Using a 3047 head for 8x10

[Scott Whitford]

I'm currently using a Bogen 3047 three-way head for my trusty crusty 2D.

I'm comfortable that the head is sturdy enough, but the interface between the hex plate and the camera seems pretty squirmy. I'm afraid to crank the mounting screw down TOO much, and the cork on the plate just doesn't seem to get a good grip on the bottom of the camera - it can easily twist; especially when inserting a film holder (ARRGGHHHH).

Anybody have any good tips on how to improve this situation?

Scott

[wfwhitaker]

I wouldn't be comfortable with that situation. I'd use a different head with enough beef to support the camera.

[John D Gerndt]

Are you ready for commitment? You’ll note the hex plate has holes drilled in it here and there. Screw the plate into the bottom of your crusty D2. End problem.

Cheers!

[Craig Schroeder]

My 3047 style plates have the rubber surface instead of cork and seem quite secure. It would be a cheap experiment to find one of the rubber variants and give it a try before giving up and switching heads.

[Matt Miller]

I have an old 8x10 Korona & I use the 3047 cause that's all I've got right now. I know what you mean about the camera turning on it when you insert a holder. I try to really tighten the mounting screw as securely as possible. For those times when the camera wants to move, I remove the back, insert the holder, & replace the back. I'd love a better tripod & head, but I've been spending all my photo funds on film.

[Annie M.]

Scott,

I had the same problem with that Bogen head and my 7x11 2D. I put a 2.5inch diameter textured rubber washer between the hexplate and the camera. Put additional small metal washer on the bottom of the hexplate replaced the hexplate bolt with a longer one... tightened super tight & the set-up is solid.

[j.e.simmons]

I use a 3047 with my monster Orbit C-1. Bogen makes a larger adapter plate that's square - it offers a much more secure mount and it also comes with both 1/4 and 3/8 mounting screws. I would not recommend this head with this camera, but it's all I have right now and if I'm careful, I don't have any problem. j.e. simmons

[Paul Moshay]

I use four of the older style 3047 heads with my 4x5 and 8x10 Toyo's NOT the new style that has the spring clamp. I bought the heads with the screw clamp and it holds the 8x10 quite secure when inserting the CFH. The newer spring clamp style will not hold anything but the Nikons and those not too well. Paul

[Ralph Barker]

The plate of the 3047, as mentioned, has additional holes, offset from the center screw. One or more of these holes is threaded for an indexing pin. Perhaps the easiest way to avoid the tendency of the camera rotating on the plate is to add a corresponding hole in the camera base to match up with the indexing pin. That way, the positioning doesn't rely on the friction between the plate and the camera base.

[Tito Sobrinho.]

I successfully use the 3047 with the hex plate on my 8x10 Sinar P. It is steady as a rock even with the extension tube + a 480mm Apo-Ronar.