Tripod quick release adapter recommendation?

keithostertag · Jan 23, 2020

I'm looking for a tripod quick release adapter and plates that I could use with several of my cameras.

I'm using an old Gitzo ball head, not marked, on a Gitzo Studex Performance. You can see it's shape and size in the attached photo.

I'd like to find an adapter I could screw onto the ball head that takes something similar to a hex plate- one that drops in rather than slides in. It would need to be fairly light weight and tight fitting- this is not the best ball head around :-(

I used to own an old Bogen 3047 head that took hex plates... I'd like something similar to that type of quick release- plate just drops in and springs closed.

I've seen some inexpensive ones on eBay, but not sure they will fit or if they are accurately built enough to be rigid (not sloppy).

Recommendations? I prefer not to buy a new ball head (with integrated quick release), but might consider one if not too expensive. Camera(s) and lenses is gonna weigh in the neighborhood of 2-3 pounds.

Thanks,
Keith

wiltw · Jan 23, 2020

The world has largely found that 'quick Release (QR) plates compatible with the Arca Swiss system provides the widest variety of different brands that are -- generally speaking but NOT universally true! -- interchangeable.

There are adapter QR that can mount in place of the QR plate which came from the factory...you simply need a head whose original plate is hold on with a SCREW....some manufacturers QR are not removeable! Diameter of the screw threads used to secure the adapter to the head is typically 3/8" (better), or 1/4". Example of such an adapter plate is made/sold by RRS.

One example of a QR adapter: https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/b2-duo-clamp

Adapter QR can lock down on baseplates (mounted to the bottom of the camera with standard 1/4" tripod screw (a few camera bases take a 3/8" tripod screw)
https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/BGE4-Plate-for-BG-E4-BG-E6-grips

...from a number of different manufacturers of Arca-Swiss compatible QR plates, if the QR adapter uses a thumbscrew lock. Due to the lack of a true 'standard' the QR baseplates can have a very subtle difference dimensionally, so if the QR adapter uses a Lever lock (rather than Screw lock) some QR baseplates might not lock properly into the Lever-lock style QR adapter from a different manufacturer.

https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/b2-as-II

reddesert · Jan 23, 2020

There is a Manfrotto / Bogen hex plate adapter that mounts on your tripod head and provides a hex plate quick release. The part number is Manfrotto 625 / Bogen 3296. You can buy these new or find them used (ebay, etc). It does add some height and bulk. If you go this route, be sure to mount it very securely so it can't rotate on your head. I think there are a couple of set screws in the adapter that can help with anti-rotation.

AgX · Jan 23, 2020

I use both the rectangular and the hexegonal classic Manfrotto plates. However, the two plate-systems are not interchangable. You need different receptacles for the smaller rectangular and the bigger hexagonal plates.
Which makes sense, as both plate and receptacle/head should be apt in size for each other. However, once a big tripod already is set up and you want to exchange a heavy for a lightweight camera, the hassle starts.

Dan Daniel · Jan 24, 2020

AgX said:
I use both the rectangular and the hexegonal classic Manfrotto plates. However, the two plate-systems are not interchangable. You need different receptacles for the smaller rectangular and the bigger hexagonal plates.
Which makes sense, as both plate and receptacle/head should be apt in size for each other. However, once a big tripod already is set up and you want to exchange a heavy for a lightweight camera, the hassle starts.

So hex adapter on the Gitzo head. Carry a rectangular adapter attached to a hex plate for when you want to use a smaller camera.

AgX · Jan 24, 2020

Dan Daniel said:
So hex adapter on the Gitzo head. Carry a rectangular adapter attached to a hex plate for when you want to use a smaller camera.

Yes, I've done that.
However that is what I mean by hassle: either put a rectangular receptable (not cheap) mounted on a hexplate in reserve, or mount the two together just in case, by means of a thread adapter and in right angular position.

guangong · Jan 24, 2020

Depends upon the size of cameras and weight and length of lens. For 35mm I use old Schactler system. For Rolleiflex TLR and Hasselblad I use Rollei and Hassy quick release. For LF and heavy Arriflex 16mm I use Linhof system. For general use Schachtler is a good choice because home made insert plate is easy to make.

AgX · Jan 24, 2020

It is Sachtler.

But 4 different plate systems is what I want to avoid. But it might make sense in case one got a certain tripod and head dedicated for a each camera.

osella · Jan 24, 2020

I really like the FLM QRP-70 quick release. It works really well for my 8x10 camera so might be a little overkill for 2-3lb camera. They do make a smaller QRP-50 which might be more suitable. They are not compatible with standard Arca plates but they do have a nice design that prevents accidental disengagement.

Neil Poulsen · Jan 24, 2020

Beginning with the 4047, I've always used Bogen-Manfrotto hexagonal, quick release plates.

Why not upgrade your head to the more recent 3039, or whatever the designation is these days. It's a much better head than the 4047 and supports over 20 lbs. You may need updated plates; I've found that the older plates that fit the 4047 are a bit small for the 3039.

As for a rectangular plate, consider looking for a used 4"x4" plate that was designed for the hexagonal heads. No longer manufactured, they're a little hard to fine; but, they work well for flat bed cameras. Even 8x10 cameras.

AgX · Jan 24, 2020

Neil Poulsen said:
As for a rectangular plate, consider looking for a used 4"x4" plate that was designed for the hexagonal heads. No longer manufactured, they're a little hard to fine; but, they work well for flat bed cameras. Even 8x10 cameras.

That is a basically a hexagonal plate that got a bigger, square mount to the camera. Designed to better spread forces at the camera botton, as with wooden field cameras.

mpirie · Jan 24, 2020

Kessler Kwik Release: it takes the Arca plates and many more.

I have one, but prefer the Manfrotto RC4 plates as i have several different heads on several different tripods.

Mike

MattKing · Jan 24, 2020

I like the architectural Manfrotto 200PLARCH-38 and 200PLARCH-14 architectural plates:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...c5wIVix-tBh1wsgxYEAQYBCABEgL9wfD_BwE&pcur=CAD
and
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...PLARCH_14_Architectural_Anti_Twist_Quick.html
They work with my RB67 and in most cases with my smaller cameras.
I have a couple of cameras that are too deep for the "lip". In those cases, I use the basic small Manfrotto plates for smaller cameras, which are compatible with the same tripod heads and which will also function reasonably well with the heavier cameras.

Luckless · Jan 24, 2020

mpirie said:
Kessler Kwik Release: it takes the Arca plates and many more.

I have one, but prefer the Manfrotto RC4 plates as i have several different heads on several different tripods.

Mike

All of my tripod and monopod gear uses RC4 plates, and I kind of dislike them...

However, it was the plate I started with on my first halfway decent tripod, and have since picked up more gear to the point that I have a half dozen plates or so.

So now I have plates and heads that work 'good enough', and I can't justify spending more on gear that I might like better...

Sunk-cost fallacy is a dangerous and annoying thing.

Besk · Jan 24, 2020

I have used the hex plates and have both the Hasseblad and Rolleiflex quick release systems. I have found the Arca type the most versatile. There are many different
size plates available to suit the camera model or weight. Right now I have them for a Sinar, Bush Pressman, miniature Crown Graphic, Nikons, Agfa Record and even
my iPhone.

To add to the above and agree with an earlier poster - the Arca type clamp which uses a screw for tightening the clamp is the most versatile.
By opening it wide you can just drop the camera into the slot and tighten it. All adapters from three three manufacturers I have used so far work very well that way. That is especially helpful when mounting the Sinar.

Tripod quick release adapter recommendation?

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