Video: Troubleshooting the Matterport Pro3 TMount Tripod Quick Release Adapter | 9 January 26

From @Matterfix

**Matterport Pro3 T-mount / Tripod Adapter (Matterfix.io video recap)**
Mike from Matterfix.io breaks down the Matterport Pro3 T-mount (tripod adapter): the different versions out there, how it’s supposed to work, what commonly fails, and what to check when things go sideways.

**Key versions (how to ID them)**
Newest Official

* Identifying features: Flat portion on barrel near clasp
* Pin: Stainless steel (silver)
* Notes: Latest design; recommended for regular use

Previous Official

* Identifying features: Round barrel (no flat surface)
* Pin: Stainless steel (silver)
* Notes: Older official version; still solid and reliable

Non-legitimate / Beta batch

* Identifying features: Round barrel + brass pin + tiny screw inside the mechanism
* Pin: Brass
* Notes: NOT recommended. Risk of jamming in the camera and causing damage

Extra detail on the “beta/non-legit” one:

* It sounds like these were supposed to be destroyed after testing/QC failed, but some ended up getting resold (often on eBay).
* The tiny internal screw can loosen/fall out, which can jam the mount inside the camera and make removal extremely difficult without repair.

**How the T-mount is supposed to work (normal behavior)**

* It has a clutch mechanism so the camera can rotate on the tripod without loosening the mount.
* When you grip near the camera connection AND the base, you should feel resistance when turning.

* If it free-spins, something’s not right.
* The clutch lets you rotate the camera to set your scan starting position without removing/loosening the mount.
* There are two “grab arms” that clamp the camera:

* Unlocked: arms should move freely
* Locked: arms should clamp firmly with little/no play
* Arm tension is adjusted with a T15 Torx screw:

* Too loose = arms flop
* Too tight = excessive force + risk of damage
* Correct = slight resistance + secure engagement

**Proper seating / mounting (this matters a lot)**

* The camera base and the T-mount surface need to be perfectly aligned and parallel.
* If you tighten while tilted/misaligned, you can cause:

* Damage to the camera or mount
* Rotation problems
* Also: make sure tripod legs are locked and the surface is stable to avoid scan errors.

**Common issues + troubleshooting**

Unstable error in Capture app

* Re-check camera seating on the T-mount (aligned + tightened correctly)
* Confirm tripod stability (legs locked, stable ground)
* Swap parts to isolate: try a different T-mount and/or tripod
* If it still happens after swaps, it may be internal (motor / H-drive) and needs pro repair

T-mount stuck in the camera

* Often tied to the beta/non-legit version (brass pin + internal screw issue)
* In the field, try:

* Remove camera + T-mount from tripod
* Open the clasp
* Rotate and gently tap the mount to try freeing the jam
* If it won’t release: likely needs disassembly or professional repair
* Matterfix.io mentioned plans to release detailed disassembly instructions for self-repair

**Recommendations**

* For normal scanning: use the two official stainless-steel pin versions.
* If you have the brass-pin beta version: treat it as emergency backup only, and use it sparingly with close monitoring.
* Regularly inspect: wear, arm tension, clutch behavior, and general mechanical integrity.
* If you need help: reach out to Matterfix.io via their site / toll-free support (they also offer emergency help).

**Key takeaways**

* There are 3 versions, but only the 2 stainless pin versions are recommended.
* The brass-pin beta version is prone to jamming due to a small internal screw loosening.
* Correct alignment + correct arm tension + proper clutch behavior = safer scanning and fewer headaches.
* “Unstable” errors should be troubleshot systematically (mounting → tripod stability → swap components → internal repair).