FS7: Sachtler's quick-release plate and FS7?

Ken Hull

Well-known member
I planning on getting a new tripod & head, and I'm considering Sachtler. But I seem to remember reading a comment several weeks back, about an incompatibility with Sachtler's side-load quick release plate and the FS7. I think the problem involved a clearance issue with the grip arm, or maybe with the rosette for the arm. Can anyone enlighten me?
 
I believe the problem you are alluding to is that you can't rotate the arm from the front to the back w/o removing it completely, also with some wide heads you can't have the handle angled down slightly.

Because of the way you tilt the camera right to mount, you have to have the handle level not down at all.

This problem is somewhat relieved if you add a Railmount/shoulder kit to the FS7 as this raises the camera up a bit. The kit I make is narrow enough that the handle can rotate all the way around easily, however if the tripod head is wide, you may have to loosen the handle quite a bit to clear the head when rotating all the way around.

I use Arca Swiss or VCT-14 QR plates on my cameras and this helps resolve the issue.

I have sold my kit to several users that have Sachtler heads and I have not heard any bad comments. I use Millers myself.

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Sachtler have great heads and the sticks are good as well, I often recommend them. You will not be sorry buying Sachtler.
 
Ken,

Olofs plate looks great, he does good work and is dedicated to quality. Raising the camera can be important as he pointed out. In addition I've seen that many of these smaller cameras have the same issue when rosettes are attached to the cameras or 15mm rods. Usually a rossette spacer works wonders regardless of the camera / tripod configuration. Unless your handle is mounted far in front of the camera body. Movcam, Vocas, Camera Accessory Solutions and Shape are just some of the companies doing that kind of product.
 
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