Linhof #3663 tripod head 1/4" screw needed

**Steve Smith** · 11-Jun-2012, 16:24

Originally Posted by Leigh

driving the car around with someone sitting on the bonnet

I've done that a few times. Ended up in hospital for a few stitches one night after the driver took a sharp turn and I didn't (on a 1960s Humber Hawk which definitely had Whitworth threads!).

Originally Posted by Leigh

The UK auto industry is not noted for leading-edge technology.

By the mid 1970s neither the UK or US car industries were cutting edge and haven't been since.

Steve.

**Leigh** · 11-Jun-2012, 16:29

Given that Leica has a long history of using 55° Whitworth (e.g. the 36mm Leica lens thread and their microscope lenses),
I'll accept that the standard tripod head screw originally used that threadform.

Except at the tightest tolerances, 20tpi UNC and 20tpi Whitworth are intermatable with no issues.

- Leigh

**Steve Smith** · 11-Jun-2012, 16:34

Originally Posted by Leigh

Except at the tightest tolerances, 20tpi UNC and 20tpi Whitworth are intermatable with no issues.

I don't remember which way round it is but the screw of one thread will fit the nut of the other but not the other way round without the likelihood of binding. But as you suggest, probably only if the screw is on top tolerance and the nut on bottom tolerance.

Steve.

**Bill_1856** · 11-Jun-2012, 17:59

This is 2012! I can't believe that we're still discussing Whitworth threads.

**Leigh** · 11-Jun-2012, 18:10

Originally Posted by Bill_1856

This is 2012! I can't believe that we're still discussing Whitworth threads.

Why not?

We still use air, and it was invented long before Whitworth threads. I remember signing the patent application for it.

Just because something is old doesn't mean it's useless, as I and many others here can attest.

- Leigh

**Steve Smith** · 11-Jun-2012, 22:51

Originally Posted by Leigh

We still use air, and it was invented long before Whitworth threads. I remember signing the patent application for it.

And wheels. I remember when I came up with the idea. I had to invent a new device to draw them as my freehand sketch wasn't accurate enough.

Steve.

**Steve Smith** · 13-Jun-2012, 11:11

This is interesting (if you like that sort of thing!).

From Wisner's website:

High strength bronze tripod plate with European and American threads.

The base of the camera has a 1/4" and a 3/8" thread. I'm not sure which way round the American/European designation is.

Picture here: http://harrysproshop.com/Wisner/trad...osed_Front.jpg

Steve.