Quick Release: Any way around it?

[Sylvester Graham]

Hi there.

I have a head like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800645981-USE/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_3030_3030_3_Way_Pan_Tilt_Head.html

In any case, it takes this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=kitInfo&Q=&sku=554154&is=REG&friendly=Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_200PL_14_200PL_14_Rectangular_Quick_Release.html

A quick release plate.

I remember using a QR plate for a view camera a long time ago, not the best, but doable. I just got a new Shen Hao and the tiny little platform won't work, and I'm afraid the screw will snap off with her at full extension and pointed slightly down.

Are there any solutions to this? Some sort of wider QR plate I haven't seen. Or do I just need to get a geared head/better head? I'm not looking for absolutely flawless performance, just workable performance since I'm on a budget.

Thanks-
-Alex

[Donald Miller]

Hi there.

I have a head like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800645981-USE/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_3030_3030_3_Way_Pan_Tilt_Head.html

In any case, it takes this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=kitInfo&Q=&sku=554154&is=REG&friendly=Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_200PL_14_200PL_14_Rectangular_Quick_Release.html

A quick release plate.

I remember using a QR plate for a view camera a long time ago, not the best, but doable. I just got a new Shen Hao and the tiny little platform won't work, and I'm afraid the screw will snap off with her at full extension and pointed slightly down.

Are there any solutions to this? Some sort of wider QR plate I haven't seen. Or do I just need to get a geared head/better head? I'm not looking for absolutely flawless performance, just workable performance since I'm on a budget.

Thanks-
-Alex

What size camera are you using? I have shot 8X10 Deardorffs off this same head. I currently shoot my 5X7 Wisner off the same head and quick release plate. The head is rated at 13.3 lbs. The only time that I have gone to a bigger head was when I shot 12X20 and that was using a Majestic geared head.

I even hang my $5,000 HD video camera off a 1/4 inch stud on a similar QR plate.

If you are speaking of a small 4X5 (<5lbs) camera. Even with a lens and holder you won't get to 10 lbs. I don't see a problem. You may consider the optional architectural QR plate. Or if you are really fearful you might opt for a 3047 head...of course you should do what you want.

[Joanna Carter]

I remember using a QR plate for a view camera a long time ago, not the best, but doable. I just got a new Shen Hao and the tiny little platform won't work, and I'm afraid the screw will snap off with her at full extension and pointed slightly down.

Are there any solutions to this? Some sort of wider QR plate I haven't seen. Or do I just need to get a geared head/better head? I'm not looking for absolutely flawless performance, just workable performance since I'm on a budget.
The RC2 adapter plate is hardly suitable for a LF camera. I would recommend you look at getting a head that takes the RC4 adapter plate http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554165-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_410PL_410PL_Quick_Release_Plate.html ; it is much larger and more stable.

If you want to stay with the three-way pan-tilt type of thing then this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/445434-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_808RC4_808RC4_3_Way_Pan_Tilt_Head.html should suit. But I use and would recommend the 410 head http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/124665-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_410_410_Junior_Geared_Head.html . The geared mechanism allows fine adjustment whilst a quick-release lock on each axis allos fast (approximate) setup.

[Archphoto]

For the Shen Hao I would have a look at the Manfrotto 410 geared head.
It is a great match, very stable and very secure.
I use the 410 for my DSLR, Rollei SL66, Mamiya RB67 and Shen Hao HZX45-IIA.
The measurements of the QR plate are 6.5x8 cm and you can even use double screws for mounting the QR to the Shen for added security.
It has a second security lock, so loosing the camera is impossible.

Peter

[Sylvester Graham]

Ok, I was circuitously asking if there is an plate with more surface area for the RC2 lock type. I guess the answer is no. The 410 is probably the best bet. Anyone know where I can get a used one?

Thanks!