Converting fliplock for multiple MF bodies

[LMNOP]

This is about a monoball B1 in reference to MF cameras, hence me posting here, though I understand if this needs to be moved.

I have a B1 with the fliplock, and it has been a nightmare so far trying to use the fliplock with my RZ67 AND GW690, and I haven't even begun with my LF rig yet. The issue is that fliplocks require the exact same plate in order to tighten properly, otherwise you have to use a traditional quick release clamp that screws in, this was made clear in a previous thread thanks to APUG insight.

I am now thinking this B1 needs to have a regular clamp and lose the fliplock but KEH doesnt have anything to exchange this for. Instead of just returning it, I wonder if there is a DIY or inexpensive way to convert this. It seems like a screw knob would fit into this clamp if only such a part exists. Otherwise, the entire clamp has to go? Arca Swiss sells this for 115. Any thoughts? My goal is to keep these Acra Tech and Kirk plates, they are custom fit for RZ and GW but do not conform to the exact same width.

 

[cowanw]

Yes the whole clamp has to go; which does not mean the whole head.
Can you tell how the clamp is attached to the head? for example the B1 I have came as a bare 1/4 thread out of a round plate and I have an Acratech clamp on it. Some clamps are attached with a bolt that screw down into the ball. So you may need a threaded or non threaded clamp.
If you are going to use this for large format, find whichever clamp has the longest grip you can.
This site
Dead Link Removed
talks about the head connections
here is a Canadian company's take
http://www.jobu-design.com/Arca-Swiss-is-NOT-a-standard-time-for-a-change_b_8.html
and here
https://photographylife.com/arca-swiss-quick-release-system
here are examples of the threaded holes and the through hole
http://www.jobu-design.com/Quick-Releases_c_18.html

 

[LMNOP]

Yes the whole clamp has to go; which does not mean the whole head.
Can you tell how the clamp is attached to the head? for example the B1 I have came as a bare 1/4 thread out of a round plate and I have an Acratech clamp on it. Some clamps are attached with a bolt that screw down into the ball. So you may need a threaded or non threaded clamp.
If you are going to use this for large format, find whichever clamp has the longest grip you can.
This site
Dead Link Removed
talks about the head connections
here is a Canadian company's take
http://www.jobu-design.com/Arca-Swiss-is-NOT-a-standard-time-for-a-change_b_8.html
and here
https://photographylife.com/arca-swiss-quick-release-system
here are examples of the threaded holes and the through hole
http://www.jobu-design.com/Quick-Releases_c_18.html

Thank you! Now I am really stuck, I could get my $200 back for this ballhead, or sink MORE money into making it work. Meanwhile, my 3-way pan tilt Manfrotto, supposedly consumer grade, works perfectly. I was only upgrading because I thought this would be easier.

Anyway, the clamp is attached with a hex screw and looks exactly like this picture here. I dont know that I even have the tool for this disassembly, the screw is pretty flush. My other option is to return all of these plates and just by 4 generics that are the same...

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

You could keep whichever plates you have the most of, return the others, and then standardize on the brand of plate you're keeping.

Personally though, I'm not crazy about fliplocks, particularly for heavier cameras. I have one fliplock clamp, but the rest are all screw locks. They're just more solid and work with all kinds of plates.

 

[LMNOP]

You could keep whichever plates you have the most of, return the others, and then standardize on the brand of plate you're keeping.

Personally though, I'm not crazy about fliplocks, particularly for heavier cameras. I have one fliplock clamp, but the rest are all screw locks. They're just more solid and work with all kinds of plates.

Here is the funny thing about that... I bought a plate for the RZ67 first.. Kirk. Then I ordered a Kirk plate for my DSLR to MATCH since I use that as a meter, then switch to the RZ, sometimes for long exposures that requires swapping on the tripod head. The KIRK plates were different! They both required a different width. I am pretty upset all in all with the way this has shaped up.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Here is the funny thing about that... I bought a plate for the RZ67 first.. Kirk. Then I ordered a Kirk plate for my DSLR to MATCH since I use that as a meter, then switch to the RZ, sometimes for long exposures that requires swapping on the tripod head. The KIRK plates were different! They both required a different width. I am pretty upset all in all with the way this has shaped up.

Now that's a problem. Have you asked Kirk about it?

 

[LMNOP]

Now that's a problem. Have you asked Kirk about it?

Not just yet. I requested a return form from KEH, sort of leaning towards getting rid of the whole system, but I still have the choice. I will write to Kirk.

 

[LMNOP]

Anyone use the Kirk QRC3 with an arca Swiss head, or mono ball to be specific? I see this clamp for 95 bucks and I assume that would make all my plates work more easily. I have been using the head a bit just one camera at a time and I really love it.

 

[LMNOP]

Ah I'm gonna call Kirk in the morning.