markins emile q3 ballhead stuck! any suggestions

[languidcrane]

I just recieved this today from ebay. It worked for a few minutes, and then the ballhead became stuck. I can't get it to move no matter which way I twist the tightening knob. Is this a common problem?

Also, is the tighteng knob for the ballhead on the markins q3 emile supposted to be a little loose? By this I mean when I pull it out it moves a few millimeters out, and when I push in it moves back in. It is not that much, but it seems weird. I dont know if this could be contributing to the problem.

Thanks,

John

[StevenJohn]

My ball head will do something similar if the adjustment screw for the loose friction setting is too tight. I have to tighten the main tightening knob, and then loosen the loose friction setting screw. I'm not sure if it will help you, but it's worth a shot.

[Brian Stein]

this tightening knob on both my markins heads moves in and out a little.
I wonder if this is your problem: the manual states "do not force the ball locking head to its CCW limit. It can be locked if the torque limit dial is in use. If locked, unscrew the torque limit dial with a screwdriver and hold the bal locking knob tight and apply some impulsive torsional force to unlock it"
The torque limit dial is the little dial in the front of the main knob. http://www.markins.com/2.0/eng/feature_01.html
If this doesnt help perhaps ask markins?

[Bob Salomon]

"apply some impulsive torsional force "

Exactly what does that mean?

[Steven Tribe]

It means the transation wasn't that good. Impulsive has a meaning other than jerking torsional force rather than continuous force - which was in the original author's mind.

[languidcrane]

Thanks for everyones help. The torque limit dial was too tight. When I unscrewed it the ballhead came free. I had to screw it almost all the way out though - if anyone else has a similar problem. It seems to work really well now that i have the torque dial set properly.