Quick release tripod mount

[Simon Benton]

This may seem a naïve question to the many knowledgeable forum members here but I am need of a sturdy quick release tripod mount for my cameras and am somewhat confused by the many options available. I am looking for a reasonably priced option that is readily available and will be using the mount for a Chamonix 4 x 5, Rittreck View 5 X 7, Mamiya RZ67, Hasselblad 500 EL/M, and a tiny Fuji X-E1. Any suggestions and advice greatly appreciated.

[Bob Mann]

You might want to look Kessler Crane clamps and plates, they are Acra compatible and include some with large bases that work well with 4x5 and larger cameras.

[Bob Salomon]

This may seem a naïve question to the many knowledgeable forum members here but I am need of a sturdy quick release tripod mount for my cameras and am somewhat confused by the many options available. I am looking for a reasonably priced option that is readily available and will be using the mount for a Chamonix 4 x 5, Rittreck View 5 X 7, Mamiya RZ67, Hasselblad 500 EL/M, and a tiny Fuji X-E1. Any suggestions and advice greatly appreciated.

Novoflex makes Arca compatible plates and bases in a range of sizes that will easily accommodate all of your equipment. Bases as short as ¾" to over a foot long.

[B.S.Kumar]

Ari.

Kumar

[Willie]

Linhof makes one that works well from 35mm to Hasselblad to larger gear. Solid and locks tight and release works even in the cold - sub zero(f) temperatures. Mine have never accidentally released.

[David de Gruyl]

The big problem I have had with camera plates (and I only use arca-compatible clamps) is twisting. For the chamonix, get a plate with two screws: the camera has two holes for a reason.

I would look at really right stuff and acratech, personally, but finding camera specific plates for your smaller format cameras should be easy. I don't know whether the Rittreck View has one or two holes. I have had some good luck with longer lens plates that have an anti-rotation bar on my 8x10 cameras.

[Bob Salomon]

The big problem I have had with camera plates (and I only use arca-compatible clamps) is twisting. For the chamonix, get a plate with two screws: the camera has two holes for a reason.

I would look at really right stuff and acratech, personally, but finding camera specific plates for your smaller format cameras should be easy. I don't know whether the Rittreck View has one or two holes. I have had some good luck with longer lens plates that have an anti-rotation bar on my 8x10 cameras.

The Novoflex plates have raised rubber tubes on the surface that absolutely prevent any weight or size camera from twisting in any position of the head.

[Greg]

I use an 11x14" Chamonix view atop a large Ries tripod and large Ries head. Love the Ries tripod and Ries head but aligning up the tripod's mounting screw with the base of the camera has always been a challenge... one hand on the mounting screw and the other precariously trying to align and center the camera's base above the 3/8" screw.

Tried using my Arca-Swiss like receiver platform and an Arca-Swiss like plate under the camera... worked for my 4x5 but was overtaxed with the 11x14.

After some research, I bought a Kessler Kwik Release receiver mounting platform and a Kessler Crane Kwik Utility Plate and have never looked back. The Kessler Kwik Release receiver mounting platform has a double locking mechanism which totally sold me on using this mounting plate system. The Kessler Crane Kwik Utility Plate easily supports an 11x14" camera. I dare say it would also support a 16x20" camera without a problem.

I 100% recommend the Kessler quick release system.

[angusparker]

Can't go wrong with the RRS plates that are Arca Swiss compatible. They even have a page dedicated to LF cameras, mostly 4x5: http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Quick-Release/Camera-Plates-L-Plates/Plates-for-Large-Format-View-Cameras

I agree with Greg, for ULF you need to go with Kessler type system or Ríes. I have a very light 11x14 than can just be used on the Manfroto 3 way pan head, just!


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[GG12]

I use RRS plates, for everything from tech'l cameras, long lenses on MF, and 35mm. Very happy with them.

[Jim Andrada]

If the RZ67 is like the RB67 that I have, there are Arca plates available for it that have two pins that fit into matching holes in the bottom of the camera so no twisting. The Mamiya 645 uses the same system.

[Simon Benton]

Thank you for all the very useful information. I am going to try the FLM QRB-70 clamp and plate system as it looks like it will meet my needs.

[Michael Jones]

The Linhof is what I have used for 20 years for 5x7 and smaller. The plate has multiple screw holes with an anti-slip top. Never failed me yet. For big cameras, you really can't beat Cleans. I've used it with the heaviest cameras (up to 20x24 on a Reis) and it is fast and a dream; slip snap & secure.

https://cleanscamerasupport.com/product-category/quick-releases/

Good luck.

Mike


Linhof makes one that works well from 35mm to Hasselblad to larger gear. Solid and locks tight and release works even in the cold - sub zero(f) temperatures. Mine have never accidentally released.

[Bob Salomon]

Linhof makes one that works well from 35mm to Hasselblad to larger gear. Solid and locks tight and release works even in the cold - sub zero(f) temperatures. Mine have never accidentally released.

Actually they make two. One that is rectangular, which is the one that you appear to be talking about, and another one that is square.

[Willie]

Actually they make two. One that is rectangular, which is the one that you appear to be talking about, and another one that is square.

Thanks Bob. Did not know that. Got mine from an extra my Uncle has. He has been using it since the 1970's and it still works well.

[mat4226]

For the past two years, I've used the Novoflex Q=Base quick release adapter (https://www.novoflex.com/en/products/camera-support-systems/quick-release-systems/qbase/). It's incredibly well made and let's me quickly get my cameras mounted, with an additional twist lock to allow shifting of an Arca-Swiss plate. This helps shift balance of the camera, since 120mm of bellows draw on an 8x10 is much different than at 600mm.

[Tony Lakin]

I use the Linhof Quickfix II for 5x4 upwards, for smaller formats I have an arca style clamp mounted on a Quickfix II plate, the Arca style plates are much smaller, tidier and more than adequate for the smaller cameras.

[Patrick Gauthier]

Thank you for all the very useful information. I am going to try the FLM QRB-70 clamp and plate system as it looks like it will meet my needs.

I just recently acquired this plate system and am very satisfied with it. I hope you enjoy it too!

Patrick

[Fred L]

oohhh, those Clean qr look great. would be nice to have for the 8x10 and 7x17...

[Miguel Salhuana]

Greg,

Is it possible for you to upload a picture of your setup with the Kessler Kwik Release receiver on your Ries Tripod Head.

Thanks,

Miguel

[Tin Can]

Here is mine on 6X7" Majestic head with their largest plate

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51062463132_79eb804ce2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kNdtio)IMG-0310 (https://flic.kr/p/2kNdtio) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr


Greg,

Is it possible for you to upload a picture of your setup with the Kessler Kwik Release receiver on your Ries Tripod Head.

Thanks,

Miguel

[Greg]

Greg,

Is it possible for you to upload a picture of your setup with the Kessler Kwik Release receiver on your Ries Tripod Head.

Thanks,

Miguel

images with and without plate attached

[Alan Klein]

You might want to look Kessler Crane clamps and plates, they are Acra compatible and include some with large bases that work well with 4x5 and larger cameras.

I had a problem with an Arca manufactured Arca plate that didn't work with the Kessler clamp. The plate was for the Mamiya RB67 camera. The Kessler would not tighten the Arca plate. Make sure you can return plates just in case. Of course, all Kessler plates work with their Kessler clamp.

[Alan Klein]

If the RZ67 is like the RB67 that I have, there are Arca plates available for it that have two pins that fit into matching holes in the bottom of the camera so no twisting. The Mamiya 645 uses the same system.

Which plate are you using? I bought the Arca RB67 plates and the Kessler clamp would not tighten it.

[dodphotography]

Here is mine on 6X7" Majestic head with their largest plate

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51062463132_79eb804ce2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kNdtio)IMG-0310 (https://flic.kr/p/2kNdtio) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

I used this set up, it’s GREAT... however, I was super bummed when my Arca Swiss 8x10 rails didn’t fit the clamp. The Kessler product doesn’t close down enough. I called them and they said the only solution to ensuring fit is to use their own products. Bummer


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[dodphotography]

I had a problem with an Arca manufactured Arca plate that didn't work with the Kessler clamp. The plate was for the Mamiya RB67 camera. The Kessler would not tighten the Arca plate. Make sure you can return plates just in case. Of course, all Kessler plates work with their Kessler clamp.

Ran into the same issue... such a shame because that QR system is a beast!


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[William Whitaker]

I wonder if anyone has ever tried to adapt a Losmandy or Vixen telescope plate for LF use?...

[Alan Klein]

Ran into the same issue... such a shame because that QR system is a beast!


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I wound up using the Kessler short plate on my Mamiya RB67. But it doesn't have the locking nibs like the Arca plate that didn't clamp tight. Although the Kessler plate has a rubberized surface, it twists slightly. I'm using the short plate with my 35mm SLR and the 4" plate with two screws to prevent twisting with my 4x5 Chamonix. Both of these plates work fine.