Markins Q3 - safety detent pin?

According to Markins' description of the Q3, "Patented spring loaded detent pin

to prevent from costly accidental drops".

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On the clamp of Q3 there is a metal pin that seems to be a safety pin to prevent

the plate from sliding off by accident.

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How does it work? Do I have to use plates made by Markins to use this feature?

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What about using one of

<a

href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Quick-Release-Plate-00-Kirk-Wimberley-Arca-Swiss-Type_W0QQitemZ170077998281QQihZ007QQcategoryZ30091QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem">these</a>

.

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Another question: Why did Markins change their plate screws to hex socket

instead of the usual flat head screw slot? It is a pain in the ass to bring a

hex key with me just to mount the plate. Ain't coins more handy? Can I swap the

Markins' bolt with the usual one?

If the bolt is removable, just do so and file or grind a coin slot in it so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. I have a similar situation in some of my gear and I just obtained a hex key and taped it to the appliance.