Quick release plate for Toyo VX125

[Matus Kalisky]

So - my 'new' Toyo VX125 was just delivered and it is an awesome piece of mechanical beauty, but I have one little problem: how to attach the camera to a tripod. There is something that looks like a quick release plate already mounted on the rail, but it does not fit arca-swiss style quick release, as it is larger (wider). At the same time - there is one one threaded attachment point (looks like 3/16").

According to manual (yes, I have an original one!) there is probably a dedicated quick-relase that fits the camera, but I have never seen one on internet, so I guess it is rare. On top of that I use quick release plates with other camera, so I would much prefer to use arca-swiss styled plate.

So - what would be the best way to attach a arca-swiss style quick release plate to Toyo VX125? It feels a bit dumb not to be able to mount the camera on a tripod .. :eek:

thanks.

EDIT: Correction, the thread (which is a screwed-in bushing) is probably more like 3/8" (just tried to measure it) - quite large in other words.

[Jeff Keller]

Probably just screw a arca-swiss style plate, having a slot for the screw and a lip, to the built in Toyo quick release plate...

Looking at Adorama picture of
rail: http://www.adorama.com/TY180750.html
camera: http://www.adorama.com/TYVX125.html

Be certain of your thread size. Most of the references I see say it is 1/4

For 3/8 maybe something like: http://reallyrightstuff.com/Items.aspx?code=BodyHassy3/8&key=cat
For 1/4 maybe something like: http://reallyrightstuff.com/Items.aspx?code=BodyTechnika&key=cat

I'm always amazed that the arca swiss style vendor websites don't make it easy and obvious to browse for plates by size.
Jeff Keller

[Matus Kalisky]

Thanks. What makes me unsure about mounting another quick release plate on the existing one is that there is only one screw one may use. When I measure the width of the thread it is approx 5/16", so I guess the screw is 3/8". And that is already with an screwed-in thread adapter - so the base thread is even larger.

When I come to think of it - the best solution could be to have the original toyo plate machined down a bit to fit the arca-swiss style quick release directly. Of course that would be an irreversible step - but at the same time it would be the most stable and safe solution.

I am opened to more ideas ...

[AnselAdamsX]

Would having someone mill it cost more than a plate? Mine came with an Arca Plate already attached. It has a lip to prevent twisting and a screw to prevent it sliding off the clamp when loose. Fits in the case just fine.

[Matus Kalisky]

I am considering having a dedicated plate/mount machined for the camera, the question is how much will it cost and how long will it take. SKGrimes comes to my mind, but I would prefer EU-based company for obvious reasons.

If there is a mechanical shot within EU that would be willing such a job - please let me know.

[Matus Kalisky]

I have just order a quick release plate from Giottos MH468 as it is equipped with a 3/8" screw and has the right length. I will let you know how (whether) it works with the VX125 in a few days.