Fotga DP 500 2 Camera Baseplate quick release

N

Ned Kelly

Active member
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/like/400958718304?lpid=107&chn=ps


I'm currently looking for another sliding plate for the above unit. I've purchased a generic swiss Arca styled plate but it doesn't quite fit well, and too narrow to lock up. Have also contacted a couple of Fotga sellers on ebay but they don't sell just the sliding plate. Wondering if anyone has overcome this and can recommend one to me please.
 
@ozmorphasis Thanks for the link, but unfortunately those plates look identical to the ones I bought that have deeper grooves and won't lock up in the Fotga. I don't think they're at fault, I think the fotga system isn't true Arca type quick release. But I'll send off a question and ask them if it does fit the Fotga DP 500 2 system. Let you know the outcome, Cheers.
 
Greg I think you might be right about buying a new base like in the link below,

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/20080698...9480cbaa3ef&bu=43953243547&cp=1&sojTags=bu=bu

But for that cost I'd consider paying more and buying the complete set up.

I've linked an interesting page from a site that just about sums up the various "Swiss Arca Styled" situation.

http://www.jobu-design.com/Arca-Swiss-is-NOT-a-standard-time-for-a-change_b_8.html

In the meantime I'll have a look at the cowboystudio link you posted.

Thanks
 
Edit. Had a look at the Cowboystudio link and would go down that path if the base had conventional mounting threads under neath it.
 
I also wonder if a Manfrotto 519 size plate might work, looks fairly close.

Within reason, nothing a drill and some taps wouldn't fix. I thought you only needed the plate that screws to the camera? the rail side would be expendable. Wasteful, yes, but sometimes the only way to get stuff done.
 
Yep I only need the plate so I might order the Fotga plate and base, as per that cowboystudio link you sent. Its slightly different underneath from my base and with a little luck it could be screwed down on something solid if need be.
Lot of trouble for a replacement plate with Fotga. Wish they just sold replacement bits if you lose something. Cheers.
 
Trying to think if I know anyone on your continent that could drill and tap that plate for you so it would be useful. The process would be best as follows:

Find where the moving parts are located so you don't drill them.

Drill out for threaded inserts, Helicoil or Timesert would be the preferred inserts.

Thread with required special taps (Helicoil, Timeserts use standard taps).

Thread in the inserts.

Probably an hours worth of work and you really could do this with a hand drill if you were careful. Around here the Helicoil kits are available in most auto parts stores, but I think the Timeserts might be more popular in your area. Either design should be just as good as the other for what you are doing.
 
Think I've come up with a solution that requires an empty beer can and Araldite glue. I'll firstly drink the beer and cut up a narrow length of aluminium from it to pack the dovetail of the generic Swiss Arca plate I purchased and glue it into place. If that works I'll order a 100mm length plate and cut it down to size, and order another beer can. Let you know how it goes.
 
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