Manfrotto Pistol Grip Ball Head Low Friction Problem Simple Fix 322RC2

amzn.to/2uTPjCF In this video I describe how to fix the low friction problem commonly found on the Manfrotto Pistol Grip 322RC2 Tripod Ball Head.
The only tool you'll need is a 3mm Hex Wrench. Get a set if you don't already have one: amzn.to/2fDmBUo

[@jamiecobel820]

You absolute legend. I was sitting outside a camera store about to go in and buy a new one of these to replace my droopy one. Thought I'd just quickly jump online and see if there's anyway to fix them and found your video. I couldn't believe it was that simple to fix. Thanks so much.

[@RealLatinGeek]

I picked up one of these on the cheap and brought it back to life with your video! I also realized the grip has that 'twist' action, had me dumbfounded how I couldn't tilt the camera! Thank you!

[@photoray002]

Thank you! Just bought a used one from a popular used camera store online and it did not work on arrival. Your video got me up and running. 👍

[@wayneackerman4230]

Thank you. I just bought mine second hand at a reduced price as the head wasn’t that stable. Then your video popped up on a Google search … Thanks a million 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@HuskyMike]

6 years later and your video helped me fix a friend's 3265.

[@aparobson]

This is absolutely amazing! I was about to try to dismantle my Manfroto pistol grip (different design, but has the 3mm Allen key adjustment) when I found this. A a slight turn and my pistol grip to completely restored1 Thank you!

[@bitspacemusic]

Holy shit, thanks man! I was already thinking of a replacement. Such an easy fix. There's plenty of alcohol in the house thanks to Covid, so I decided to clean the ball too.

[@assistantassistant5516]

Worked great thanks! Disassembled the whole thing and now it works great again.

[@lizdowling3042]

Thank you solved our issues. Great help with clear instructions. Make sure you watch to end.

[@cheyennethomas5964]

Thanks for posting this video. There were a few things I didn't understand about this head! I've owned it for ages and it has been very good but recently it's been a bit loose. I didn't really understand how to adjust it and this video helped me get it dialed back in! And you're absolutely right, that 3mm screw only needs a tiny turn! Thanks again.

[@rrtv12]

Ditto! Have had this head forever and glad I finally took the time to fix it.

[@Zinny.]

Got a bargain on a second hand “broken” head, this instantly fixed it. Thanks!

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Nice work!

[@robertbernardo208]

Thanks for doing the video! Worked great! I was ready to buy a new head, because the one I just fixed the long lenses were tipping. The key information was the 3mm hex.

[@christhompsonphotography6783]

This is exactly what I was looking for. The spring when reassembling was very difficult. Loved the cats dead stare at the beginning. :)

[@annlucht264]

My Amazon Basics tripod had the same problem and the support period had ended. So glad I found your video. It fixed my problem! Thank you!!!

[@ericvelado769]

Great explanation! I bought my grip around 2005 and just this month is giving me some issues. I will fix it!

[@jamestruncali476]

I own this ball head and was beginning to hate using it because the tension locking issue. I tightened the locking screw a bit and it's a world of difference. Thanks for the video!

[@joemankowski3898]

You are a genius!! Thank you sooo much. You just saved me about $75.00. I saw that "adjustment screw" but did not realize that you could tighten it!!

[@ATS357]

Thank you very much for this video. The first two min. of your video fixed my problem.

[@SA-gf7uf]

love your cat! Thanks! Hadn't used my tripod for awhile, went out late at night to shoot the aurora and had issues with my tripod... not the best time to figure that one out. Anyway, it is now fixed and ready for the next event!

[@horrgakx]

This also works on my #222 joystick grips. Thanks for the advice!

[@robertodeniro486]

Thanks ! I love when "internet" realy answer simply to a easy question ! Thanks for taking the time to do this video ;-)

[@citabriaable]

Robert Deniro !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@DB-UK]

Hey - this is great! you just saved me replacing my tripod head! thank you x 100. Cheers from The UK.

[@KeithBonedoc]

You just saved me from buying a new tripod head! How did I not know this adjustment? I clearly must not have read the instructions. Many thanks!

[@dynomike11]

This was super helpful! I was ready to tear it apart and it was a simple as turning the set screw. Thank you!

[@CatCow97]

I had tightened down the tension hand screw as far as I could, then finally found this video. I presume this info is in the manual that everyone immediately throws in the garbage😂 Anyway, backed off that tension adjustment, and 1/4 turn or so on the adjustment screw, and it’s like new again!

[@tomkolour3947]

Thank you for this excellent tutorial, I've been struggling to balance the friction between the grip and ball and you explain it perfectly, top man

[@homesteadfilm3870]

Just got a preowned one yesterday. Was scratching my head on why anybody would want one as it wouldn’t lock in place and the trigger appeared to not have any affect. Just happened to catch this video and working like new with a quarter turn on the screw.

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Nice!

[@JamesWhittle]

Thanks! Just picked up one of these at the thrift store, this fixed it right up!

[@HocusFocusProductions]

Thanks so much. Ient my tripod to someone and they lost it. (Don't ask). I got a used one as a replacement, but it won't lock. Going to try this right now.

[@xparte]

Wow thank you! Been putting up with a slightly loose ball head for years and just thought it was a poor design issue. Fixed just like that!

[@waynelynch3862]

It is a poor ballhead. Screw will strip eventually. PS... Squeeze handle when tightening.

[@charlesholekamp4723]

Thanks for this repair I have been using this for many years and noticed that I couldn't tighten it anymore or at least adjuster I can carry a very heavy 125 to 600 mm lens without feeling that it is going to move or collapse on me when I'm caring it

[@samsusami]

Thanks for helping! Good luck!

[@MatthewBennettFPV]

Thanks! I just got a great deal on one of these and thought it may have been broken.

[@4Runnernguns]

Thanks for the video. Just what I needed.

[@danieldociu8430]

Solved my problem! Perfect, thank you! Also, how did we even get by before KZbin?!

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Go figure :) I made this video 6 years ago, and I still own this grip and use it weekly!

[@juans1988]

thank you , just what i was looking for.

[@citabriaable]

Good explanation..but you get much more "leverage" ( tightening ) using the short end of the hex wrench into the adjustment hole...then turning or applying pressure with the long part of the tool.

[@joemancini5171]

Hey...thanks Li...very useful info

[@68024]

Thanks, just what I needed to know!

[@bottnog]

Just what I was looking for. Thanks a lot!

[@rrtv12]

So helpful, thank you so much!

[@cameranews]

Hi , I recently got a second hand 372RC2 , I would like to know which Screw key is suitable to adjust the handle?

[@DraveczFerenc]

Thank You Li Fan! You saved me a lot of time and money!

[@juliomontesdeoca2878]

Awesome! Thanks so much, worked like a charm!!!!!

[@ticticboom1]

Thank you, great video. The only thing I couldn't follow was how to clean the ball. What did you use to clean it? I couldn't make out what you said "Aircol?" Is it a product? Thanks again.

[@TheGizmoGarage]

I used alcohol to wipe the ball clean but I'm not entirely sure if the ball supposed to be re-greased with what type of grease though

[@ticticboom1]

@@TheGizmoGarage Thank you.

[@RandellJohn]

I've been using this head for the past 7 years and just never got on with it. I've just bought a 'Standard' Manfrotto Magnessium Ballhead and it's so much better than the 322RC2. The problem with the 322RC2 is it's maximum load capacity - It's only 5Kg. When you consider a DSLR with a 70-200 Pro lens and battery grip weigh approx 4.5Kg there isn't much of a safety margin and this head is just about on the edge of it's working limits. My new replacement head has a working capacity of 10Kg and was half the price. The release grip spring on the 322RC2 is also very stiff. If you have to use the 322RC2 over a long period of time, it can become quite uncomfortable releasing the friction lever. I hate this head - Personally I'd never recommend anyone buy's one.

[@TheGizmoGarage]

The interesting thing is I switched from the Manfrotto ball head to the 322RC2, it fits my shooting needs perfectly. The ball head is much slower to operate compared to 322RC2, at least for my use.

[@DraveczFerenc]

The loading capacity is never a problem if you know, what you want, when buying a ballhead. 5kg is fine to me, the grip is fine, one hand operation fine. So that's me.

[@networkedperson]

@@TheGizmoGarage Is there a psychological reason why you promote a company that fights against human rights? Have you considered psychotherapy to work that out? kzbin.infosearch?query=amazon

[@waynelynch3862]

Manfrotto admits that this is not a good ball head. I agree. The tension screw has stripped on me 3 times. Fortunately, I had extended warranty, but had to pay shipping and be without ball head 3 times. There are better Manfrotto ball heads that do not have this terrible tension screw. I also agree with Randell John about it's poor maximum load capacity. IMPORTANT!!! Manfrotto says to Squeeze Handle when tightening the tension screw.

[@user-gm3bk8od8c]

thank you

[@eklavya3160]

Thanks for the video. It solved my issue with the tripod head.

[@stephenkelly7014]

Thanks a lot! Bought one of these used and was ready to trash it.

[@TheGizmoGarage]

I'm glad to save another life of the grip head

[@bencallahan]

Thank you! Thought I'd have to buy a new one...

[@crazybob1954mo]

Manfrotto Used a 'cupped' type screw which digs into the fulcrum lever. It wears very FAST!! IF you Call them they suggest you ship it to them and for Only $45 Plus shipping they will do just what you did. BUT, NO They Will Not Tell You over the phone to just adjust the Damn Screw! (azzholes!! ) When I work on this model I Immediately replace the Sharp Cupped allen screw with a 'Ball' end screw. No More Adjustments Needed... Only $0.78 from Lowes!! Also, You should pull the hand lever 'IN' before tightening the adjustment screw. It won't gouge the fulcrum lever!!!

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

thank you for the effort and the sharing! thumbs up.

[@kjhnor]

Found the screw, before I found the video. But very helpful thanks.

[@kobito610]

That's a good looking cat

[@Barrettzone]

Thanks so much! This fixed the exact problem I was having!!!

[@clemsonc]

I almost wanted to throw it to the trash. Now I am going to put it on ebay. Thanks.

[@4570levergun]

Perfect! I though mine was worn out now it works perfectly!!

[@DocDiego]

Thank you ! Simple information yet so very useful !

[@DaveParsonsVideos]

Great explanation. But maybe set the video guy's camera to manual next time?

[@Jason-od9dx]

Thank you so much. Fixed the exact problem I had.

[@jameswestbrook6626]

Super helpful! Fixed mine in seconds.

[@N8Dawg1973]

thanks bro. saved me from buying a new head

[@justcallmesando]

Juuuuust what I needed. Thank you so much!

[@ricsi7607]

Thanks man. Much appreciated.

[@grijander1971]

You really helped me!

[@eugenethompson]

Exactly what I needed! Thanks!

[@DrKarlsonRiveGauche]

You are a life saviour mate, thank you very much indeed !!!!!

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Glad it helped

[@claudiavagt8963]

Thank you!

[@stancetv2005]

Thanks, very helpful!

[@squareeyephoto]

thanks for this

[@keithlaw95]

fixed mine i bought at camera store for ten bucks just tighten screw thanks

[@jameswestbrook6626]

...also works for Calumet pistols

[@dannybarton940]

Thanks. Wish I had watched this a long time ago!

[@yiannoseconomou2050]

Thanks it did it for me too. Beautiful cat BTW!

[@DACFalloutRanger]

Fantastic

[@colinleonard1487]

Thanks for your time in doing this, super helpful :-)

[@danielodonoghue3529]

Thanks! Solved my problem!

[@indibobby]

This was perfect!!

[@noelb101]

Many thanks, Li Fan!

[@StaaijStudioRotterdam]

Thank you so much! i broke my lens becease it collapse! This would have safe me 1500 dollars :(

[@davidstewart4570]

Damn, I wish I'd watched this an hour ago. Just dismantled the thing and, sproinngggg, it all flew apart with bits all over the floor. Now I've snapped a lug off the pistol grip squeeze trigger trying to put it all back together again :o( .

[@TheGizmoGarage]

It's very springy when opened, and I realized I don't need to open it to adjust tension, took me a while to put it back together but not impossible... Good luck!

[@davidstewart4570]

@@TheGizmoGarage Many thanks. I've ordered a spare part for the broken squeeze handle. Any tips for reassembly? That spring's making it almost impossible.

[@peppersolutionsstudiofotog338]

Thank you very much!!! You saved me!!!

[@Surasak537]

Wonderful, Thanks a lot.

[@MrYirua]

Thanks very helpful.

[@LeThanhDuc9399]

Thank so much

[@cmg9856]

thank you so much!

[@brew95]

Just the video I needed.

[@scottdonnellan7684]

This worked for me.

[@filemanager83]

Mine seems to be the tightest it can go and it's still loose :(

[@TheGizmoGarage]

It might be time to get a new grip if that's the case

[@harvey5869]

That cat looks pissed.

[@TheGizmoGarage]

He is not, he is a gentle giant

[@no-page]

This was a perfect video. I just bought a grip head from Ebay and it had this problem. I was up and running in minutes thanks to you!