Need Options for Quick Release Plates

[meauounji]

Hey guys,

Been looking around for some quickrelease plates that I can install on my tripod head, slider, shoulder pad, etc. so I can switch quickly between rigs.

I'm currently using Manfrotto 501 + 577, but I'm not really a fan of the locking knob and the slide range needed for insert/eject is too long and it can get awkward when I'm heavily rigged up.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a fairly heavy duty "lift" style quick release instead of a "slide" type? Something like a Manfrotto 394 but a little heavier duty? I don't mind paying a small premium if it gives me the peace of mind that the rig isn't going anywhere. I've seen some V-lock style plates that also looked pretty interesting. There's one from Shape WLB, but it's not particularly obvious to me how it installs onto a typical rig: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/738000-REG/Shape_wlb_MARBEL1_Marbel_Quick_Release_Plate.html

Thanks ahead of time for any guidance one this.

-Art

 

[Michael Carter]

Keep in mind there's a reason that video plates slide -it allows you extra leeway for balancing a rig.

I really like the Manfrotto system because the receiver plate can be mounted on all sorts of rigs; the locking knob can indeed be a problem; if you mount the receiver to a flat surface you need 1/4" or so of plywood or lift (or you dremel-off the knob and use an allen wrench). There are carbon composite receivers that take manfrotto plates available for half the cost of the manfrotto which are very lightweight and great for things like stabilizers. Also, it's my understanding that the new Schactler Ace will take Manfrotto plates - seeing how pricey premium-maker plates are ($90 or so!) it will be cool if the Manfrotto plate becomes a standard.

But for a still-photo lift-off style, there are likely many contenders, a lot of them being consumer-oriented and lightweight, possibly not made for taking a pro beating - but there must be something tough out there. Manfrotto used to make the hex-shaped system which I still use for stills - really nice and I used it from 35mm to a 4x5 view camera. I don't know if they still go that route, but my hex-shaped plate system has held up for about 15 years.

But for video, I really would look into a system that uses a bolt and a pin to keep cameras straight; has plates with 1/4" and 3/8" screws; and has receievers with 1/4" and 3/8" mounting threads for when you get crazy (upside down rigs, ceiling mounts, etc). 3/8" really adds security for larger cameras or heavy rigs - some larger cameras come stock with a 3/8 tripod hole; but any baseplate, cheese plate, etc you use - if it has 3/8, try to use that vs. 1/4.