[DavidWasch]

After some pining (and research), I have settled on purchasing a Markins Q3 through a Korean vendor on eBay. Sure, there's a bit of risk purchasing from a foreign vendor, but--

• the vendor (dhsummer) seems to have good, legit reviews on ebay
• the vendor was mentioned on another photo forum as being dependable
• the delivered price is $195 (30% less than direct from Markins)

The Markins site mentions that they will not honor gray-market warranties, but I wouldn't be buying the product if I thought I would need a 3 year warranty.

I will report back how it goes.

-David

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Last edited by DavidWasch; 07-12-2009 at 07:42 AM.

[panoguy]

Yes, let us know how it goes. I've been looking at the Q3 as well...

[vizjerei]

Cool! please report back

[song_hm]

I want to know too :-)

[DavidWasch]

Update:

Ok,

I received the Q3 in the mail Friday from the Korean vendor I mention in the OP. Because I was eager and paranoid, I opted for insurance and expedited delivery. In total the cost came to $219.99-- delivered.

The packaging and documentation is complete. The ball head looks beautiful, and seems to be in perfect working order. I have not yet mounted my camera on it, as I am waiting for an L-bracket from Kirk, which will arrive any day now. Once I have tested it out, I will take a picture of the rig to post. If all goes well (which I expect), I would certainly recommend this deal to others.

-David

[vizjerei]

Thank you David

[Michaelina2]

Bought an M10 via the OP's Korean source last fall.

From the time I placed the order to central midwest, USA, delivery... three days! Perfect condition. Flawless transaction and the ball head is great too.

Highly recommended.

Cheers...

[panoguy]

Good to know. A Markins for the price of a Giottos is well worth it (especially as the Canadian $ climbs higher in value)!

[pxpaulx]

I was thinking about the photoclam ballheads, but when it comes down to price from the guys selling the markins q3 on ebay, it is actually cheaper than a comparable photoclam. Microsoft cashback has climbed from 8, to 10 and is currently 12% back, making the q3 right at about $170 after the cashback if you opt for normal shipping (I would definitely insure it as well!). I have $250 to spend, with cashback I can still get 2 plates (for the K20 and a lens) and squeak in right under. National camera is having their annual tent sale starting tomorrow, so if nothing of interest pops up there, I think I will be taking the grey market plunge on this markins head (to go with the grey market gitzo arriving tomorrow, haha).

And I think a thorough review is in order as well David!

[Kerrowdown]

Well this all sounds like it turned out fine, good news.

[68wSteve]

Let me know if you need help. Im in Korea. Will be here untill January!

[apisto]

68wSteve,

Have you seen any Markins or Photoclams in shops over there?

[68wSteve]

Looks like i could get the Markin Q3 for about $180-$190 shipped CONUS via USPS priority mail. I would need postal code to verify. If anybody is interested let me know and we can work out the details. This is no profit on my end, I just want to help out other members.

Steve