Kessler Kwik Release and other QR systems in 2020

QuickHitRecord

QuickHitRecord

Veteran
I am taking another look at quick release systems. By this point, the Kessler system has been around for a while. Has anyone used something else that they liked better? Also curious if the protruding locking pins on the plates was ever addressed. This was (and is) my only major concern with this system, not being able to set a camera or head down on a flat surface.
 
Depending on the mass of your camera I suggest 'fake arca' from amazon.

Avaiable up to 20cm in length for something like the FS7 or down to 4cm for a small mirror camera.

I also use small ones for things like my video transmitter. Everything fits together.
 
Currently, I have a couple of Canon Cinema cameras and a Red One MX. I have a couple of the Sunwayphoto and Hejnar arca clamps and they work well. Especially when they can be attached via two screws instead of one to prevent twisting. The prices are very good. The one nice-to-have would be a design like the Kessler that allows the camera to be loaded and unloaded from the top with a snapping lock. Do you know of any other manufacturers that offer something like this? SmallRig has one, but there's a YouTube video that reveals some major design flaws.

 
Actually, that's exactly what I meant. Those RC2 and 4 QR systems are great for photography. You can literally lock your camera into your tripod with one hand. They aren't so great for video though. I think the ability to fit for a longer QR plate is important for video. I shudder to think about a longer camera like the FS7 or even the Red One secured to a tripod with a RC2 plate. Also, multiple mounting points for both the plate and clamp are a must to prevent twisting.

Going off of morgan_moore's post above, this looks like a pretty good deal: https://www.amazon.com/Fotoconic-CL-90N-Release-Aluminum-Compatible/dp/B07Z4LVHQD

It doesn't have a snap lock and I'd rather have a lever than a twist knob, but those are generally associated with Really Right Stuff and tend to cost as much as the Kessler clamps do. But if I'm going to go to this trouble and won't be able to load the clamp from the top like you can on the Kessler, maybe I'm better off going back to my 501PL plates and Manfrotto 577 rapid connect adapters. I already have a ton of those lying around.
 
I had 501 577 sysytem as standard for a decade or two.

I just prefer the amazon arca so much

MAybe the 501 sytem is stronger.. but thats not strength I need even with FS7 and a telephoto.

I probably made the move about the time I got my movi and had to shave some grams
 
Perhaps my experience might be helpful. I love the Kessler quick release clamp and plates - but not so much for cameras, rather to clamp sliders, lightweight jibs, motorized pan/tilt heads, etc.... The system is designed to hold more weight than those designed primarily for cameras (but still work great for cameras anyway). I have a lot of RRS, some Sunywayfoto, Giottos, Sirui, and Benro too, but the Kessler is hands down the best made clamp followed closely by the RSS. The Sunywayfoto plates and rails (and light-weight camera clamps) are pretty good. The Giottos and Benro just OK and not always compatible. Don't see much Sirui anymore....
 
I tried different types of baseplate systems for years, trying to find a good compromise between size/weight and rigidity. And it was all just a waste of time and money in the end - for dependability, we simply don't have a better (or more universal system) than the Arri Dovetail standard.

It just works, it's everywhere, and you can now get Quick-release baseplates (like those from Bright Tangerine) that allow you to move and off in seconds.
 
I have an Arri Dovetail around here somewhere. It's great for larger cameras but seems like overkill for anything sub-15lbs. It's definitely built like a tank though.
 
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