Arca Cube Quick Release Fix

February 3, 2010 | Tips & Tech

The Arca Swiss Cube is the best tripod head in the world. We have sold many of these to landscape and architectural photographers for whom the quick and precise ability to level both axis regardless of whether the tripod is flat and then, on a flat surface, pan left and right.

At the top of the Arca Swiss Cube is a quick release for the nearly universal Arca Swiss quick release system. Quick Release plates from Arca Swiss itself are always the same width, but third parties may use the phrase “Arca Swiss compatible” even though their plates are slightly wider or narrower. To allow for this variation in size the cube has an adjustable screw which widens or narrows the quick release.

If you over-loosen the quick release the “jaw” will pop off and the springs/washer/net may go flying. So first: try not to do that!

However, if you do have this happen to you we have written this article to make it easier for you to reassemble the quick release.

The final working assembly

From left to right: the nut, washers*, springs, jaw, release lever.
*there are three washers – in this picture you can’t see the second washer under the first.

With all the above pieces removed…

1) place the nut and washers in the small hole in the middle of the cube as shown below

2) place the two springs in their respective holes on the side of the cube

The cube will now look like this:

3) push and hold the jaw onto the side of the cube – the springs are quite strong and it’s helpful (but not necessary) to have someone hold the jaw in place using one finger on top of each of the two springs.

4) push the screw of the release lever through the hole and thread the three washers and nut – you may need to use a small screwdriver (or a bit of trial and error and shaking) to get the screw of the release lever to thread the three washers and nut.

5) tighten the final assembly using the nut

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