[bwDraco]

1:1 magnification shot using the D FA 50mm macro lens on the K-5, depicting the tripod socket on my K-3 II. Will this kind of wear eventually lead to failure of the tripod socket (and a trip to the repair center)? Should I worry about it?

—DragonLord

[stevebrot]

Should I worry about it?

Only if you continue to thread other than 1/4-20 into the socket. All kidding aside have you been using brand-X accessories? That first section of thread looks sort of rough.

Edit: I just noticed that you have grips for your cameras. Have you ever had problems mating the grip? That might explain the munged thread.


Steve

[bwDraco]

Just an old tripod and the D-BG5 battery grip. Seems to be relatively soft metal in the socket. Integrity seems okay for the time being, but I'm worried more metal might shred off the socket in and around the worn segment, eventually leading to failure. Do note that the socket is lubricated to reduce wear.

—DragonLord

---------- Post added 07-10-15 at 05:29 PM ----------

Edit: I just noticed that you have grips for your cameras. Have you ever had problems mating the grip? That might explain the munged thread.

Grip mounts cleanly. Difficulties mounting the camera onto the tripod (it is 1/4-20, not some non-standard thread) seem to have caused this.

—DragonLord

[Stumpy]

From your picture I would say you do not have anything to worry about.
The only slight thread damage would appear to be to that first half turn lead in. The rest of the thread looks to be fine.

[Tanzer]

Just an old tripod .... Difficulties mounting the camera onto the tripod (it is 1/4-20, not some non-standard thread) seem to have caused this.

Umm, are you sure the 1/4-20 threading is UNC? Just to be clear, some old tripods used 1/4-20 Whitworth threading. They will fit, as the thread pitch is the same, but the angle of the threads is different. I happen to have such a tripod.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Standard_Whitworth
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripod_(photography)

[bwDraco]

The tripod is a Slik 500G. These should be UNC threads.

—DragonLord

[interested_observer]

Rather than mounting directly to a tripod, you can use a head with a clamp/plate system. Then just attach the L bracket or plate to the camera and everything should be fine. The plate will protect the screw attachment point. Plus, the additional benefit will be ease of use.

[vonBaloney]

Everything is better with quick release plates...

[Tanzer]

The tripod is a Slik 500G. These should be UNC threads.

—DragonLord

OK -- just thought I would double check.

Everything is better with quick release plates...

Yes, everything is better with QR plates. Have one of all my camera bodies. Little to no wear on camera and no fussing about with starting threads and torque. Mount it once & and done.

[chromo]

Get someone to run a die over the thread on your tripod to make sure it's a clean and matching thread.
Else you can prob buy a new screw from ebay for your tripod.
and don't worry. The thread in your camera is very strong.

[AquaDome]

I am continually swapping tripod shoes between cameras and I have never seen anything like that. Its definitely not normal.

[chromo]

The thread looks perfect except for the lead in on the right. It's just a little swarf peeled out of the thread. Being brass, you may be able to break it away with a tiny sharp tool.

[Larrymc]

1:1 magnification shot using the D FA 50mm macro lens on the K-5, depicting the tripod socket on my K-3 II. Will this kind of wear eventually lead to failure of the tripod socket (and a trip to the repair center)? Should I worry about it?

—DragonLord

You might want to run a starting tap into the hole a couple of times just to clean it up a bit. (edit) or Better yet a bottoming tap if you can get it started.

[bwDraco]

Camera is getting exchanged due to an unexpected recall, but this discussion might still be of value for future reference.

—DragonLord