Two tripod related questions...

[JohnN]

Hi,

They are these (possibly related)

1. When you attach a quick release plate to the camera or lens foot how do you stop the thing coming loose through usage?
2. I understand there are separate plates available and some are quite costly - what's the advantage in those and why would you get one?

Cheers.

 

[redhed17]

I don't know what you consider to be expensive. :shrug:

The only plates I've had come loose are the cheaper plastic ones with a cheap Aluminium tripod. Since I got a Manfotto tripod, and tripod head + plate, the plate has never come loose. In fact it is sometimes hard to get it off.

 

[mortimerhill]

1) Check it regularly, every time you out the camera on the tripod!

2) The whole point is that is a quick change facility, so one mount for every body and every lens with its own tripod mount.

It's not really a quick change if you have to transfer the mount from camera to camera every time

 

[HoppyUK]

Get an Arca-Swiss type plate. A longish one screwed on tight won't come loose. Even better, get one custom made to fit your particular camera, with a lip to prevent rotation. Best of all, an L-bracket, £100-150.

Then you need a tripod head head with an Arca-Swiss style clamp. It's almost the universal fitting for top end tripods.

 

[fracster]

Get an Arca-Swiss type plate. A longish one screwed on tight won't come loose. Even better, get one custom made to fit your particular camera, with a lip to prevent rotation. Best of all, an L-bracket, £100-150.

Then you need a tripod head head with an Arca-Swiss style clamp. It's almost the universal fitting for top end tripods.

I agree totally with Richard.

I did, and I suspect i`m not alone on this, make the mistake of going for cheaper options over the years. Two years ago I bought an expensive tripod and head, I can`t envisage ever having to buy another tripod. The swiss arca system is very solid and dependable, especially if you use, or intend to use, longer lenses.


I still have a Manfrotto 190 permanantly in the car just in case.

 

[JohnN]

One of the issues I have is the I have to change the plate as most of the time I have a qstrap on it.

 

[tijuana taxi]

Think at least one of the tripod mount strap fixings have provision to leave a Q/R plate attached

 

[HoppyUK]

One of the issues I have is the I have to change the plate as most of the time I have a qstrap on it.

There are various solutions to this, many of them DIY.

My own method when using a Black Rapid sling is an attachment loop made from an old camera strap, securely attached to a lug on my L-bracket. And for longer lenses an eye-bolt screwed into the lens collar. Either way, I can use a tripod even with the strap attached.

Others use a metal loop integral to the attachment screw. Black Rapid makes one for Manfrotto plates. Here http://www.premier-ink.co.uk/photog...black-rapid/black-rapid-fastenrt1-p-3492.html

 

[hollis_f]

Get an Arca-Swiss type plate. A longish one screwed on tight won't come loose. Even better, get one custom made to fit your particular camera, with a lip to prevent rotation.

This!

I use Kirk plates designed to fit my cameras and lenses. They may not be cheap, but they sure are worth it.