Feedback on quick release adapter for field camera

[Clement Apffel]

Hi all,

I would like to know if any of you uses one of those quick release adapter on any 4x5" field camera. (i.e. camera with a bed)

Bogen 394
or Manfrotto 577

How convenient are they with the bed of the camera ?
What other adapter would you recommand for such setting ?

my setting is a chamonix 45N-1 with small lenses (no big tele lenses) on a berlebach with their built-in ball head.

thanks for any advice.
regards,
CA.

[Joanna Carter]

Why not use a camera QR system rather than a video one? The most popular Manfrotto QR for LF work is the RC4 (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/3273;jsessionid=31496FB1182C5262DD4E14722398E3B3.worker2) as supplied with heads like the 410 head (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/2344;jsessionid=E1E728454943BF277D0D666610D4CBA6.worker3?livid=80&lsf=80&child=4)

[Clement Apffel]

I didn’t even realised that those were video adapters…
thank you, i'll check that RC4.

EDIT : mmm wait, that RC4 thingy is only a QR plate right ? what's the adapter that suits it.
Or I missed something.

[Joanna Carter]

that RC4 thingy is only a QR plate right ? what's the adapter that suits it.
Or I missed something.
Yes, you missed something. Take a look at this page (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/3268) where you can see the full adapter.

This conversation is further complicated by the fact that I didn't see the Bogen 394 that you mentioned in your first post, which is exactly the product in the above link. However, the 577 would still be not as good a choice.

[Clement Apffel]

Oh ok, so the manfrotto 394 is the QR adapter for RC4 plates you were talking about in your first post. Am I right ?

I've seen that product called "Manfrotto by Bogen imaging 394 low profile QR adapter".
It is a bit confusing indeed.

So that 394 seems to be a good choice. is it ?

[John Bowen]

I've been very happy with this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/269979-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_625_625_Quick_Release_Adapter.html product. I've used it with my Ries tripod head to mount 8x10 and 7x17 cameras. I expecially like the fact you can use this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=kitInfo&Q=&sku=554277&is=REG&friendly=Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_030L_030L_Large_4x4_Square.html
mounting plate. The large mounting plate helps prevent the camera from twisting. That's expecially important when working with a 7x17 camera. You can build up quite a bit of torque when you are inserting a film holder 10" from the tripod head.

Good luck!

[Joanna Carter]

Oh ok, so the manfrotto 394 is the QR adapter for RC4 plates you were talking about in your first post. Am I right ?
Tout à fait !


I've seen that product called "Manfrotto by Bogen imaging 394 low profile QR adapter".
It is a bit confusing indeed.
Yes, although I gather that Bogen is now the name of the "distributor" for Manfrotto here in Europe as well as in the States.


So that 394 seems to be a good choice. is it ?
De mon avis, oui.


I've been very happy with this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/269979-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_625_625_Quick_Release_Adapter.html product... I expecially like the fact you can use this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=kitInfo&Q=&sku=554277&is=REG&friendly=Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_030L_030L_Large_4x4_Square.html
mounting plate
For larger cameras, I would totally agree but, for 4x5, the 410 is a perfectly adequate choice.

[Paul Kierstead]

One trick I've come to love; I bought a replacement plate for my 410 (http://www.kirkphoto.com/SQRC-3271_Manfrotto_3271_Quick_Release_Clamp.html) which drops in where the regular plate goes and provides an arca-swiss style plate. This 'harmonizes' the various heads, and all cams now use a arca-swiss plate. Very handy.

[Peter De Smidt]

Paul, I didn't know about that one! Right now, I use an Arca-style clamp on top of the Bogen plate. It works ok, but now I know what I want for Christmas. Thanks!

[Clement Apffel]

Thank you all for your answers.
I went for the manfrotto 625 as I have some old spare heads using this hexagonal plate system.
And I'll get the 4x4" plate to get along my 8x10. You know, the one that i'll get.
one day...

regards,
CA.