Quick release systems

M

Marc Lucas

Active member
I was a little late in trying to purchase the Kessler Quick release system and they are now sold out http://www.kesslercrane.com/product-p/kwik_system.htm

I'm looking for hopefully similar because I'm not sure when the next batch will be released.I want to interchange my D800 with Glidecam HD2000, Small slider & a rail setup on a tripod. I have been stumbling through with a couple of Manfrotto 501 head plates and adjoining quick release plates. The reason I want a more professional setup is that I want to connect a baseplate to the camera because once I setup the camera on the Glidecam I know if I take it off and use it on my slider and then go back to the Glidecam I know I'm not going to be far off with re-balancing. I'm currently connecting a baseplate to the bottom of the camera but that plate doesn't fit all my quick release plates. So basically I've decided the go all out and buy what I need to enable me to sort this out. Is there a comparable to the Kessler system because the way it looks and works is pretty impressive and definitely what I'm looking for.
 
Thanks for the reply, but I have those already. I want something that is a snap in place system because if I was to setup my Glidecam then slide the plate off put it onto something else and back again it would be very difficult to get the plate in exactly the same position. If the system was a plate on the bottom of the DSLR could just snap into the same position on top of the quick release instead of sliding in it would be a lot more efficient for quick changes. Otherwise if it isn't repositioned exactly I would have to spend time re-balancing the Glidecam.
 
Kessler's QR is based on the photo industry standard Arca-Swiss specs, as is Really Right Stuff's, Kirk Photo's, Foba's, & others', so you might consider these.

All my stills cameras are permantely fitted with RRS, or Kirk, plates, and I use adapters to get them onto motion support gear when needed.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/Items.aspx?code=ClampsLR&key=cat

As you have the Manfrotto 577 QR consider this Kirk adapter also.

http://www.kirkphoto.com/SQRC-501PL_Manfrotto_Quick_Release_Clamp.html

Works with Satchler FSB "Side Load" heads too (but not the "Touch & Go").
 
That is exactly the things I'm looking for! I now have to decide which way to go. I like the RRS plates because I can get one designed for my D800 just have to decide with QR base plates to go with now. I definitely want the lever system ones.
Then there's the Ball Heads to consider aswell:-)

Really appreciate the links!
 
Most any of the Arca-Swiss styles are cross compatible. RRS claims some plates won't work with their levered QR, but the Kirk's are fine.
 
After looking a bit closer the RRS plates are only 40 mm are they really that secure and going to be OK holding a D800 with say a 24-70 lens?
 
They're very strong, & more than capable.

The Arca-style are the "Industry Standard" for still photography, & designed to work with 4x5", & medium format, cameras.
 
Marc Lucas said:
After looking a bit closer the RRS plates are only 40 mm are they really that secure and going to be OK holding a D800 with say a 24-70 lens?
Click to expand...

Yes, absolutely!

Use a little of the "blue" thread lock that RRS suggests (I think - check their web site.) They are well engineered not to "twist" and loosen, unlike almost every generic plate. But the thread lock helps.

I used an L plate on my Canon 1DsII with a 24-70 as my main lens for 2 years. It was rock solid teh entire time, like a part of the camera. WEhen I mounter my large and heavy 70-200 2.8 L, I used a plate on the foot of the tripod mount collar.

For still images, being able to go from horizontal to verticall in an instant with an L plate is fantastic. I usually stay horizontal with video, so I actually have a regular, flat plate on my T4i (though RRS has a 2 piece L plate that I will buy leter - haven't had a chance yet.)

There is also a $66 cable relief spacer/ cable lock that I am have not tried yet. I bought one earlier this summer used, but FedEx lost it:

http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=CRS&type=0



I thought I posted in this thread before, but I must have killed my post because it was late, etc.

I have used the RRS L plates on every camera I have owned since 2002, after struggling with Bogen, etc. other inadequate syatems for years. I love them! I consider them a basic part of the kit for every camera I buy (That has included 5 4x5's, Mamiya 645AF, Pentax 645N, Mamiya 7II, etc.)

I have RRS quick release clamps on my tripod, monopod, slider, Redrock rig, and Zacuto Target Shooter. That is a bit of an investment if you try to do all at once, but you can start with 1-2. If you can find a used clamp that might save a bit.

Kirk and Arca Swiss are also very good. But when you find something that works, why even try something else?

Good luck! It is all a little uncertain and confusing in the abstract. Once you get hands on it all makes sense - like so many other things.

Best,
Michael
 
Thanks for the great info, I was quite skeptical because of their size but I feel a little more reassured now:-)

Thanks
 
Eventually got the RRS plate for D800 and a couple of the QR plates and am very happy with them. They are indeed very secure and stable and would more than happily recommend them. I'm just having a bit of a problem using them with my existing Manfrotto and Sachlter tripod plates. Are you guys using a cheeseplate to act as an intermediary between the tripod plate and RRS QR plate?
 
This combines the Kirk/Arca/RRS style clamp with a quick release plae for ther 501 plate for Manfrotto:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kirk-SQRC-5...729?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d04044dd9


There is also a "3rd party" version taht does the same thing that is about $80 I think. I wll find it.

On my monopod and my ball head for still photos, I just completely replaced the top Manfrotto quick release with a RRS lever release clamp. With the 501/503 fluid head that I have (501 I think), I use a plate like tihis that snaps into the Manfrotto stock quick release.

More once I find the other one.

Best,
Michael
 
Here's the knock off/3rd party one. It is $109:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230843094696?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2661

He says that teh clamp itseldf can be removed and used separately. Which makes me wonder whether it is possible to just mont a $80 or $60 RRS clamp right to the 501 plate?

I will go look at my plate to see. That is the problem with this stuff, it is all easier to figure out once you have all of the pieces in hand.

Best,
Michael
 
unadog said:
This combines the Kirk/Arca/RRS style clamp with a quick release plae for ther 501 plate for Manfrotto:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kirk-SQRC-5...729?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d04044dd9


There is also a "3rd party" version taht does the same thing that is about $80 I think. I wll find it.

On my monopod and my ball head for still photos, I just completely replaced the top Manfrotto quick release with a RRS lever release clamp. With the 501/503 fluid head that I have (501 I think), I use a plate like tihis that snaps into the Manfrotto stock quick release.

More once I find the other one.

Best,
Michael
Click to expand...

That's the same plate I linked to in the 4th post. Works well with my Satchler, & Manfrotto, heads, & sleds, except the 701HDV that' on my monopod. While it locks in place, it doesn't slide all the way forward.
 
unadog said:
He says that teh clamp itseldf can be removed and used separately. Which makes me wonder whether it is possible to just mont a $80 or $60 RRS clamp right to the 501 plate?
Click to expand...

I have a bunch of Kirk QR(s) attached to 501 plates. Their easier to twist out of alignment then the dedicated one by Kirk, but generally work well enough.
 
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