Re-Thinking Quick Release Plates

**Bob Kerner** · 31-Dec-2010, 17:06

So let me ask this: Is there a 3 way pan head with nice big base to accommodate a LF camera, one that has 2 screws?

I think the new Manfrotto heads come with multiple screws, but can't be sure. It's been well over 10 years since I've bought a tripod head.

I've seen Manfrotto heads with the hex plates and others with just screws, but can't recall seeing a model with two screws.

My camera has 2 holes (looks like 1/4 and 3/8 like jeff's) in the bottom and I temporarily shoved a second screw in but it's not the proper size. I'm willing to ditch the plate altogether and go to a 3 way pan tilt head if there's one that will provide a secure attachment.

**Robert Opheim** · 6-Mar-2011, 15:43

I had a mishap in the late 1980's with a Bogen quick release. I was shooting a fraternity building for a client. The the quick release plate didn't seat right in the head and the camera fell off of it. I don't know if the spring clip on the tripod head wasn't strong enough or maybe if I had double checked it to make sure that it was seated properly. I broke part of my camera's front standard. I wasn't happy. I stopped using that tripod and went to a screw head mounted gitzo head and legs. It is slower but I haven't had any more camera damage. Since I am using the slowest camera possible I have not been in a hurry to save a few seconds when it can take 15 minutes to a couple of hours to set up a shot and take an exposure.

**Chris Strobel** · 6-Mar-2011, 15:53

Don't use quick release plates myself.On my C-1 its a Ries head, and on the 4x5 its a Bogen 3047 head, but the hex plate never comes off, I just screw the camera on as if it were a fixed plate, reason being the camera fits funky in its Pelican case with that bogen octagonal plate attached.I'm thinking of ditching the 4x5 and using my 5DII and stitching as a substitute, so I've been looking at the Really Right Stuff ball head.I know Jack dykinga was using it with his 4x5 and seemed pretty pleased.

**Brian C. Miller** · 6-Mar-2011, 18:07

Originally Posted by Bob Kerner

So let me ask this: Is there a 3 way pan head with nice big base to accommodate a LF camera, one that has 2 screws?

...My camera has 2 holes (looks like 1/4 and 3/8 like jeff's) in the bottom and I temporarily shoved a second screw in but it's not the proper size. I'm willing to ditch the plate altogether and go to a 3 way pan tilt head if there's one that will provide a secure attachment.

Manfrotto 357PLV. This fits the 357 rapid connect adapter. While this is for a video camera, it seems to be what you want.

**Bob Kerner** · 6-Mar-2011, 18:39

Since I posted the original question, my situation has changed. I now have a Sinar monorail sitting atop the very excellent Sinar pan-tilt head, a former demo model bought from Sinar. The pan tilt head is lovely and I can use it (sans any QR plates) under my Crown. So I've managed to get my LF kit onto one head without the need for QR plates.