Kirk vs Acratech plates for Mamiya 7 and Hasselblad

[Terence]

Has anyone used both the Kirk and Acratech plates for the Mamiya 7 or Hasselblad?

I'm leaning towards the Kirk as they appear a bit better made and thought out (based solely on web-based info and photos), but the Acratech plates would be about $35 cheaper if I'm buying one of each.

I'd be using these, at least at first, on a Feisol BH-50d head, if that matters at all.

 

[aparat]

I have used the Kirk L-plate only. It fits the M7 perfectly. It is very stable. I would highly recommend it.

 

[Dan Henderson]

Terence: I have never used Acratech, but I have a Kirk plate on my Hassy, and it works great. I also have the Kirk ballhead which I am very happy with as well.

 

[Terence]

Did you get the 3/8" or 1/4" Hassie plate? I like the 3/8" as it is more centered, but seems quite a bit thicker/heavier than the 1/4". Maybe needlessly so. I know the overall weight is still prerry small, but it's all relative, especially when hiking.

 

[Tom Hoskinson]

I use RRS plates on both my Mamiya 7ii and my Hassy. They are extremely well made plates and fit perfectly.
The Feisol QP-144750 QR Plate that came with my Feisol CB-30C Ballhead does not clear the film spool buttons that pop out on the Mamiya 7ii.
However, my Really Right Stuff B53C QR Plate does clear both of the film spool buttons that pop out on the Mamiya 7ii.

 

[Terence]

I looked at the RRS plates as well. They seem comparable to the Kirk quality and price-wise, but the Kirk plate for the Mamiya seemed a tad lighter than the RRS ones, as they have more cut away.

Prior to ordering the Feisol head (decided why not get it when I get the tripod), I was looking at getting the Kirk head and plates, as the Kirk head was closer to my price range than the RRS head.

 

[cowanw]

I use Acratech on everything and think they are very well made. If the competition is 35 dollars more I am pleased with my buy.

 

[Terence]

They're about $15 more per plate, plus a couple dollars in shipping.

 

[Tom Hoskinson]

I have a Kirk Ball Head as well. Well made and finished. I like it!

 

[Terence]

Once I work the bank account back up from the recent purchases, I'll probably be getting the Kirk head and keep the Feisol one at the office.

 

[jeroldharter]

I have 3 different Acratech plates to use with an Acratech ball head. Very well made aluminum. No problems. Would buy again.

 

[Andrey Donchev]

Hassy foot

Away from your question, but . . . . Have you thought about this regarding your Hasselblad. I had one and was very happy with it.

 

[Terence]

Away from your question, but . . . . Have you thought about this regarding your Hasselblad. I had one and was very happy with it.

Ooooooh . . . I'll have to look into that.

 

[bwakel]

I use the Kirk plate with my Mamiya 7II and they fit beautifully - low profile and don't affect the camera's operation. I also use Kirk plates on my Nikon FM2n and Leica M6, but their Mamiya plate is definitely the nicest of the lot.

 

[fotch]

I purchase a Acratech for my Nikon and later purchased Kirks and Really Right Stuff used on the bay. While the Acratech does work, they are cheaper (new) for a reason and I would never buy another one.
JMHO

 

[jeroldharter]

I purchase a Acratech for my Nikon and later purchased Kirks and Really Right Stuff used on the bay. While the Acratech does work, they are cheaper (new) for a reason and I would never buy another one.
JMHO

What was the matter with the Acratech? I have one and am happy with it. They are all just a piece of aluminum with a screw.

 

[fotch]

The contact area was not flat and needed shims to make full contact with the camera plate. Without the shims the camera would be somewhat loose on the plate which makes it useless to mount on a tripod.

Although not as important, I found the stud design annoying. The threaded stud falls out of the plate when not attached as compared to the others that are machined so the remained attached to the plate.

Comparing the three of them side by side, the material, machining, and design of the Kirk & RRS made them my choice, YMMV.

 

[Alan9940]

Hi Terence,

I use RRS plates on all my cameras mounted onto either the RRS BH-55 ballhead or the lightweight Acratech (original) ballhead. This combo has worked flawlessly for years. One caveat though...if the mounting plate on your ballhead uses a "quick clamp" style setup, then be VERY careful which plates you use. For example, RRS warns its customers that the Acratech plates are not safe to use with their ballheads. I think it has something to do with a very slight difference in height. Anyway, you should check this out if it applies to your situation. Ballheads with screw-type clamps are not an issue; apparently, they're okay with any plate.

Hope this helps.

 

[Terence]

I picked up the Kirk L plate used from a fellow APUGger. Can someone tell me whether I need to remove the camera strap tab from the camera if I want to use the strap tab on the bracket. The little L shaped tab seems to directly conflict with the one on the camera.

This might not be the newest version plate, as the website currently says the L tab grabs the camera tab.