Quick release plate for Toho

[RooX]

Just got a used 45X and realized that all of my tripod heads without a quick release are 3/8" mount, and it is 1/4".

Thinking this is the perfect camera for a RRS ball head i have, but i need to figure out the best solution for a plate for it.

I had read that the RRS #B80 plate was almost perfect, but it has been discontinued, and its replacement won't work by the looks of it (it required a threaded hole on the camera x2).

What is everyone using? Hoping to get something asap.

[Really Big Cameras]

There is a small QR plate from Photo Clam - the PC-69-UP2, that I believe will work. It has multiple mounting holes and the spacing between the mounting screws is adjustable. So, mounting it on the Toho rail shouldn't be a problem.

I don't have access to my Toho right now, but I'll check it when I get home later tonight and let you know the results.

Kerry Thalmann
Really Big Cameras (http://reallybigcameras.com)

[RooX]

would be great Kerry, if you also happen to have a source of getting one (assuming it will work) all the better!

cheers

[John Schneider]

Kerry IS the source...http://reallybigcameras.com/

[RooX]

well, that is most convenient!

[Really Big Cameras]

OK, I just checked and the PC-69-UP2 does indeed fit the Toho.

However, you'll need some alternate mounting screws and nuts to attach it to the Toho rail. Do you have a well stocked hardware store nearby? The standard 1/4-20 mounting screws won't work as the Toho doesn't have threaded holes in the rail. It has countersunk holes that aren't threaded and are a little smaller than 1/4" in diameter. I use a pair of stainless steel metric flathead screws. I think they are M5 thread size and are 15mm in length - it's important that they aren't too long or they will protrude below the bottom of the plate and interfere with the surface of the mounting clamp. Of course, you'll also need some matching nuts,. and a couple of flat washers probably wouldn't hurt.

Here's a stock photo of the PC-69-UP2:

http://reallybigcameras.com/PhotoClam/PC-69-UP2.JPG

It's a bit hard to judge scale from the photo. It's 69mm (~2.7") long by 39mm (~1.5") wide.

It's late now, but if you'd like to see a photo of the plate mounted on the Toho rail let me know and I'll try to post one.

These plates, with the addition of a second mounting screw and a 1/4 - 3/8 bushing, are perfect for cameras like the Chamonix, Canham, Wisner, etc, that have two tripod sockets on the base of the camera.

Kerry Thalmann
Really Big Cameras (http://reallybigcameras.com)

[RooX]

a mounted photo would be great, sounds like a do-able solution though.

cheers

[Really Big Cameras]

a mounted photo would be great, sounds like a do-able solution though.

cheers

Here's a quick snap shot of the PC-69-UP2 mounted on the Toho rail:

http://reallybigcameras.com/PhotoClam/PC-69-UP2_Toho.JPG

I think the M5 metric screws I used for attaching the plate to my camera may have been the original screws used for attaching the stock round base. If that's the case, you'll need to find a couple M5 metric nuts.

Or, you can probably just use a couple 10-32 flat head screws and nuts instead. This size should be easy to find at any home supply store.

Kerry Thalmann
Really Big Cameras (http://reallybigcameras.com)

[RooX]

Thanks Kerry,

Just sent you a pm

[abk]

I ordered a custom plate for my Toho FC-45X from Krzysztof Hejnar (http://stores.ebay.com/Hejnar-Photo).
Amazing quality, can use the with original rail screws. The price is only $45.
Krzysztof has a few similar copies of my plate, do not hesitate to write smile@hejnarphoto.com

http://i53.tinypic.com/140ltgk.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/2n6rbqw.jpg