One of my cameras has a setup very similar to that of a video camera, in that it has a 1/4" thread for the tripod screw and a small hole for a locator pin. I have a Bogen 3068 head I've been using, but the only plate i can find for it doesn't have a locator pin. I would like the extra stability of adding a pin. Is there such a thing as an "addon" locator pin?
Michael, I think the 3068 is a tripod. Which head do you have and what shape is its QR plate?
It shouldn't be a difficult DIY.
Careful measurement and a drill press. Oh, a pin, brass or steel. Your choice.
I replaced a locator pin on one of my Gitzos once upon a time. I found a machine screw that would screw in with a little effort and then cut the head off at the appropriate height. It's still there 30 years later.
If you have the capability of doing such, I'd drill and tap, then use a set screw. Drilling/tapping an appropriately sized threaded "mating" hole in the bottom of the tripod head will help too. This is an easily removed(if needed) option, albeit with a bit more work upfront.
Another option is to install what is sometimes called a "roll pin." It's basically a tube with a narrow slit down its full length, so that the cross-section is a C-shape with just a narrow opening. They are made in various lengths. To install you simply drill a smooth hole to whatever depth you wish, then tap the pin into the hole with a hammer. It's held in the hole only by a lot of friction due what's known as an interference fit (hole ever so slightly smaller than the pin diameter), since the C-shape closes when hammered into the hole. The only disadvantage is that you'd have a devil of a time removing the pin if you ever wanted to - however, if you drill the hole all the way through the platform then you'd be able to use a punch the same diameter as the hole to drive the pin out of the hole from the bottom of the platform I'd bet you can find these pins at McMaster-Carr or Micro-Tools.
www.mcmaster.com
http://www.micro-tools.com/store/
McMaster-Carr has them here. The longer ones come in fewer pins per pkg, but they can be cut to needed length and you'd have plenty of spares for less than $1.00 each. The stainless steel ones would probably be better corrosion-wise.
Almost any decent hardware store (you know, the one's with all the tiny shelves with various hardware) should have a small enough roll pin to suit. And you can buy just one.
That may be true, but a quick search in my neighborhood didn't turn up much. H.Depot and Lowes only offer small packets of several sizes. However, I did find individual pins available here, but usually only one or two lengths for each pin diameter. Can likely find one that'll work OK.Originally Posted by HMG
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