Printable View
The system used on video cameras uses one or two pins sort of like registration pins. Another system (from Wimberley) uses a lip on the edge of the plate to prevent rotation. Seems like the latter might work well with field cameras and not require any modification to the body. The screw travels in a slot so needn't be custom for the camera.
I use RRS plates. Some camera have multiple attachment points.
RRS makes a "rail" long plate which is attached at the multiple points.
If your camera has this available, call RRS. Bulletproof.
bob
My own take is that quick release plates are awfully handy for smaller cameras if used with caution. Haste makes waste and QR plates invite haste. If used sloppily, they're an invitation to disaster. I've never had much luck myself using them with LF. Even with a large plate size the "footprint" where the plate contacts the clamp is small and a large camera just doesn't seem stable resting on that small area even if it's clamped tightly. There's just nothing like having a firm foundation supporting the camera up above.
When I rebuilt a Folmer & Schwing 12x20 I borrowed on an idea from a friend of using an intermediate platform to support the camera. The platform attaches to the tripod and the camera then attaches to the platform. What made the system worthwhile is that the platform incorporated rails which allowed quick alignment. It was designed to be used on a Ries Photoplane head and small rails underneath the platform both provided alignment to the head and prevented the platform from rotating on the head. A third rail was used as a stop so that when placed on the Ries head, the tripod screw was aligned directly with the hole above. That way there was no hunting around; the screw was simply pushed upwards and secured with no fuss.
Similarly the platform had rails on either side to keep the camera bed from rotating, all the more an issue with a panoramic camera. When the camera was placed on the platform between the rails and the rear of the bed flush with the rear of the platform, the mounting screw was then aligned with the bushing in the camera. As before, it was a simple matter to then secure the screw.
And that's all there was to it. Index marks weren't required. Everything could be done by feel with no fancy gyrations to keep from dropping the camera. Heck, I didn't even really need to have my eyes open! Yes, it was a two-step operation requiring mounting the platform, then mounting the camera. But they were both quick and easy. For that matter, the platform could be left mounted to the camera most of the time. And best of all, it was solid.
http://wfwhitaker.com/tech/FS1220_5.jpg
http://wfwhitaker.com/tech/FS1220_4.jpg
Some of the 3047 plates have cork inserts. I can't recall which are the older or newer plates. It might not make much of a difference in some situations.Quote:
Originally Posted by Curt
For wood base cameras I've overcome slippage (using 3047 plates) by using a piece of non-slip material made to anchor throw rugs. One trade name is "slip knot" and I know it is marketed under other names. It is cheap and easily procured. I just clamp that stuff between the plate and the camera base.
I stopped using the quick release plate. Seem to many cameras where they failed. Plus it also added two more joints to the camera tripod setup and increases the chances for movement.
If you are going to use then they should be fasten by 2 point better yet is 3 points. The main tripod mount plus two more that are screwed into the body of the camera.
Wow, I always thought the Bogen quick release plates were expensive but the RRS stuff beats it by a mile. It looks like good hardware though.
john
So do longer Novoflex and Giottos Arca compatible plates. The longest Novoflex plates have the Arca profile on the top and the bottom along with multiple, adjustable screw positions - Allen key fitting - and are available up to 17.7" long.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob McCarthy
Be careful interchanging brands of "Arca" plates and clamps. There are a lot of subtle incompatibilities between brands.
Once I bought a Gitzo-made "Arca-style" QR plate. Nope, it didn't fit the Arca clamp. When I complained to Gitzo they said it was only in the style they claimed, not the correct width and angles. LOL.
Fortunately, both the Novoflex and Giottos Arca plates are truly Arca compatible.Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Petronio
What isn't fully compatible between brands is the safety lock used by various companies. But that is easily defeated on many brands of Arca type QR bases so you can interchange plates.
My Canham has both 1/4 and 3/8 holes. I use both to attach a quick release plate. You could try putting a small amount of nail polish or loctite on the threads when you attach the quick release plate to the camera. Acetone will remove the nail polish & I believe also loctite if you should want to remove the plate fom the camera. Keep acetone away from any plastic.