Possible MO - RRS / Kirk / Katz Eye - Most Camera Brands

[kennethw]

----- Moved from another thread -----

As mentioned in the other thread, I'll start the groundwork, but I am not necessarily doing the MO, or good if someone helps me. I'm already in contact with Katz Eye and have emailed RRS; just have make an enquiry to Kirk after I get more information from everyone here.

For product line information, please click the following links:
ReallyRightStuff
Kirk Enterprises
Katz Eyes - also see here

Anyone interested, please add your nick and what you are interested in.

Dennis:
- RRS: 1 x BD200-L (D200 L-Bracket)

Kennethw
- RRS: 1 x BH-55 Pro (Ballhead)
- RRS: 1 x BF5L (F5 L-Bracket) (? - undecided on this one or Kirk)
- RRS: 1 x BD70-L (D70s L-Bracket) (? - undecided on this one or Kirk)
- RRS: 2 x 3/8-16 to 1/4-20 Bushing (Tools)[/quote]
- Kirk: 1 x NC80-200 (AF-S 80-200mm Replacement Collar)
- Kirk: 1 x LRP-1 (Long Rail Plate)
- Kirk: 2 x SS-1 (Security Strap)
- Kirk: 1 x FP-300 (Gitzo Replacement Plate)
- Kirk: 1 x LBA-1 (USB/AC spacer block for L-brackets)

[Dennis]

Just some additional info for those undecided for the D70 camera plate, both are good but the Kirk tripot mounting screw location are not centered but the RRS ones are.

[azul123]

Just found out that RRS D200 L-Plates are not available when ordered via RRS web ordering. Looks like it was back ordered.

../azul123

[kennethw]

Originally Posted by Dennis Just some additional info for those undecided for the D70 camera plate, both are good but the Kirk tripot mounting screw location are not centered but the RRS ones are.

Thanks. This makes the buying decision a little easier.

Originally Posted by azul123 Just found out that RRS D200 L-Plates are not available when ordered via RRS web ordering. Looks like it was back ordered.

I think this consolidation is going to take alittle time anyway. Notice it is only the 3 of us talking, with one other who left his/her name in the original thread who is interested in the BH-55 too.

Anyway, bad news bears (oooops, showing my age again), RRS replied my email and said that "have no discounts of any kind" (please see below for copy of emails). But, if we can get a sizable enough order, then maybe we can be in a position to negotiate. So, looks like for now if we consolidate, we only save on Shipping and Handling.

As for Katz Eyes, Rachael Katz said that she is willing to consider some discount, but did not commit on an amount. I have not emailed Kirk Enterprises yet.

Thanks.


Ken

--------------------------------

Sir,

In response to your requests:

1 - Sorry, but we have no discounts of any kind.

2 - Ship costs are calculated solely on package weight and value. To estimate shipping and insurance costs, visit <http://ircalc.usps.gov/>.

3 - No sales tax is applied for shipments outside of California.

4 - We do not collect any taxes at all for shipments outside of California. Please note, however, that our ship costs do NOT include any duties or taxes that may be due when the package reaches Singapore.

5 - In the future, we will incorporate hand strap attachments in most of our L-plates.

We look forward to your future order!

Hope this helps.


Carla Geyer

----------

Really Right Stuff
call 805.528.6321
or toll free from the US and Canada 888.777.5557
fax 805.528.7964
PO Box 6531
Los Osos CA 93412

or

205 Higuera St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
visit our web site at <http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/>

The easiest way to stay current on all new product releases is to visit <http://reallyrightstuff.com/new> where we post all products that are new since our last print catalog.

-----

From Kenneth.Wong@[masked] on 1/4/06:

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am making this enquiry on-behalf-of members of a particular Photography Community in Singapore who are interested in gathering together to make an order from ReallyRightStuff.

We would like to enquire on your criteria for receiving concessions for consolidated orders; some questions, please:

- Does RRS offer volume discounts?
- is it based on volume and/or value and what is the threshold?
- what is the discount that you can offer and it is tierred?
- Calculation of Shipping and Handling
- is S&H on a piece by piece basis or a single mass delivery basis?
- how would I share the S&H cost based on items since people will be ordering different numbers and sizes of goods
- Taxes
- I see that you are based in California, when shipped to Singapore, does the 4.5% (?) sales tax still apply?
- do you apply any Singapore taxes like GST?
- General
- any other information that you deem fit would be useful

On a different note, I noticed that your new D200 L-Brackets have a "loop" on the Righ-Hand-Side to place a handstrap like a Nikon AH-4. Will you be including this feature into the other L-Brackets?

When replying, I would appreciate it if you hit "Reply All" so that I can respond from my Home Email too.

Thank you for your time.


Ken

[kennethw]

Originally Posted by azul123 Just found out that RRS D200 L-Plates are not available when ordered via RRS web ordering. Looks like it was back ordered. ../azul123

Just got this from RRS about the D200 L-Brackets...

Originally Posted by ReallyRightStuff We're currently busy shipping all the pre-orders for our BD200-L plate (we accepted over 150 pre-orders, so it's taking a bit of time to get caught up!). New orders for this plate will likely ship next week.

[quekky]

i may be interested in the D70 or F80 plate, cannot decide which cam to use. but i need it by end of this month

[kennethw]

If you are looking for a Kirk D70 (not D70s) L-Bracket, Gorby is selling one. Link here...

[kennethw]

I just met someone with a RRS BH-40 today at CP, he said that the RRS Ballheads are simply the best. This was the first time I've seen, touched and felt a RRS Ballhead and it is beautiful. HOWEVER, if you intend to get the LR (Lever Clamp) version of the RRS Ballhead, you MUST use RRS plates and brackets. Because of a 'design fault', other plates are not secure; the nice gentleman demonstrated this with my Foba plate. But if you get the Pro (Screw Knob Clamp) version, it works on any Acra style plate. Just some Buyer Beware ....

[kennethw]

Originally Posted by Vince123132 Kenneth, I'm interested in the BH-55 as well, but the website says like no stock like that...also intersted in other trinkets.

I guess we have to wait then. I personally am not in the greatest rush. Also, so far seem that only very few people interested in RRS / Kirk / Katz Eyes products. Let's just wait and see....

[azul123]

Originally Posted by kennethw I just met someone with a RRS BH-40 today at CP, he said that the RRS Ballheads are simply the best. This was the first time I've seen, touched and felt a RRS Ballhead and it is beautiful. HOWEVER, if you intend to get the LR (Lever Clamp) version of the RRS Ballhead, you MUST use RRS plates and brackets. Because of a 'design fault', other plates are not secure; the nice gentleman demonstrated this with my Foba plate. But if you get the Pro (Screw Knob Clamp) version, it works on any Acra style plate. Just some Buyer Beware ....

Did the RRS Clamp version feels strong enough? was thinking of getting the clamp versus the screw type and also saw the caveat from RRS about using their body plates with the Clamp platform due to "design flaw" as you mentioned.

../azul123

[vince123123]

I was also toying between the BH-55 and the BH-40 - the BH40 seems to be more user friendly as the main locking knob is actually a lever rather than a round knob, like the BH-55 - this makes it easier to lock the thing rather than to turn a round knob....did you notice this too?

Does the BH-40 look sturdy enough to take weight? I'd be going for the lever version :P However, we can always change the top clamp to something else if you plan to use on another plate. I'm assuming the BH's can be changed

By the way, u know who's this person with the BH-40?

Originally Posted by kennethw I just met someone with a RRS BH-40 today at CP, he said that the RRS Ballheads are simply the best. This was the first time I've seen, touched and felt a RRS Ballhead and it is beautiful. HOWEVER, if you intend to get the LR (Lever Clamp) version of the RRS Ballhead, you MUST use RRS plates and brackets. Because of a 'design fault', other plates are not secure; the nice gentleman demonstrated this with my Foba plate. But if you get the Pro (Screw Knob Clamp) version, it works on any Acra style plate. Just some Buyer Beware ....

[vince123123]

Sorry the word toying is misleading...change that to "thinking"

Originally Posted by vince123123 I was also toying between the BH-55 and the BH-40 - the BH40 seems to be more user friendly as the main locking knob is actually a lever rather than a round knob, like the BH-55 - this makes it easier to lock the thing rather than to turn a round knob....did you notice this too? Does the BH-40 look sturdy enough to take weight? I'd be going for the lever version :P However, we can always change the top clamp to something else if you plan to use on another plate. I'm assuming the BH's can be changed By the way, u know who's this person with the BH-40?

[Dennis]

Was also thinking of the BH-55 and the BH-40 with the PCL-1 plate but seems like the BH-55 is rated higher and the price is only like $50 diff. I prefer the knob because it is easier to control and lock as it will need only thumb pressure and slight turn to lock it securely when used in conjunction with the friction knob.

Originally Posted by vince123123 I was also toying between the BH-55 and the BH-40 - the BH40 seems to be more user friendly as the main locking knob is actually a lever rather than a round knob, like the BH-55 - this makes it easier to lock the thing rather than to turn a round knob....did you notice this too? Does the BH-40 look sturdy enough to take weight? I'd be going for the lever version :P However, we can always change the top clamp to something else if you plan to use on another plate. I'm assuming the BH's can be changed By the way, u know who's this person with the BH-40?

[kennethw]

Originally Posted by vince123123 I was also [thinking] between the BH-55 and the BH-40 - the BH40 seems to be more user friendly as the main locking knob is actually a lever rather than a round knob, like the BH-55 - this makes it easier to lock the thing rather than to turn a round knob....did you notice this too? Does the BH-40 look sturdy enough to take weight? I'd be going for the lever version :P However, we can always change the top clamp to something else if you plan to use on another plate. I'm assuming the BH's can be changed By the way, u know who's this person with the BH-40?

I don't know the nice gentlement personally, just started to talk to him in CP as he was there trying out a tripod and saw that he had RRS stuff.

Honestly, the BH-40 looked and felt small; however, this is precisely what RRS claims to be the strong point of their Ballheads. Just looking at the dimensions between the BH-55 (which I have never seen in real life) and the Kirk BH-1 (which I have handled before), the RRS is definitely smaller in 'profile' and has a lower CG which in theory should make it a lot more stable.

The tensioning lever was very innovative on the BH-40 though, it is sprung loaded and can be rotated to a different ratcheted, if the lever got in the way; or some part has worn down and the lever is in an awkward position.

As far as your question about the Lever Clamp system, the gentleman stressed that it is much faster to use; and I totally agree when I put the Screw Knob Clamp type (of another brand but same difference) side-by-side. However, in my PERSONAL opinion, I prefer the Screw Knob Clamp albeit slower because I feel that there are less failure points. But this is my personal opinion and I am the type of person who also does not trust AutoFocus, if I can't see that it's in focus by something like a split screen, I don't believe it's in focus (and my camera did have a problem) and that's why I have a Split Screen in my D70s which I HIGHLY recommend. I guess I'm just an old fart; but I also learned and live by this from being a Technical Diver (too many have died literally from placing too much trust in their equipment).

From what I've seen and read, the Clamp can be changed anytime, but of course there is the matter of cost and wastage.

All said and done, I'm probably going for the RRS BH-55 although I am tempted with a 2nd hand Kirk BH-1.

Originally Posted by Dennis Was also thinking of the BH-55 and the BH-40 with the PCL-1 plate but seems like the BH-55 is rated higher and the price is only like $50 diff. I prefer the knob because it is easier to control and lock as it will need only thumb pressure and slight turn to lock it securely when used in conjunction with the friction knob.

Dennis, do you want to add the BH-55 to the list of stuff you want to get?


Looks like amongst us there are potentially 3 RRS BH-55's to be ordered. If this is the case, I'll write to RRS to see when their stock will be available. Just need to know which version of the BH-55 you all want.

So far, the response to this potential MO has been 'dull'. I'll post a note in all the Brand forums to direct them here.


Ken

[kennethw]

For product line information, please click the following links:
ReallyRightStuff
Kirk Enterprises
Katz Eyes - also see here

Anyone interested, please add your nick and what you are interested in.

Dennis:
- RRS: 1 x BD200-L (D200 L-Bracket)

Kennethw:
- RRS: 1 x BH-55 Pro (Ballhead)
- RRS: 1 x BF5L (F5 L-Bracket) (? - undecided on this one or Kirk)
- RRS: 1 x BD70-L (D70s L-Bracket) (? - undecided on this one or Kirk)
- RRS: 2 x 3/8-16 to 1/4-20 Bushing (Tools)[/quote]
- Kirk: 1 x NC80-200 (AF-S 80-200mm Replacement Collar)
- Kirk: 1 x LRP-1 (Long Rail Plate)
- Kirk: 2 x SS-1 (Security Strap)
- Kirk: 1 x FP-300 (Gitzo Replacement Plate)
- Kirk: 1 x LBA-1 (USB/AC spacer block for L-brackets)[/quote]

tOGGY:
- RRS: 1 x B57L (Eos 1 Series L-Bracket)

[vince123123]

Well the next thing to find out is if the lever clamp system has the ability to tighten or loosen manually using a screwdriver/allenkey/something like that. If it does, it will be better than the screw knob clamp as it can be adjusted.

Its something like the tripod legs - whether screw or lever. IF like the tripod system, where the lever clamps can be further adjusted with allenkey/hex wrenches, then the lever system will be superior to the screw system.

Originally Posted by kennethw As far as your question about the Lever Clamp system, the gentleman stressed that it is much faster to use; and I totally agree when I put the Screw Knob Clamp type (of another brand but same difference) side-by-side. However, in my PERSONAL opinion, I prefer the Screw Knob Clamp albeit slower because I feel that there are less failure points. But this is my personal opinion and I am the type of person who also does not trust AutoFocus, if I can't see that it's in focus by something like a split screen, I don't believe it's in focus (and my camera did have a problem) and that's why I have a Split Screen in my D70s which I HIGHLY recommend. I guess I'm just an old fart; but I also learned and live by this from being a Technical Diver (too many have died literally from placing too much trust in their equipment). Ken

[vince123123]

I'm sure that the lever knob works the same way as the round knob...the only difference is the physical shape of the knob/lever. Both SHOULD workt he same way, ie the thumb presure and slight turn. The advantage of the lever is that it gives more mechanical advantage than the round knob.

Originally Posted by Dennis Was also thinking of the BH-55 and the BH-40 with the PCL-1 plate but seems like the BH-55 is rated higher and the price is only like $50 diff. I prefer the knob because it is easier to control and lock as it will need only thumb pressure and slight turn to lock it securely when used in conjunction with the friction knob.

[vince123123]

sorry again, wrong choice of words, rather than "I'm sure" it shoudl be "I would think"

Originally Posted by vince123123 I'm sure that the lever knob works the same way as the round knob...the only difference is the physical shape of the knob/lever. Both SHOULD workt he same way, ie the thumb presure and slight turn. The advantage of the lever is that it gives more mechanical advantage than the round knob.

[kennethw]

Originally Posted by vince123123 I'm would think that the lever knob works the same way as the round knob...the only difference is the physical shape of the knob/lever. Both SHOULD work the same way, ie the thumb presure and slight turn. The advantage of the lever is that it gives more mechanical advantage than the round knob.

Well, according to the RRS Website, the Lever Clamp does not have as much clamping force as the Screw Knob version....

Originally Posted by ReallyRightStuff Note: our Lever Release clamps deliver 50 lbs. of clamping force under full compression with our plates. This is more than sufficient for any practical photographic application. If you feel you need more clamping force than this, use a screw-knob clamp.

And just in case people didn't read the fine print about the acceptance of plates by the Lever Clamp.....

Originally Posted by ReallyRightStuff Note: Lever Release clamps do not work well with plates from Markins or with Arca-Swiss monorail cameras–the dovetails are too shallow. Choose a screw-knob clamp if you have Markins plates mounted on your camera or collared lens or if you have an A-S monorail camera.

At least they are honest about their product.

[kennethw]

For product line information, please click the following links:
ReallyRightStuff
Kirk Enterprises
Katz Eyes - also see here

Anyone interested, please add your nick and what you are interested in.

Dennis:
- RRS: 1 x BD200-L (D200 L-Bracket)

Kennethw:
- RRS: 1 x BH-55 Pro (Ballhead)
- RRS: 1 x BF5L (F5 L-Bracket) (? - undecided on this one or Kirk)
- RRS: 1 x BD70-L (D70s L-Bracket) (? - undecided on this one or Kirk)
- RRS: 2 x 3/8-16 to 1/4-20 Bushing (Tools)[/quote]
- Kirk: 1 x NC80-200 (AF-S 80-200mm Replacement Collar)
- Kirk: 1 x LRP-1 (Long Rail Plate)
- Kirk: 2 x SS-1 (Security Strap)
- Kirk: 1 x FP-300 (Gitzo Replacement Plate)
- Kirk: 1 x LBA-1 (USB/AC spacer block for L-brackets)[/quote]

tOGGY:
- RRS: 1 x B57 (EOS-1 Series Plate) (changed)