Arca Swiss B1freeze problem.

[BOSS565]

I have a Arca Swiss Monoball B1. I do store it unlocked to that it will not freeze up. Usually the tripod is stored in a horizontal position. When I upright the tripod, attach my camera and make some initial adjustments, lock the ball, everything seems fine. Then a few minutes later, I unlock the ball to make further adjustments and it is frozen in place. I must remove the camera, turn the locking knob in the lock position very tight, loosen the knob and then work the ball free. I like the B1, but this is a headache in the field. Does anyone have a similar experience and any suggests avoiding this problem. Thank you in advance.

 

[resummerfield]

I think there is a kit you can buy to eliminate this problem. Or, Bob at Precision Camera can modify it. Dead Link Removed

 

[Campbell]

There's something wrong with the head or the way you're using it. I've owned an Arca Swiss B1 for about 12 years, I've had the "freeze" problem once in that time and that was about 11 years ago. If you can't figure it out yourself send it in for repair, you shouldn't need a kit to solve the problem (though that might be the easiest and quickest way to do so). Not having had the problem I've never investigated the kit.

 

[BOSS565]

Thank you Eric for your reply. I have an e-mail on the way. Best of all they are local for me.

 

[LVaszar]

My B1 is very smooth in cold weather (cold by coastal California standards) and is very sticky in warm weather (above 90 degrees), even when opened up at maximum. Anyone else expereinced the same? Is there some fix to this?

 

[BOSS565]

I contacted Precision Camera. Evidently there was a group produced with a defective part. I am sending it in for repair.

 

[wildbill]

I sent my b1 to precision camera shortly after purchase last year because the flip-lock on the quick release wouldn't open right out of the box. They didn't fix that but decided to fix the problem you mention instead even though that wasn't an issue. I now have a b1 with a flip lock that still won't open occasionally and a tension knob that doesn't line up with the numbers like it did out of the box. I contacted arca swiss and they wouldn't replace my b1 and b&h wouldn't give me my money back. Arca swiss wanted me to return the unit to their overseas headquarters for evaluation. I'm still pissed that i spent that much money on a brand new item and i get terrible customer service. I'll eventually send it back to precision camera works to get it looked worked on again.
Make sure you enclose a note with your exact problem or you never know what they may "fix".