The unpleasant surprise occurs during the first use, when the lever (with a security system) which releases the fixation of the camera plate to the tripod base side a considerable effort to unlock ... Makes you wonder if a hammer is not necessary in the camera bag.
Close examination reveals that a coat of paint covers parts of the mechanism and block moving parts. A simple "running" of the bearing surface between the movable plate and the asymmetric cam which ensures the locking of the two parts, where the friction trace becomes visible, with some emery cloth and a drop of lubrication with soap liquid makes it all perfectly fluid.
This small detail overlooked by the manufacturer, which simply says that the mechanism designed to run dry lubrication is allowed but makes me a star to remove this product that is also very satisfying.
The safety catch is situated allowing you to pull the lever on the left index finger while the back of the middle finger releases the safety, leaving the right hand the handle of the right hand camera. Bubble levels are well located and very convenient for a panorama or with the device in Document reproduction position. The closure makes a sound imposing click, reminiscent of a ski boot binding, but if necessary, the lever may be accompanied by the index for silent closing. The manufacturer suggests placing the lever to the left of the camera, but the longest lever side part can also be placed in front, under a large telephoto lens; in both cases, no overhang comes interfere in the back of the camera.
The free plate can remain permanently under the camera, with a height of 10 mm and a weight of 83g. If it seems a bit big to stay permanently in a small compact device, the plate can also help as a small fortune in front of a digital camera, so, I acquired a second plate to put under my compact camera.
