Pentx 67 L bracket

[abruzzi]

If you have a P67, you probably know that Kirk made an L bracket for it, but it was discontiued years ago. You probably also know that the rarity made those L brackets sell for obscene dollars. I was browsing eBay for something completely different, and saw that a thrid party (China...) has made a very similar copy specifially for the P67 (i.e. not a "universal" design.) Its still expensive, but $200 is way cheaper than $600-700 that the Kirk units sell for. (I'm not the seller, and I'm not going to buy one, because I'll probably sell my P67 off. Link:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186412640545

 

[DREW WILEY]

I made my own L-bracket, even stronger, yet lighter, out of stainless steel, for under $10.

 

[MFstooges]

I made my own L-bracket, even stronger, yet lighter, out of stainless steel, for under $10.

Did you have to use CNC machine?

 

[DREW WILEY]

No. I only needed my drill press, plus the taps - a little bit of grinder work or filing too. I already had a suitable Sagatsune stainless L on hand (which would normally cost about ten bucks apiece, though I got a variety of them for free). There's no need for anything complicated. And any kind of supplemental quick release plate can be used.

I wanted an ultralight but solid option for vertical composition when backpacking or airline travel using tripod legs only (leaving a head behind). It works quite well for up to a 200mm P67 lens (not for 300 or longer).

 

[Sal Santamaura]

...I was browsing eBay for something completely different, and saw that a thrid party (China...) has made a very similar copy...

I reviewed that eBay listing carefully and could find no reference to China. How did you determine that it's not made in Missouri City, Texas, where the seller is located?

 

[MFstooges]

I reviewed that eBay listing carefully and could find no reference to China. How did you determine that it's not made in Missouri City, Texas, where the seller is located?

Good point. Apparently anything cheaper is made in China as a default. The other items from the seller include a souvenir from Enron and I doubt China made that one.

 

[DREW WILEY]

Sheer probability would predict 99% odds of Chinese manufacture, despite where the seller is located. But that is not actual proof. Why not ask them? As far as not being labeled PRC, tons of counterfeit goods arrive in US ports every day with missing or deceptive labeling. And with an item selling in very low volumes like the one in question, it would fly under the radar anyway.

But you never know - maybe the Chinese subcontracted it to a third world country with even cheaper labor, like Texas.

 

[Sal Santamaura]

...Why not ask them?...

I had already done that. My inquiry contained two questions:

"Do you manufacture this item in Missouri City? I ask because someone on a forum claimed it's from China. Also, you've included a note saying "The pin is designed for a snug fit! It may require some pressure to properly seat the bracket in place." Is it that way because the design didn't account for added thickness of anodizing? Thanks in advance for your reply."​

​

A reply has now arrived:

"I do not manufacture them in house. However, it is my design and i spent quite a bit of time and money developing it. They were originally 3d printed myself in carbon fiber and it just wasnt strong enough. Now, i do have a partner in China that manufactures them for me. And no, its not really because it's the anodizing. The factory accounted for that, and the pins diameter is what it should be."​

 

[DREW WILEY]

Bingo! Thanks, Sal.

 

[GLS]

FYI, Kirk do a universal "tall" L-bracket which can be used on the Pentax 67:

Universal Quick Release Tall L-Bracket

Universal Quick Release L-Bracket -Tall

kirkphoto.com

In conjunction with the following base plate:

PZ-173 Camera Plate for Pentax 6X7

KES quick release camera plate for Pentax 6x7

kirkphoto.com

It works well. The only thing one needs to be wary of is the possibility of flex when the camera is mounted in portrait orientation. However, if the L-bracket is adjusted so that the side plate is flush with the camera body this can't happen.