Tripod Socket Size

[T.G.]

Tripod socket size; is having 3/8" a requirement? I'm making a camera and am wondering about doing just 1/4" on camera bottom or should I do the 3/8" since I will be having these done by a machine shop.

Thanks

[BrianShaw]

Why not both, like Hasselblad does? Tripod heads and quick-mount plates come in both of those sizes.

[BrianShaw]

... but if you do 3/8 only you can always use a bush adapter for 3/8-to-1/4.

[BrianShaw]

p.s. Mea culpa for the mention of a medium format camera brand on this forum.

[Jim Jones]

Since you are having the tripod socket machined, doing both sizes would be better than using an adaptor with a 3/8" socket. The depth of the 1/4" socket should be at least 3/8" to allow for tripods, like some B&J models, with a long screw.

[Steve Smith]

How big is the camera? If it's small, just 1/4 will do.


Steve.

[T.G.]

I can't really do both, as the piece will surely be done via a lathe. I reckon I should go with the 3/8" and a bushing to avoid any issues at all. Concept wise, it will be very similar to the base on the deardorffs. Those seem very solid and "trustworthy."

Jim says, "... The depth of the 1/4" socket should be at least 3/8"...".
Thanks, I have taken note of that and will plan it in.

[Leigh]

The threaded hole should be in a flange that supports the camera and distributes the weight.

That flange should be as large as possible/convenient. I would think 2" diameter would be reasonable.

The 3/8" size is fine. You can always buy a bushing if needed.

BTW, you'll get better threads in this size range using a tap and tapping head on a vertical mill (e.g. Bridgeport) than cutting on a lathe.
The outer profile of the flange is appropriately lathe work.

- Leigh

[Alan Gales]

Why not both, like Hasselblad does?

I second this idea.

I own a couple Ries tripods that I use with multiple cameras. It's easy to change the screw on a Ries head but it's just that much faster if you don't have to.

[Leigh]

There are problems with putting two threaded holes in the flange.

1) They must be separated by some minimum distance to ensure that the strength of the flange is not compromised.
2) Given that they must go through the entire flange, which goes through the bottom of the camera, a larger hole is required in the wood, thus weakening it.

The Hasselblad holes are 1" apart on center, with the support spanning 2". That's a huge hole in the bottom of a wood camera.

Using a 3/8" hole with a 1/4" bushing when needed is much more sound from an engineering standpoint in this situation.

- Leigh