FS7: Sachtler ACE L T and FS7

[Publimix]

Although I exceed my monthly post ration here's my question:

I own a Sachtler ACE-L T tripod (up to 6 kg = 12 pound?)

The release plate is quite big. So big that the shoulder mount of the FS7 can't be used without some aesthetic compromise.

Like to hear or see some solutions.

 

[Bruce Watson]

Like to hear or see some solutions.

You did ask. Just sayin'.

My suggestion, either get a shorter plate, or make one by chopping off the front end of the one you have. You can get by with considerably less that 10cm. That is, a short plate will still be stable in the tripod head.

Just because they give you a long plate doesn't mean you have to use it.

 

[Publimix]

Can't find 'short base plate'.
Cutting a 325 dollar plate is not my first option, anyway thanks for the suggestion.

 

[jpblack]

When I need a shorter plate I use the one that came with a 701 Manfrotto head. Another short plate that would fit, is the one from small rig, I own both and they are quite similar, much shorter than the stock Sachtler (the smallrig is 8cm and has extra mounting options). Personally, I'd recommend the smallrig one.

http://smallrig.com/camera-support-plates/quick-dovetail-manfrotto.html

 

[Publimix]

Thanks, it looks good (so il will be good) I found that smallrig is for dslr, would it be strong enough for a 4 kg camera?

 

[Andrius Simutis]

IIRC, all the Sachtler ACE tripods can take Manfrotto plates. Manfrotto makes short ones and they don't cost $235. More like $35.

 

[KeilProductions]

Agree with the advice above - use a cheaper Manfrotto plate, though I do like the sliding action of the longer plate.

Figured I should let you know too, if you ever get the Sony FS7 Extension Unit with a big V-mount battery and put that on a shoulder pad/baseplate, it's going to be nigh impossible to use that tripod head. I'm selling mine on eBay as my fully kitted out FS7 definitely exceeds the weight capacity of the ACE L head by at least a couple pounds. It's a great tripod from a price/performance perspective, but you're going to max it out pretty quickly.

 

[jshbckr]

Thanks, it looks good (so il will be good) I found that smallrig is for dslr, would it be strong enough for a 4 kg camera?

Both of them are pieces of aluminum bolted to the bottom of the camera. Manfrotto doesn't include beefier plates on their 509HD head vs. their little monopod heads that also use 501pl. You'll be fine.

P.S. I feel like sometimes people hold too highly the idea of something being "built" for a big camera. The cameras we use today are feathers compared to some of the big 35mm film cameras. Just because some of the SmallRig parts are aimed toward DSLR doesn't mean they aren't totally overkill for a DSLR from a strength/build perspective.

 

[Publimix]

Thanks, that plate is also 10 times cheaper than the ridiculous expensive sachtler plate. 20 euro. Bought it today, fits good and works OK. Thanks for the advice.