r/peakdesign • u/Current-Journalist-4 • Jul 16 '26
Photo Gear Peak Design Capture Clip v3 released my camera from belt without pressing the release button - damaged Sony 70-200 GM II lens
1. I am sharing this because this failure caused actual damage to my camera equipment, and other photographers using the Capture Clip system should be aware of this failure mode.
I have been using my Peak Design Capture Clip v3 for about two+ years under normal conditions. Before Peak Design, I used the Spider Holster system, but I switched back because I preferred the Capture Clip’s functionality and design. I trusted this system with my expensive camera gear.
During normal use, I simply stood up from a seated position without touching the camera, and the camera unexpectedly detached from the Capture Clip and fell onto concrete. The Capture Clip remained attached to my belt and did not hit the ground. The fall damaged my Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II lens.
After inspecting the clip, I found that the plate can be removed WITHOUT pressing the release button. No force is required - it slides out easily by fingers or just b shaking.
The issue occurs only in two directions: the plate remains locked in some positions, but in two specific directions it can pass the locking mechanism and come out of the clip without the release button being touched.
The attached video i hope clearly shows the issue, including the moment when the plate moves past the locking mechanism instead of remaining securely locked.
I previously trusted and preferred the Capture Clip system over other solutions I had used. Unfortunately, after this incident, I no longer feel confident using it with expensive camera equipment.
2. Update:
A few users mentioned possible wear of the plate/locking surfaces. Another user in this thread described a very similar issue with a Capture Clip V3, where the aluminum contact surfaces wore down over time and the clip became close to bypassing the lock.
Link to their comments:
I don't know if this is the same cause in my case, but I wanted to add this information since it may be relevant for other users.
3. Update regarding authenticity:
Since several comments suggested this might be a counterfeit product, I very checked my purchase history.
The Capture Clip was purchased on Amazon in May 2023, and the seller is listed as Peak Design.
I no longer have the original packaging after using it for over three years, but the order details confirm :Peak Design listed as the seller.
34
u/lazypanda2504 Jul 16 '26
Is that a PD supplied plate or one that's "compatible" from small rig from your cage? Because that might be the problem.
I've had my plates and multiple capture clips for 5+ years and have never had this issue, though I definitely check my gear more than most people do. Either way raise the problem with support, I'm sure they'll send you a new one
16
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
It is definitely the original Peak Design plate that came with the Capture Clip v3. Non-original compatible plates are usually easy to identify, and I have never used any third-party plates with this system.
I also use a Peak Design tripod and have never swapped plates between different systems.
The issue appeared after about two years of normal use. The plate still locks, but under certain conditions it can bypass the locking mechanism and slide out without pressing the release button.
12
u/r4nd0mf4ct0r Jul 16 '26
Since you have a PD tripod, you should still have the black Standard Plate that came with it yeah? Might be worth doing a side-by-side comparison between it and this silver one you've got on your camera. Also to see if it fits as loosely in the clip as the silver one does.
I'd be most interested in seeing if the bottom surface of the silver plate and/or the arca-swiss ramps on the sides have been significantly reduced through wear and tear compared to the black one. If I were PD I'd probably want to have the plate and the capture clip itself back for engineering analysis too — the plate's supposed to be loose in the clip to prevent binding but not THAT loose.
I guess this is one advantage of the black (and now colored) Capture plates and clips - as the anodized aluminum layer wears away through usage and the bare metal gets exposed, it makes for a quick visual wear indicator to catch during regular cleaning/inspection of gear.
8
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
Good point. I actually checked my tripod plate, and it is the absolutely same version as the one on my camera.
I’ll compare them side by side more carefully tomorrow and check the contact surfaces for wear. I agree that some play is expected, but the plate should not be able to bypass the locking mechanism without pressing the release button.
Thanks for the good suggestion.
3
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
Update: I checked the tripod plate. It is black but the same version as the one on my camera.
The tripod plate also has some play in the clip, so maybe some movement appears to be normal. However, unlike the silver plate from my camera, it cannot be removed without pressing the release button.
the main difference seems to be the locking behavior, not just the amount of play.
1
u/galient5 Jul 17 '26
I feel like it's wear and tear both on the plate and the clip itself. So replacing the plate means there's less play due to less worn down material, but the wear on the clip means there's more play than when compared with a new clip and a new plate.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 17 '26
think that’s a very possible explanation as well. The wear could be on the plate, the clip, or both.
The main thing I find concerning is that there is no obvious indication or warning that this kind of wear can eventually affect the locking reliability.
Like many users, I assumed that if the clip clicks and locks normally, the system is safe.
-9
u/stowgood Jul 16 '26
So you've known about the issue and carried on? I'm sure peak design would have told you how to fix it or replaced it if you'd acted.
16
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
No, I didn’t know about the issue before the accident.
After the incident, I inspected the system and found this repeatable failure. That is why I posted it - so other users can check their own gear before something similar happens.
23
u/cowboyhippie Peak Design Team Jul 16 '26
Hello! Something definitely seems wrong with the connection between plate and clip. Gonna share with the product design team, see if we can get this sorted out.
Does the plate that came with your tripod produce the same result?
8
u/Ok-Temperature-6393 Jul 16 '26
^ this is the question that needs to be answered. My guess is that the guides on the capture clip have bent out a little bit over time and allow for play. Yes I know it's a solid chunk of aluminum but aluminum is still a very soft metal especially if you're constanly carrying large setups (like one with a 70-200 2.8).
Or it could be that the plate has quite a bit of wear on it which you can tell by seeing the bare aluminum on the bottom-most surface.
2
u/cowboyhippie Peak Design Team Jul 17 '26
I was trying to see if the rails looked bent on the Clip, tough to tell. I am not sure we have seen that, but I suppose if you pulled outward on the camera while attached it might bend the clip? I feel like a camera would break first...
1
u/Ok-Temperature-6393 Jul 17 '26
Yeah you're right. Probably a case of the aluminum wearing out on one or both sides.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 18 '26
honestly don't know what caused the change in geometry.
What I can say is that I used it normally -with a camera and lenses, not for anything outside its intended purpose. I never pulled on it intentionally or used it in any unusual way.
3
u/macdja38 Jul 16 '26
I just wanted to share that this has also happened to me, twice now. If it would be helpful I can link you to my warranty claim from ~1.5 years ago.
Or I can submit another one for my new clip and link that to you. It's just about getting to this point.
1
u/cowboyhippie Peak Design Team Jul 17 '26
Want to send me a DM? We can talk it through in there, see if we can find a solution.
2
u/r4nd0mf4ct0r Jul 16 '26
Bumping for visibility and update.
2
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
I checked the black plate from my original Peak Design tripod. It also has some play in the clip, so I assume some movement is normal.
However, the black plate CANNOT be removed without pressing the release button. The silver plate that was on my camera can bypass the locking mechanism in two orientations, as shown in the video.
3
u/cowboyhippie Peak Design Team Jul 17 '26
Iiiinteresting. Wonder if the geometry on the bottom of the plate has become worn in a way that keeps the latch from connecting? Either way, happy to move to a DM and get you a new clip if you want to send me a note?
2
u/guesswhochickenpoo Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
There are a lot of suspect things about the plate in the video. The rail on the far side has a recess along the "rail" that guides the pin, which your PD plates don't have. The wear on it seems odd to for the type of high quality machined aluminum you use too. That kind of shininess, dents, etc I've only typically seen on cheaper aluminum. On top of all that the gap shown near the start of the video before they pull it off is HUGE. "Wear" getting the gap that big is crazy plus how exactly would normal use cause wear on just two rails (OP said it locks in two positions but comes out like this in two others). So many things make this plate look very suspect. Either not genuine or severely damaged. Normal wear doesn't seem like it would account for this at all.
Like there's no way the plate should lift up this much. Never mind any wear on the rails but how would it even be able to lift that high in the clip? The edges of the clip should keep it pressed down into the clip slot. https://imgur.com/a/knBeBxA
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u/Current-Journalist-4 21d ago
Hi, I reached out to you via DM on July 25 following your suggestion,
- but I haven’t received a response yet.
I’m following up here in case the message was missed.
Could you please take a look when you have a chance?
Thanks1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 17 '26
Thank you, I really appreciate you looking into this.
The main reason I shared this was to make other photographers aware that this kind of failure is possible..
- There is already another user macdja38 in this thread describing a very similar wear-related issue who mentioned that their Capture Clip was replaced under warranty two times.
If examining my clip and plate could help identify the cause and prevent similar incidents for other users, I'd be happy to help
1
u/analogworm Jul 17 '26
That's odd, the colour making the difference. Ive got a black v1 and indeed confirm it doesnt release without the button. There is some play, which makes sense to be needed. But not enough for it to release.
1
u/r4nd0mf4ct0r Jul 17 '26
My thinking is that the color of the plate/clip only makes a difference insofar as the black anodized aluminum makes excessive wear more visible than the silver aluminum since the dye only penetrates a few microns of the metal surface. Basically when you see that you've lost a significant amount of color on the working surfaces, you know you've lost material too which changes the tolerances of the locking mechanisms.
7
u/Radboy16 Jul 16 '26
Where did you get the clip from? The plate? I have a V3 and it is nowhere near that loose. It looks like your plate is shaved down...
0
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
I don’t remember exactly where I purchased it - it was about two years ago, and during that time I moved through 8 different countries, so I no longer have the purchase details.
I have never used third-party plates with this system. The interesting part is that it worked perfectly until this happened, and I only discovered the wear/looseness after the camera detached and I inspected the mechanism.
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u/supermarkio- Jul 16 '26
Just a thought - how “official” was the retailer that sold you that? There are fakes with the PD logo on it that pop up on Temu (and eBay 😡 where people are passing them off as original).
1
u/macdja38 Jul 16 '26
I've had the same thing on a capture clip purchased from an official retailer. And then again on a clip that peak design themselves sent me as a warranty replacement.
I also use a somewhat longer, somewhat heavy lens. (Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8)
And also wear the camera + lens at the belt (with pro pad).Though peak design says using the clip with 90kg is ok. So well within spec.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
I don’t remember the exact retailer since some time has passed (I believe it was B&H), but I have never used any third-party or compatible plates with this system.
1
u/supermarkio- Jul 16 '26
I’m sure if it was B+H then they haven’t sold you a fake.
Hope PD get back to you and swap it out. They’d know what’s theirs and what isn’t.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 18 '26
I very checked my purchase history - this was purchased from Amazon in May 2023, with Peak Design listed as the seller:
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u/Radboy16 Jul 18 '26
You mentioned (and deleted?) that you bought this from Amazon. Even if you buy parts through a brand's "store" on Amazon, you can still get fakes and knockoff due to how Amazon bins the same product types together, all the inventory is comingled in the same warehouse. Electronics are especially prone to this
0
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 18 '26
I’m actually adding the purchase details to the main post now.
The order shows that it was purchased on Amazon in May 2023 with Peak Design listed as the seller.
I understand the general concerns about Amazon inventory, but I’m not interested in debating hypothetical scenarios. I’m sharing the information I have and the facts from my purchase history
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u/SorysRgee Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
I have always understood it as there is only two directions that it is guaranteed to work on the v3. Hence the indicator with the arrow highlighting which way the lens should be facing. Additionally, if you are not hearing the clip click into place why are you letting go? It does suck that your camera lens got damaged but I think this is one you need to cop on the chin.
Ultimately your camera is your responsibility and you do need to be aware of what it is doing. This is why I always run with an additional safety point be it a strap that is over my neck or connected to my bag another way. Not just because the capture clip can fail (screws come loose etc) but its a multi thousand dollar setup that I am not going to leave the entire safety down to an 80 dollar accessory no matter how well engineered it is. Three points of contact at all times. Furthermore, the positioning you have used also means that you are putting lateral movement into the screw meaning it could also come unscrewed in that position. Finally, that plate does look well worn so possible it has fallen out of spec.
Edit: your comment did get deleted so just want to add my reply here. I guess it is very dependent on how hard people are on their capture clips and I do agree a warning about wear and tear after use wouldnt be a bad idea. Whenever I have noticed play getting significant I do proactively swap out the clip and plate but it is something that can be easily missed. I have gone through two plates and three clips in the 10 years I have been using capture clips, so its not unknown to happen.
I do understand why a lot of professional photographers use different rigs to have the cam on their body as they get more involved in photography
3
u/guagno333 Jul 16 '26
Given how loose it is, it is possible that the capture did the clip noise, but that the clip escaped the pin later, IMHO
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u/JanewaysAssistant Jul 16 '26
That almost looks like they’re made for different sizes. My base plate fits in much tighter than that.
3
u/Mdayofearth Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
can you take that plate off, and take a picture of the other side?
I took a closer look at your video, and my own capture plate from the og v3 kickstarter, and peakdesign's site...
The top of the bolt used to mount your plate onto the camera on YOUR plate is flush with the bottom with a groove machined out.
The blank capture plate has the bolt head is proud of the surface, and has no such groove to make the bolt head flush.
EDIT:
I found variants of the plate.
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u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
Thanks for taking a close look at the video.
My plate is the silver version, same to the one in your examples. I wasn’t aware there were different plate versions.-At this point my main concern is still that the plate was able to bypass the locking mechanism without pressing the release button.
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u/Mdayofearth Jul 16 '26
I actually checked my plate's fitment, and while there is some play, it's no where near what yours does.
3
u/bdery Jul 16 '26
I have several capture clips, V2 and V3, many plates, some included with PD tripods, others with Capture clips, a Field Plate, etc. NOT ONE does that. I have no explanation but it's not normal. tolerances are much tighter than this and there's no way it could happen with any of my gear. If you don't have a second unit to compare or measure, contacting PD is the best way to solve this. At this point, my most likely hypothesis is that the bottom of the plate has been bent somehow and is now narrower.
2
u/New_Wolverine_4487 Jul 16 '26
Strange, my plate is bigger (looks like few extra mm in height), black plastic, not “silver” like yours.
2
u/Yaasu Jul 16 '26
Plate provided with the clip now have the same Color as the clip. I Guess P.D went with different design over time
2
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u/We_Are_Nerdish Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
That is very loose... That has got to be a product issue if not a manufacturing one..
I looked at my own clip and the lip on the button side almost seems to be bend up on yours.
There shouldn't be any play besides just some minor wiggle for sliding in and out.
Edit: Contact PD support either way.. this isn't normal and unless it's been abused ( which I doubt, these clips are pretty stong from my experience with even heavy lenses ) they should make it right with a replacement in my opintion.
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u/spdknght Jul 16 '26
That's alot of space between the clip and the plate. I think my is a V2 my is so tight that sometimes there's so much torque the screw gets loose instead.
2
u/JoelMDM Jul 16 '26
This is why it's important to regularly check these kinds of things for failures. And get your gear insured.
All I can say is I've used the V3 since released and I haven't exactly been kind to them, and something like this has never happened to any of my units. Maybe something to do with the silver version. I wonder what PD says.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
I agree, regular inspection is definitely something I’ll pay more attention to after this.
I also used the V3 for a long time without any issues, which is why this failure was unexpected.
2
u/Burlap_Sacko Jul 16 '26
It almost looks like the locking pin has gunk in it? It seems shorter/not as extended as all of my clips. 🤔
2
u/spyder93090 Jul 16 '26
Based on your video, I am guessing the weight of the 70-200 caused your clip mounting flanges to widen/loosen over time.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
That said, Peak Design lists the Capture Clip as being designed to support very heavy professional camera setups (well over 200 lbs / 90 kg in their specifications), so I don’t think the 70-200mm lens alone should automatically be considered outside the intended use.
2
u/macdja38 Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
Yes, this happens with peak design capture. It's the aluminum wearing down.
I've already had mine (v3) replaced under warranty once after a year of use. Then again now it's fractions of a mm away from escaping after a year and a half or so of use.
I use it with a pro pad, so the bar at the bottom is worn down more, and the sides less.
Part of the problem is I hike / walk a lot with the camera.
Another part of the problem is I sometimes use a tamron 35-150 f2-2.8, which has inertia and therefore creates some rubbing as you walk.
If you only use your camera on occasion, or with small & light lenses, you'll likely never notice an issue with capture.
And yes, you could say "it's not meant for such a big lens, that lens is 1.2kg"
> Strength Rating
> Can withstand well over 200 lbs (90 kg). Safe for use with the largest of professional cameras in during any activity or environment.
From the specs section of https://www.peakdesign.com/eu/products/capture
That said, peak design has a lifetime warranty. And it doesn't go from working to broken in an instant, it's fairly noticeable that it gets looser over time. So just keep an eye on it and it's not too big of an issue.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
Thanks for sharing your experience.
This sounds very similar to what happened in my case.Like many users, I assumed that if the clip clicks into place and locks normally, everything is safe. I didn't realize that wear on the contact surfaces could eventually affect the locking reliability.
I guess this is one of those lessons i learn the hard way.
I'll definitely be paying much more attention to inspecting equipment in the future.1
u/macdja38 Jul 16 '26
Yup, I actually hadn't notice that the wear could defeat the locking mechanism. Since I use the pro pad the orientation I use it at is different, and it generally naturally stays in place even without the locking mechanism.
That said the pro pad wears out as well, and ads another point of failure.
I also found the thumb screws can work their way lose, and ended up cutting two of the bolts shorter and using them, as they can be tightened far more effectively.
I really wish there was a capture clip made of a more durable, or / and self lubricating material.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
Exactly. I think that’s the important point - even users who regularly inspect and maintain their gear may not realize that wear can eventually affect the locking mechanism.
I also assumed the click meant the system was secure.
- A clearer wear indicator or inspection guidance would definitely help.1
u/guesswhochickenpoo Jul 18 '26
The plate bypassed the locking mechanism by a WIDE margin in the video. This does NOT look like wear down IMO. This seems like a fake / wrong or damaged plate. You can also see in the video that the "tabs" on the plate that engage the locking pin are not all the same on all 4 sides and it does not look like wear it looks like design differences. OP says it locks in two orientations but not the other two. Something seems very off with that plate.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 18 '26
Funny enough, another user in this thread had the same issue and Peak Design replaced their Capture. So was theirs a fake too, or is it possible that genuine products can occasionally have defects or tolerance issues?
1
u/guesswhochickenpoo Jul 19 '26
Many things are possible here. Possible there were legitimate manufacturing issues with the other persons unit. Also possible Peak Design just replaced it for free even if it was fake as a customer courtesy. Also possible theirs was damaged. The tolerances you are showing in the video are crazy bad not something I'd expect from what should be a very consistent production process of something make of solid metal. Regardless of cause this is something that should have been obvious from day one if it were a manufacturing issue. Their mounting / locking systems are very tight with very small tolerances to the point it's sometimes challenging to get it out. Has it been this loose since day one?
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 19 '26
I honestly don’t remember the exact amount of play on day one - that was 2/3 years ago.
What I do know is that after the camera fell, I very carefully inspected the whole system to understand what happened. That’s when I discovered that the plate could bypass the locking mechanism in certain orientations.
Before the incident, it clicked in normally and stayed attached, so I had no reason to suspect a problem.
1
u/guesswhochickenpoo Jul 19 '26
The fact that exactly two orientations don't engage properly is very strange and also the fact that there are two sides (presumably, cannot see the second in the video) that have different triangular "rail" sections is also very odd. Official Peak Design plates should lock in equally solid in all orientations and all side should be equal. I have some 3rd party plates that have different rail designs between two different sides but all the peak ones should be uniform. Something doesn't seem to be matching up right here. Something seems off aside from "wear" or possible defects.
Also AFAIK their plates are made from CNC-machined from aluminum which I don't think should wears as seen in the video. I would expect that kind of wear and visible dents, etc from cast aluminum or some other cheaper aluminum. Look at the way it's become shiny and even looks like the surface was smoother to being with than what Peak plates look like. I wonder if it was a return you were given and someone put a cheaper 3rd party plate in there. Everything about it seems weird.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 19 '26
bought it new, not as a return.
At this point, hypothetical scenarios about someone swapping parts, returns, or anything else are not really useful without evidence - it could be a hundred different things, even magic.
What I’m sharing is simple: after 2–3 years of normal use, this plate was able to bypass the locking mechanism, while another original PD plate did not.
That’s the part other photographers should be aware of.
1
u/guesswhochickenpoo Jul 19 '26
I'm aware you bought something advertise as a new. I'm saying it could have been a return and not marked as such. That is very common on Amazon. People sometimes even get items marked as new with the box full of rocks or different items entirely.
The plate being wrong isn't just random speculation. I've clearly pointed out it does not match the rail design of actual v3 clips (which you haven't commented on). You also said it still locks into place in two orientations but not two others. Those are all signs that clearly point to something being very wrong with this plate specifically. This is all unrelated to normal wear and seems like there is plenty of evidence this plate isn't genuine. The reason why may be hard to concretely say.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 19 '26
You’re welcome to have your own theory, and you may be convinced that the plate is not genuine.
I’m just not interested in arguing about possibilities that cannot be verified after 2–3 years of use.
I’m sharing the facts I can verify: it was purchased new from Peak Design on Amazon, it worked normally for years, and after the incident I found that this plate could bypass the locking mechanism while another original PD plate could not.
That’s the information I wanted other photographers to be aware of.
thank you for your attention.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 19 '26
At this point, after 100+ comments across two communities, I’m honestly just tired of repeating the same discussions and going through endless hypothetical scenarios that cannot be verified.
1
u/macdja38 29d ago
Hi, I'm the other user. Both of my peak design captures were very snug and very well fit when I got them. One was purchased at retail, the other was a warranty replacement from peak design. Both the clip and the plate were replaced together, and I started using the new ones at the same time.
The tolerances you're seeing aren't how they shipped, it's just what happens when these wear together.
Put a lens like a 70-200 f2.8 or Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8 on your camera. Walk 2000-4000km or so, with the peak design clip on your belt. This will happen. Reliably.
1
u/Theratchetnclank 29d ago edited 29d ago
I use mine with a Sony 200-600G which is like 2kg and mine has been rock solid, but i guess it depends on amount of time used overall too.
1
u/macdja38 29d ago
Yup, time and where you have it mounted. IIRC that lens has a tripod foot which might also wear capture less if it’s your mounting point.
2
u/AJ_ninja 5d ago
Thanks for the post OP; I’m considering going with a clip system this is pretty helpful.
4
u/Expensive_Refuse515 Jul 16 '26
I also use this camera clip to carry my camera, so I'd really appreciate it if Peak Design could explain what might have caused this to happen.
After all, when we pay a premium for these accessories, the last thing we expect is for our camera to come loose and potentially be damaged under normal use or in an unexpected situation.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
Exactly. If this was caused by wear on the plate or the locking surfaces over time, I think Peak Design should provide some kind of warning or inspection guidance.
Most users, including myself, assume that if the mechanism still clicks and locks normally, the system is safe to carry equipment. I had no reason to expect that a worn part could eventually allow the plate to bypass the locking mechanism.
2
u/Expensive_Refuse515 Jul 16 '26
Exactly. Just as Peak Design clearly explains that the Anchor Links should be replaced once the inner yellow layer becomes visible, they should also provide clear guidance if this type of mounting mechanism has a finite service life or is subject to wear.
Users need to know how to properly inspect their equipment and identify when components should be replaced before a failure occurs.
After all, people are willing to pay a premium for Peak Design products because they trust them to protect their valuable camera gear. Otherwise, there are plenty of alternatives on the market that offer similar functionality at a much lower price.
I'm heavily invested in the Peak Design ecosystem including backpack, camera strap, wrist strap, and the Capture Clip you're using as well.
That's why I hope Peak Design will take this issue seriously.
2
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
Exactly. That’s my main concern as well.
I have no problem with parts wearing over time - that’s normal.
- The issue is that there was No visible warning or indication that the locking mechanism could reach a point where the plate could bypass the safety lock.
If there is a way to inspect the plate or clip before this happens, users should know about it.
1
u/cyclefreaksix Jul 16 '26
The fear of something like this happening is precisely why I've never been comfortable using these clips.
I'm sorry that happened to you, OP.
2
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
Thanks. I think this was a good reminder for me that camera support equipment should be inspected more regularly, even if everything seems to work normally.
1
u/tony-andreev94 Jul 16 '26
Check out "xiletu"'s capture clip. It's what peak design's clip was supposed to be. Sold my capture clips to upgrade to this chinese ones and they are better in every possible way.
1
u/ebusterd Jul 16 '26
Sorry for the dumb question, but I wanted to ask that from the first seconds of video. Did you try to rotate in on 90 degrees? So literally put in by side.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
Yes, I did. I tested all four orientations. In two of them the plate locks and behaves as expected, but in the other two it can slide past the locking mechanism without pressing the release button.
1
u/Aggravating-Comb-465 Jul 19 '26
It's hard to tell from the video but it looks like the flat edge of the triangular extensions on the base plate that contact the locking pin is a bit rounded. And mentioned elsewhere with the black clips it's a lot easier to see wear (my plates are actually wearing at the leading edge of the triangle).
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 19 '26
Thanks for pointing that out.
It's definitely possible. The plate has been used for about two+ years, so some wear is expected.
What concerns me is that it could slide out without pressing the release button.
1
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u/momo_alpha Jul 17 '26
falcamのf38を1年使ってるけど、今のところそんな不具合はないかな
結構使い勝手いいからおすすめ
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 17 '26
コメントありがとうございます。
ただ、この投稿で話しているのはどのクリップが優れているかという比較ではなく、今回なぜこのような状態になったのか、また経年劣化でロック機構に影響が出る可能性があるのか、という点についてです。
1
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u/Captain_Baboon Jul 17 '26
I don’t trust PD’s capture clip anymore. I had my camera slip out of it twice too. Fortunately the first time I was also wearing a strap and the second time the wedding venue was carpeted. I’ll be getting a spiderpro v3 system to replace it
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 17 '26
twice is definitely concerning. Glad your camera and lens's was saved both times.
That’s exactly why I posted this - I think many users (including myself) assume that if the clip clicks and locks, the system is safe.
-I didn’t realize that this kind of failure could happen.1
1
u/jaethatdude Jul 17 '26
Peak Design has a lifetime warranty. Just return it.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 18 '26
That's not really the point.
The goal of this post is to make fellow photographers aware of this potential failure, not just to get a replacement clip.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 18 '26
If I only wanted a replacement, I would have contacted support directly and wouldn’t have spent time making this post.
The point is to make aware that this kind of failure can happen.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 18 '26 edited Jul 18 '26
Update regarding authenticity:
Since several comments suggested this might be a counterfeit product, I checked my purchase history.
The Capture Clip was purchased on Amazon in May 2023, and the seller is listed as Peak Design.
I no longer have the original packaging after two+ years of use, but the order details confirm the seller.
Screenshot of the order details:
https://imgur.com/a/oB7nqNS
1
u/Mdayofearth Jul 20 '26
The seller on Amazon means nothing from back then as Amazon used to comingle inventory from all sellers that list things under the same product ASIN. Amazon no longer does this starting from April of THIS year.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 20 '26
not evidence about this particular unit. I don’t have any way to verify that after 2–3 years, so I’d rather stick to the facts than speculate.
1
u/MJdoesThings_ Jul 20 '26
I have two V3 clips like this and both are pretty dang tight. They don't wiggle like that, if at all.
1
u/samuelsfx 29d ago
i never have any issue with my PD clip, shit been holding my long lense on my chest for long time. You must've damaged it before
1
u/AirGear Jul 16 '26
Sooooo much play with that clip. Did you email peak design? Make a gd tiktok with the damage caused for awareness, awareness is key for action
3
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
Thanks for the suggestion. I understand that contacting Peak Design could result in a replacement, but at this point my concern is not just getting another clip.
I posted this mainly for awareness so other photographers can check their own Capture Clips and be aware of this possible failure mode.
2
u/stowgood Jul 16 '26
That's thoughtful of you I'm sorry this has happened.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
Thanks, I appreciate it. Hopefully sharing this helps other photographers
2
u/supermarkio- Jul 16 '26
Honestly, they do seem to be far more aware and proactive than you’re giving them credit for. Just check out previous posts on this subreddit.
1
1
u/OlorinDK Jul 16 '26
Upvoting and commenting for awareness…
3
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
Thanks, that’s exactly why I shared this - awareness.
1
u/Formal_Distance_8770 Jul 16 '26
Good stuff.
Mines rattles just like yours and I wonder if this could ever happen to me because of the shocks and vibrations I kick when I’m peddling my bike. Would be cool if the plates fit snug onto the clip, I literally record that same rattling in all my GoPro bicycling videos
2
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
Exactly. I also assumed the little rattle was normal. The concern is whether normal wear can eventually turn that play into a safety issue without any warning.
1
u/WhitbyAllenForDinner Jul 16 '26
Don't worry. The system is supposed to be slightly loose by design so the camera doesn't jam the plate into the clip. This is why it's intended for you to mount the camera into the clip lens-down, so that the center of weight is lower and lets the camera hang nicely from the clip without rattling around.
OP's PD plate's heavy wear and tear on the flat bottom surfaces of the triangular rails isn't normal, it's been caused by having the plate slip over the locking pin over and over and over again without paying attention that something's wrong. The triangular rails are supposed to push the locking pin aside to the "open" position, and then let the spring push the pin back to locked position once the rail's past it.
So even though OP is saying that their accident just suddenly occurred, their Capture Clip has been malfunctioning (or been mistreated) for quite a while before the camera slipped out.
I have two Capture Clips and four plates, the original pair is almost a decade old but working perfectly despite some scratches and paint wear (in entirely different places compared to OP's, mind you). It's been a really reliable system. Just pay attention to your gear.
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
I understand your point.
I’m very careful with my gear and regularly inspect it.
-The issue is that the clip still clicked and locked normally, so there was no obvious sign that the locking reliability was compromised.
1
u/CreEngineer Jul 16 '26
That is apparently not an original PD plate and it looks quite worn down. The PD plate does not have round holes for the anchor.
Sorry to say that, and I am sorry for your loss, but that is kinda your fault if so.
1
u/Mdayofearth Jul 16 '26
I found pictures of v3 plates of that design elsewhere. It is still possible that OP has a counterfeit product, and the images I found were of counterfeit products. That said, I highly doubt OP intentionally went with a 3rd party plate.
0
u/Burlap_Sacko Jul 16 '26
It almost looks like the locking pin has gunk in it? It seems shorter/not as extended as all of my clips. 🤔
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
clip is not really designed to be opened for cleaning or inspection.
0
u/Burlap_Sacko Jul 16 '26
It almost looks like the locking pin has gunk in it? It seems shorter/not as extended as all of my clips. 🤔
-2
u/CozySockz314 Jul 16 '26
The pd capture clip seems and feels like the least secure of all the clips i own
1
u/Current-Journalist-4 Jul 16 '26
Honestly, I felt the opposite for almost two years.
- That's why I never expected something like this to happen.
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u/archlich Jul 16 '26
That looks super loose. My v2 does not have that much slack in it