GH2 What quick release system are you using to bounce the GH2/3 to different stabilizers?

[L1N3ARX]

After more than a year... I'm still doin it the hard way. I use the proprietary mounting plate / adapter for my Tripod, Gini Rig and Steadicam. It's getting ridiculous- the time spent bumbling around taking adapters on and off as I switch from rig to tripod etc, such a waste.

The most obvious quick release system I see people using is either a Manfrotto 323, 357 or 577 rapid connect adapter. Here is my quandary... I would potentially like to get a Sanford & Davis Provista 7518 Tripod with an FM18 head. It's a cheaper tripod, but for the price, it holds weight quite nicely. I tested one out quickly with the full weight of my rig on top, and it was steady as rock. I've tried other tripods $300-400 which weren't nearly as stable, so this one really interests me.

Does anybody know of a quick release system that I could use for a shoulder rig / steadicam and whose adapter would accommodate an FM18 head? If not, what sub $250 tripod with min 12lb cap. has a sliding plate that would potentially fit a nice all-around quick release adapter I could across my various stabilizers?

Definitely interested to find out what you guys are using.

 

[dustylense]

http://www.kesslercrane.com/product-p/kwik_system.htm

 

[akivisuals]

I've been using Arca Swiss style quick release clamps and plates for years for my photography work and now my cinema work. Really Right Stuff makes some great plates, although they haven't made one for the GH3 yet. Kirk Enterprises also makes good plates. Most are camera specific, anti-twist plates. Love em!

 

[svem]

I use this quick release plate:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/373782-REG/Giottos_MH652_MH_652_Quick_Release_Assembly.html

You should be able to put this quick release and attach it to the Davis and Sanford Quick release. So you are putting one quick release(giottis) on top of the another (davis and sanford quick release)

 

[L1N3ARX]

I use this quick release plate:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/373782-REG/Giottos_MH652_MH_652_Quick_Release_Assembly.html

You should be able to put this quick release and attach it to the Davis and Sanford Quick release. So you are putting one quick release(giottis) on top of the another (davis and sanford quick release)

Glad you mentioned the Giottos, as I quickly found an adapter / plate that works with the the FM18 head > http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010SIAV2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

This is pretty much exactly what I was looking for, it's perfect actually. Now I'm suddenly indecisive as I just spotted another very decent tripod for around the same price, the FC-270A. Seems like this is a pretty popular budget tripod with users here. I wonder if there's a compatible QR base adapter for the plate? I haven't found anything that would suggest there is one... but this would be ideal.

 

[L1N3ARX]

Okay! Got it all figured out... I'm excited : )

After months of trying to figure out a system to get all my stabilizers working happily together I've decided on the following:

New Tripod: CowboyStudio / Fancier FC-270A.

Giottos MH621 Quick Release adapters for my gini rig, flycam nano and finally the FC-270A tripod which I just ordered. I confirmed with a user that has the same setup that this Giottos adapter work great with the FC-270A. Well by this time next week, I should be smooth sailing... : )

 

[mondayc]

I have the Giottos quick release plate system and love it, but the downside is that the battery door barely won't open when in use. I helped alleviate it by drilling out a small area of the plate just to the right of the "track" or whatever you call it where the screw goes. This way I unscrew the plate slightly, slide it over into my indent, then open the battery door (vs having to completely unscrew the QR plate). It's not perfect, but the plate is otherwise great and up there with any other QR systems.