Mounting & Unmounting ULF cameras on tripod.

PHOTOTONE · May 16, 2009

I was just wondering if anyone leaves the sliding tripod block on the tripod, and just slides the camera into and out of it? Seems like this would be a better solution for one person, rather than trying to "wrangle" a screw into a hole.

Of course not all ULF cameras have sliding tripod blocks.

Pinholemaster · May 16, 2009

I've never had a problem with screwing into a hole. Grin.

When you say "tripod block", do you mean using a quick release plate?

PHOTOTONE · May 16, 2009

Pinholemaster said:
I've never had a problem with screwing into a hole. Grin.

When you say "tripod block", do you mean using a quick release plate?

No, I mean the large sliding block that many ULF cameras have to allow you to center the weight of the camera directly over the tripod. It fits into the lower slots on the rail.

archphoto · May 16, 2009

It seems to me that it would be easier to put the quick release plate onto the camera first and than slide it onto the tripod.

Even with 35mm upto 8x10 inch I do it that way.

Peter

PHOTOTONE · May 16, 2009

archphoto said:
It seems to me that it would be easier to put the quick release plate onto the camera first and than slide it onto the tripod.

Even with 35mm upto 8x10 inch I do it that way.

Peter

Yes, if it is a "QUICK RELEASE" plate, and that is how I do it, when I use Quick Release plates, but a Sliding Tripod Block is NOT a quick release plate.

jp80874 · May 16, 2009

Could you attach a picture or a link to one. I am not familiar with this and it sounds like a great idea.

I just leave the 7x17 on a big Ries or the 8x10 on a smaller Ries and carry them in the back of the SUV. As you know I go from there to mounting either in a baby jogger on top of a cooler bag of lenses over several film holders in a bag. From there I can go on trails or usually in my case along the canal towpath until I arrive at the shoot site or I see something new I want to shoot, up to two miles out. I leave the cameras set up in the garage and never have to worry about the balancing act of finding the little threaded hole with the screw.

John Powers

jgjbowen · May 16, 2009

I have one of these http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...en_Imaging_625_625_Quick_Release_Adapter.html
attached to my Ries J head and QR plates attached to of my 8x10 & 7x17 cameras. Works like a charm!

Shawn Dougherty · May 16, 2009

PHOTOTONE said:
Yes, if it is a "QUICK RELEASE" plate, and that is how I do it, when I use Quick Release plates, but a Sliding Tripod Block is NOT a quick release plate.

I have a sliding block on my C1, I think it would be faster, indeed... I'll have to give it a try next time I'm using it. Would save a littlle room in the bag as well.

Jeremy · May 16, 2009

PHOTOTONE said:
I was just wondering if anyone leaves the sliding tripod block on the tripod, and just slides the camera into and out of it? Seems like this would be a better solution for one person, rather than trying to "wrangle" a screw into a hole.

Of course not all ULF cameras have sliding tripod blocks.

Yes, this is what I do when mounting a Calumet C-1 to a Majestic tripod head for shooting. I just leave the tripod block on the tripod all of the time and slide the camera in and out of it when setting up/tearing down (respectively). The C-1 is so heavy it will torque on the tripod regardless of how much I tighten it down--probably just need to get a 2nd hole drilled for a second screw, but I digress.

smieglitz · May 17, 2009

I made a tripod block and have it mounted more or less permanently to a Majestic head to support my 11x14 B&J view camera. It was well worth the effort as now mounting/unmounting/balancing the camera is so much simpler.

Joe

PHOTOTONE · May 17, 2009

smieglitz said:
I made a tripod block and have it mounted more or less permanently to a Majestic head to support my 11x14 B&J view camera. It was well worth the effort as now mounting/unmounting/balancing the camera is so much simpler.

Joe

Did you strip off all that "lovely" gray paint these normally come attired in?

smieglitz · May 17, 2009

Found it that way, fortunately.

photo8x10 · May 18, 2009

For my 8x20 camera, and also for 8x10, I use a large quick release Manfrotto it's a 100mmx100mm, and a very good manfrotto head and a stable tripod(I don't remember the brand)
It's very useful and perfect for my 8x20.
I put here the image of this quick release:

Best

Stefano

Mounting & Unmounting ULF cameras on tripod.

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