Quick Release System?

[Jonathan Ziegler]

Hi all,

I am looking for some recommendations for a quick release system. I build my own gear quite often, but I also use pre-built tripods and other gear (all different types and brands depending on what’s available). I’m comfortable with my ability to make much of what I make, but I think it better to look into a quick-release system that will accommodate 1/4″x20tpi for DSLRs and video cameras. Is there something that I can both buy a quick release for and have it work with pre-built gear?

I’m looking at the Manfrotto 501 and 357 – I’m thinking these are not the same plates and I’m not sure these plates work with all of the same heads/mounts. Is there a new plate for each head or mount? Sounds like it could be really expensive.

Jonathan Ziegler
https://www.electrictiger.com/
520-360-8293

[Jason Jenkins]

Jonathan,

I use the Manfrotto 323 RC2 Quick Release on my DSLR rig:

Find it at B&H here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=554141&is=REG

I use them to quickly attach my GH2, monitor & JuicedLink XLR box. I also have one attached to the quick release for my Cartoni tripod head. Makes it really easy to assemble/disassemble my handheld rig and I can pull the GH2 off in a second to use it directly on the tripod if needed.

Jason Jenkins
Flowmotion Media
Video production… with style!

[Jonathan Ziegler]

Awesome, thanks for the link – I like that better for my smaller rigs.

Jonathan Ziegler
https://www.electrictiger.com/
520-360-8293

[Malcolm Matusky]

Search E-bay for “arca clamp” and then “arca plate” you will find an enormous selection of expensive to inexpensive equipment. I have had an original arca swiss ball head and clamp for over 20 years, amazing build quality, still going strong; very expensive and now there are many less expensive products conforming to the same size plates so you can mix and match any manufacturer as long as it’s an “arca” standard.

Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com

[Chuck Purnell]

Jason is that a RedRock Rig you have there?

Cre8tive Minds Entertainment, LLC

[Steve Crow]

I know it’s been awhile since you posted this but do you happen to have additional pictures showing more of the overall rig? The closeups are great but it looks like you are also using some kind of rail-based setup and I was wondering if you could share how that was working for you and what you put together for yourself for that part of the setup.

Thanks!

Steve Crow
Crow Digital Media
http://www.CrowDigitalMedia.com

[Jonathan Ziegler]

I have switched to the Sima Quick-connect unit for my lighter camera work and DIY rigs:

https://www.amazon.com/Sima-Quick-Connect-for-Tripod/dp/B00006JQ6C

It’s a $12 unit and I just bought 3 so I could get free shipping.

Jonathan Ziegler
https://www.electrictiger.com/
520-360-8293

[Jonathan Wright]

Jason, where did you find your 15mm clamps to attach to the quick release/how did you attach them?

[Ethan Reitz]

Hi! I love the idea of using the cheap quick release plates to mount accessories because they are light and easy to take on or off.

Just ONE problem! I can’t find any good way to mount them to my rig. I have a suitable 1/4″ hole on a rail block but I can’t find a screw that will go through my rail block and tighten onto the bottom of the quick release. In order that it doesn’t slide around it either needs to be tightened from the top back through onto the railblock or from the back right?

I’ll try to make my question a little less convoluted: How are you mounting your quick release base to your rig? All I can think of is a 1/4″ to 1/4″ coupler which would be impossible to keep tight, or a very long screw which goes through the entire rail block and up into the quick release base.

All these accessories on ebay and I can’t find a single reliable way to mount a simple base plate to the rig. Hotshoe mounts are too flimsy and always come loose when I move my rig around.

Any ideas appreciated!

Cheers!

Ethan

own the means of production

[Steve Crow]

Manufacturers make “cheese plates” for exactly this purpose. I don’t know if the name refers to swiss cheese with all its holes or to a cheese grater but a short screw would attach the cheese plate to your rig and then the quick release plate attaches to the cheese plate, that’s my understanding, not having one myself.

Steve Crow
Crow Digital Media
http://www.CrowDigitalMedia.com