p.3 #3 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
trenchmonkey wrote:
I'd suggest getting a Dr's approval and hittin' the gym Mine stay tight.
Nothing to do with not being tight...but things happen and when I am 15km out on top of a mountain the last thing I want is a plate or a leg coming loose. Carrying a small allen wrench solves this for me.
p.3 #4 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
trenchmonkey wrote:
The only time I'd ever remove a "plate" is if I sell the body/lens...really don't understand the problem here.
It depends on how many bodies one has. For example, I typically have 2-3 of the main body and 1-2 of the second body style. It would be excessively bulky/heavy to have triplicate L brackets for example, not to mention the expense.
p.3 #5 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
JBPhotog wrote:
A flat bladed design is hardly superior, I guess you have never striped a flat bladed screw? An Allen key puts the torque on a number of surfaces and at the centre of the rotating axis, flat blades don't.
Any photog who doesn't keep all their kit together only has themselves to blame, you do remember to take batteries with you right? All kidding aside, an Allen key is hardly a burden to slip inside your camera bag, in fact RRS send them in small heavy duty zip-lock bags which stow perfectly in a zippered pouch. But I don't take my plates off so having the tool in the field is a nonissue....Show more →
I got in a hurry and I ran off and forgot my fingers last week. I had to rush to the ER for new ones. I guess a "Sawzall" would be handy for removing a QR plate, too. http://www.milwaukeetool.com/Sawzall/SawzallHome.aspx
p.3 #6 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
I think hex is more secure tightly, less likely to strip and the tool is very small so can be carried easily. A screwdriver comfortably capable of the same torque would probably be much larger, more difficult to carry and more likely to be taken by security.
longisland.km wrote:
Luck of the draw with regards to the security person I think...
1) The Canadian airport security took a tripod wrench from me (I had flown with that many times)
2) The US airport security took an allen key from me (I had flown with it many time before as well and had forgotten it was in my pack)
3) The Vietnamese airport security stopped me from bringing my tripod into the cabin (I had flown with it many time before as well) so I had to get it checked in
4) The US airport security guy pretended to flip through my passport while he was obviously checking out a woman that was walking by (his head turned to follow her as she walked by) and then gave me back my passport and waved me through.
I wish the world was more consistent, but I've found varying levels of security from scary-loose to crazy-tight, it isn't just the US.
I haven't had any issues with tools, but the last time I left Paris they made me take the body out, prove it powered on, etc. It was a pain in the butt.
Sep 28, 2012 at 07:20 AM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #7 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
Allen keys and airport security is a non issue of course. If you belive there will be any problem having it in the hand-luggage just leave it in the luggage you check in.
p.3 #8 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
EB-1 wrote:
It depends on how many bodies one has. For example, I typically have 2-3 of the main body and 1-2 of the second body style. It would be excessively bulky/heavy to have triplicate L brackets for example, not to mention the expense.
EBH
if you are working with 2-3 main bodies and 1-2 second body styles, lets face it, bulk and weight is not your problem.
expense? you making me chuckle.
now i am assuming you are not doing multiple camera setups. if you are then it's a capital expenditure.
p.3 #9 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
I think the hex wrench/screw is less likely to loosen than the other one you show. I have a small Opteka ballhead with quick release copy of the Manfrotto QR and it uses a flat key-like device which is flush with the bottom of the plate. The concept is the same as the wired one you show.
For a heavier telephoto, I use the Kirk plate and leave it permanently attached to the tripod collar adapter ring.
p.3 #11 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
Most of my plates use Allen wrenches (some take two of them). I also have some that have the slotted screw with metal bail (Manfroto). I much prefer them. You can generally just use the metal bail to tighten it plenty tight.
I never seem to have one of the allen wrenches when I want it. It does not seem to matter how many I have, they all end up wherever I am not working. The plate that holds one seems like a good idea, but I have too many $$$ invested in plates to consider replacing them.
Edit. I see the one from B&H. I might just try it to see if it works. I have my doubts about it fitting some of my plates.
p.3 #12 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
from the original images provided by the OP it shows that it will interfere with certain designs (such as the left one in view). that is true. i myself wouln't bother as i always seem to have one (the wrench) available
p.3 #13 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
another option, if you want something custom, find a 'prototype machinist' and have him make what you want. BTW, this goes for all sort of custom stuff.
p.3 #18 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
longisland.km wrote:
The problem with this is that airport security will make you throw away the allen key if they notice it. They won't let you bring "tools" into the cabin.
Actually tools are permitted, check the TSA site, there is a maximum length on a screwdriver;
Tools
Item Carry-on? Checked?
Tools (greater than seven inches in length) X OK
Tools (seven inches or less in length) unless otherwise prohibited OK OK
Screwdrivers (seven inches or less in length) OK OK
Wrenches and Pliers (seven inches or less in length) OK OK
NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and Security Officers.
Of course not all agents know their own rules, so I carry a printout from the TSA web site.
Good Luck
Mine stay tight. 
I guess a "Sawzall" would be handy for removing a QR plate, too.