Mounting a Calumet 4x5 monorail to a Manfrotto Tripod

Ektagraphic · May 8, 2010

Hi Guys- I have a delemma on my hands. I am trying to mount my Calumet 4x5 monorail onto one of the standard Manfrotto tripod clips to mount to be able to put the camera on the ball head. The problem is that the screw coming from the tripod clip is not long enough to grab into the bottom of the Calumet. Taking off the ball head and mounting the camera directly to the tripod won't work either because the screw coming out it to big. Am I doomed? I can't think of a way around this.
Thanks,

Patrick

BenZucker · May 8, 2010

is there a plate for the tripod head? if so you can get an extra plate, take out the the part that threads into the camera, and use a low-profile bolt that is the proper size/thread (1/4 inch i think) hope that helps

domaz · May 8, 2010

Could you use a Bogen/Manfrotto Super Clamp to hold the rail instead of the Calumet's rail clamp? I do this on my old 5x7 B&J and it works great- but it has a hex rail. If you have a Super Clamp lying around it might be worth a try.

phaedrus · May 9, 2010

Ektagraphic said:
Am I doomed?

No, you're screwed.
Sorry, couldn't resist.

No, really, it sounds as if you wanted to mount a quick release plate to the tripod block on the monorail, and the screw in the plate wasn't long enough, right? They can often be exchanged for a longer screw, they are metric. Get them at a hardware store, sorry, can't remember the size (M8?).

Doremus Scudder · May 9, 2010

You can probably replace the screw on your tripod head with a longer bolt from your local hardware store. It is likely 1/4-20 size (standard small tripod screw).

Pull the pad from the top of the tripod platform and you will see how the screw is easily removed. You will have to file/grind a recess groove in the new screw to be able to slide it into the slot in the head; easily done.

Same story with most quick-release plates

Have fun,

Doremus Scudder
www.DoremusScudder.com

Rick A · May 9, 2010

I bought an extra Tilt-All (old Leitz/Marchioni Bros) for my CC-401, now it lives on its tripod and I have my main tripod for all my other cameras. The new Tilt-All pods are pretty reasonably priced, they will hold the weight of your Calumet.

Ektagraphic · May 9, 2010

ralnphot said:
I bought an extra Tilt-All (old Leitz/Marchioni Bros) for my CC-401, now it lives on its tripod and I have my main tripod for all my other cameras. The new Tilt-All pods are pretty reasonably priced, they will hold the weight of your Calumet.

I have an old Tiltall that I usually use but I wanted to put it on the Manfrotto. The Tiltall is a great tripod!....Thanks for the tips. I will go to the hardwear store and see what I can do.

Rich Ullsmith · May 9, 2010

I have your same camera and had your same problem. Screw is too short because of the flanges on the mounting plate. I could find no combination of hardware that would work with my Tiltall, either. Fortunately, before I took a metal file to the plate on the camera I found an old tripod that fit. Still, it's holding on by its fingernails. If you find a solid solution to this problem, I would appreciate a PM.

unclemack · May 9, 2010

Standard tripod threads are either 1/4" Whitworth or 3/8" Whitworth.
I bought stainless bolts in both sizes on the auction site for a few pounds.
Just cut them to length.

Ektagraphic · May 10, 2010

Rich Ullsmith said:
I have your same camera and had your same problem. Screw is too short because of the flanges on the mounting plate. I could find no combination of hardware that would work with my Tiltall, either. Fortunately, before I took a metal file to the plate on the camera I found an old tripod that fit. Still, it's holding on by its fingernails. If you find a solid solution to this problem, I would appreciate a PM.

My Calumet works pretty darn well on my Tiltall. I will let you know how things turn out.

ac12 · May 12, 2010

For a 4x5 monorail is the 1/4x20 tripod screw adequate or should I use the 3/8 socket w a 3/8" screw?

phaedrus · May 12, 2010

ac12 said:
For a 4x5 monorail is the 1/4x20 tripod screw adequate or should I use the 3/8 socket w a 3/8" screw?

The latter. And don't use a quick release plate, I've yet to find one that doesn't induce a bit of wobble.

ac12 · May 12, 2010

Unfortunately the Bogen head has a QR plate.

Mounting a Calumet 4x5 monorail to a Manfrotto Tripod

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