FS7: Zacuto baseplate wobbles on Sony VCT-14

Here's something else I can't help but wonder. In the world of purchasing gear, I always think of good, better and best.

So in this case if something like that Chrosziel is "best" than what is "good" and "better?"

Chrosziel - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/co...9H2DRsJq8VlkGgI_z_D_BwE&is=REG&m=Y&sku=578706

Sony - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/49906-REG/Sony_VCT14_VCT_14_Quick_Release_Tripod_Adapter.html

Zacuto - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1113895-REG/zacuto_z_vcttp_vct_tripod_plate_adapter.html

Arri - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1288638-REG/arri_k2_0000399_qrp_1_quick_release_plate.html

Others???

It also struck me that the Zacuto plate would have a lifetime warranty, so perhaps when it gets wobbly you ask Zacuto to replace it.
 
Well yes check the V on your zacuto plate.. if its loose tighten it up.. but 99% of wobbly VCT .. is the tripod VCT end of the deal is worn and the spring is wearing out.. I went though a few plates before I got wise and spent the cash on the mechanical Chroz type. or similar ... esp as they are cheaper now.. only way to go ..
 
Donny 123 said:
Well yes check the V on your zacuto plate.. if its loose tighten it up.. but 99% of wobbly VCT .. is the tripod VCT end of the deal is worn and the spring is wearing out.. I went though a few plates before I got wise and spent the cash on the mechanical Chroz type. or similar ... esp as they are cheaper now.. only way to go ..
Click to expand...

Makes sense. For the sake of comparison shopping who else makes a mechanical type?
 
I think it goes by price ! the Chroz and the Arri are up around $800 .. they would be the mechanical ones.. anything around $250/300 I would guess not to be.. either of these will be very well made and last a long time.. (or get your money back !)

I have the top one you link to.. the Chroz .(cant remember the warranty limit)..and this thing looks like it will never wear out.. an earlier link I posted seems to show a newer/nicer design of this plate ..

I guess it depends on how long you think you will need a VCT plate.. if you are 25 yrs old starting out .. buy the expensive one ..(like a tripod) and it last your 15-20 years... if your thinking to retire or shoot soley with an A9 soon.. get the $300 one..
 
Today's new development...I was able to get my hands on a few other plates, including the Arri one referenced above and while the Arri plate was better, it wasn't rock solid either. Contrast that with an Arri VCT on top of an Arri QRP-1 plate and it was as rock solid as could be.

I'm now asking more questions of Zacuto and we'll see what we figure out. I'd try the Chrosziel, too, but haven't found one to try yet.
 
Maybe you have a defective Zacuto plate.. ? I have the exact same one and with the Chrosziel VCT tripod plate.. its absolutely solid.. there is no play what so ever.. it might be a problem with the back clamp.. of the plate.. ..rather than the front V ...?.. was the Arri one you tried mechanical or spring loaded..
 
Donny 123 said:
Maybe you have a defective Zacuto plate.. ? I have the exact same one and with the Chrosziel VCT tripod plate.. its absolutely solid.. there is no play what so ever.. it might be a problem with the back clamp.. of the plate.. ..rather than the front V ...?.. was the Arri one you tried mechanical or spring loaded..
Click to expand...

It was this one: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1288638-REG/arri_k2_0000399_qrp_1_quick_release_plate.html

That Arri plate was solid as a rock with the other Arri piece: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1287542-REG/arri_k2_0003684_adapter_plate_for_sony.html

Zacuto is going to send me one of their base plates which I'm hoping will be solid. If not, I'll be asking questions of them as to whether their shoulder piece is out of whack. It doesn't look like it should be. The old Zacuto shoulder rig used to be two pieces so you could adjust the part that grabs the tail hook, but that's no longer the case as it's now one solidly machined piece.
 
Sorry dont know for sure.. but at that price I would think mechanical... although you never know the word "ARRI" by itself might account for the price :)..

I had the original zacuto universal base plate.. and now the new one..like you have.. both were 100% solid on the Croz mechanical lock tripod VCT plate.. but I do have to make sure the tail end has engaged properly.. sometimes done too quickly it doesn't.. but even then the camera is still totally solid..

Bit of s mystery.. can you send the Zacuto plate back from them to check ..? not ideal I know..
 
Donny 123 said:
Sorry dont know for sure.. but at that price I would think mechanical... although you never know the word "ARRI" by itself might account for the price :)..

I had the original zacuto universal base plate.. and now the new one..like you have.. both were 100% solid on the Croz mechanical lock tripod VCT plate.. but I do have to make sure the tail end has engaged properly.. sometimes done too quickly it doesn't.. but even then the camera is still totally solid..

Bit of s mystery.. can you send the Zacuto plate back from them to check ..? not ideal I know..
Click to expand...

Zacuto is going to send me a VCT plate of their own to try. Even if one might argue that it wouldn't last as long as a Croz, when everything is brand new I would expect it to be rock solid. If it isn't, then I may just send it back to Zacuto and/or ask lots of questions. Let's hope it doesn't come to that! If it does, maybe I'll make a road trip to Chicago and figure it out in person!
 
Your pic of your current Sony VCT tripod plate,with respect .. does look old /much used ..and most likely somewhat worn .. which initially would seem the very obvious culprit.. if its loose on brand new high end plates.. yes that does seem odd and could indicate a fault in the zacuto plate.. but as you say its pretty much a lump of metal.. if the actual "V" is secure.. then I wonder what it would be.. ?

Is it loose all round..? just the front, just the back.. side to side..backward forward ..? are you sure the plate is secure to the tripod .. maybe thats what has the play in it..?
 
Donny 123 said:
Your pic of your current Sony VCT tripod plate,with respect .. does look old /much used ..and most likely somewhat worn .. which initially would seem the very obvious culprit.. if its loose on brand new high end plates.. yes that does seem odd and could indicate a fault in the zacuto plate.. but as you say its pretty much a lump of metal.. if the actual "V" is secure.. then I wonder what it would be.. ?

Is it loose all round..? just the front, just the back.. side to side..backward forward ..? are you sure the plate is secure to the tripod .. maybe thats what has the play in it..?
Click to expand...

I think it's loose at the tail hook. It's definitely better on the Arri plate, just not as perfect as I'd expect it to be. If once I get the new Zacuto VCT it still does the same thing, I'll post a video of what it does. Stay tuned!
 
Vintegreo said:
I think it's loose at the tail hook. It's definitely better on the Arri plate, just not as perfect as I'd expect it to be. If once I get the new Zacuto VCT it still does the same thing, I'll post a video of what it does. Stay tuned!
Click to expand...

Does Zacuto make a tripod VCT plate..? or you mean they are sending you a new camera VCT plate.. can you actually see the small round silver plate actually biting down on the zacuto (camera) attached plate.. tail end..?
 
Donny 123 said:
Ok its a spring loaded one.. but as its new it should also be rock solid.. yes there should be no play at all really..
Click to expand...

I'm happy to report that the Zacuto VCT tripod plate has zero play at all. It's a very well-designed plate at a good cost. Interestingly enough, the part that grabs the tail hook doesn't move even though if you just looked at a picture, it looks like it should. Very pleased!
 
OK glad it worked out.. both my Zacuto base plates have been totally solid on my Chros VCT tripod plate.. eventually I would still advise one of the mechanical push and pull type tripod plates.. if you need VCT for the next 20 years..!..
 
Donny 123 said:
OK glad it worked out.. both my Zacuto base plates have been totally solid on my Chros VCT tripod plate.. eventually I would still advise one of the mechanical push and pull type tripod plates.. if you need VCT for the next 20 years..!..
Click to expand...

Can't I just keep replacing the one I've got given that it has a lifetime warranty?? :grin:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top