was a Z9 or a 800mm PF or other lens the problem would be having it take months to replace it with the current situation.

I use the Kirk SS-1 Security Strap that clamps onto any Arca-Swiss foot with no chance of it coming loose. It may take an additional 10 seconds but it will never come loose.
 
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RichF said:
thanks. Sounds solid. though may replace the QD swivels every year or so, just to be safe. small investment to keep $5-10,000 of equipment safe
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I’ve had cheap versions of the QD fail but it’s partially operator error, not waiting for the “click,” or sand in the mechanism. I’ve replaced all mine with the Magpul version and use Kirk plates and feet with stainless liners and have had zero problems. BUT ALWAYS LISTEN FOR THE CLICK!
 
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PeggyBaker said:
The Magpul QD I have that failed stopped retracting the ball bearings that hold it inside the connection. Not user error.
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Depends on how you look at it, you have to keep the QD device clean from sand and debris. Failure to do that could be considered user error. I check mine every outing, just like I check all my cameras and gear.
 
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I like the Magpul QD design concept but have previously considered the exposed push-button release to be an accident waiting to happen and reading through this thread further reinforces my concern.

However, I found the QDM - Quick Disconnect Sling Mount: "The Magpul QDM is a heavy-duty upgrade to standard push-button quick detach sling swivels. - - - etc., etc., - - - Dual side release tabs prevent accidental release." on the Magpul site so I'll order one of these and check it out. It looks a bit bulky but if it works to my satisfaction I'll be adapting my gear for this type of QD.
 
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RichF said:
I have a friend who had a QD fail (camera slipped off the connector and fell the ground, broken Z 9 screen).

Has anyone else had this happen or have heard about this?
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I had a similar problem - The 70-200 tripod foot wasn't locked properly and gave way from the tripod.
The Z9 fell on the camera bag and broke the body lens mount. Lens was undamaged.
My other DSLR bodies have had bigger bumps without any damage - I'm just unlucky or maybe Nikon needs more screws in the mount.🦘
 
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PeggyBaker said:
I had never used it. It really wasn't user error. Really.
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It’s a lesson we all learn. Sometimes over and over again. These days, I test everything out of the box and every time I prepare to go to a shoot. With QDs, I always listen for the click and give it a tug before letting goof it.
 
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PAUL50 said:
It’s a lesson we all learn. Sometimes over and over again. These days, I test everything out of the box and every time I prepare to go to a shoot. With QDs, I always listen for the click and give it a tug before letting goof it.
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I do the same when I attach a lens/camera to the tripod. I lift a bit to make sure it is firmly attached
 
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