p.1 #1 · Brewing problem with my Bogen tripod plates.
I use several of the small Bogen/Manfrotto tripod plates with a 7D, 80-200/2.8 and 300/4 IS. The problem I am starting to notice is that I cannot get them tight enough to hold by finger any more. Should I use a tool to tighten them, really do not want to damage a socket in the process. Is there anything that will replace the rubber or cork pads that will hold better? I often carry the body and the 300 on a monopod and really do not want them working loose and falling.
I know you guys carry bigger & better hardware on a pod and some how get them secure enough not to worry. I do use a long neck strap when shooting off a pod, but just lay the pod across my shoulder when moving and this is where I get nervous.
BTW, when working off a pod I always use the tripod foot on the lens and they are real Canon tripod collars.
p.1 #2 · Brewing problem with my Bogen tripod plates.
this is where the advantage of the Arca Swiss clamp and plate system becomes apparent. pricey but precision. most camera based plates are custom designed to the specific body (eliminating the need for rubber pads and such) and yes there are nominal "universal" ones available too. the lens plates are highly adaptable in many situations
p.1 #3 · Brewing problem with my Bogen tripod plates.
As posted above the Arca-Swiss type of clamp and plate is the most secure and in very common use with many competing manufacturers. Depending on the make and model of your ballhead it may be possible to purchase a kit to convert your Bogen/Manfrotto clamp over to A-S hardware. You would also need to get an A-S type plate for your 7D. It may be more cost-effective to just sell your current ballhead and plates and buy a decent ballhead with an A-S clamp and plate. There are plenty of good heads out there.
p.1 #4 · Brewing problem with my Bogen tripod plates.
I knew the discussion would go this way. And I appreciate the honesty, but I have not made the conversion as an advance hobbyist who only does maybe 6 paid shoots per year. I work to buy an L lens every 2 or 3 years, used late model, but still used. It would cost me a lens to make the conversion at this point in time. I have 3 heads to convert, I love a 3-way head and my heavy grip action ball grip. I would also need to convert my monopod to something, I have never used a standalone ballhead. I am in somewhat of an equipment dealer armpit, I do make it to Indianapolis to Roberts once or twice a year for sensor cleanings and spend to much on gear when I am there. I have not been able to find much on the used market to make the conversion, but I will keep looking. I am mainly worried about my tele lenses hitting the ground. Are there brands to stay away from, in the compatible market?
p.1 #6 · Brewing problem with my Bogen tripod plates.
The threads on the tripod feet are stainless steel inserts. It's okay to use small pliers or screwdriver. I've done this for years.
Back in the days of film, Canon tried aluminum tripod mount threads in cameras. They quickly stripped out, and Canon spent good money replacing them with stainless.
p.1 #7 · Brewing problem with my Bogen tripod plates.
Matt Ward wrote:
I knew the discussion would go this way. And I appreciate the honesty, but I have not made the conversion as an advance hobbyist who only does maybe 6 paid shoots per year. I work to buy an L lens every 2 or 3 years, used late model, but still used. It would cost me a lens to make the conversion at this point in time. I have 3 heads to convert, I love a 3-way head and my heavy grip action ball grip. I would also need to convert my monopod to something, I have never used a standalone ballhead. I am in somewhat of an equipment dealer armpit, I do make it to Indianapolis to Roberts once or twice a year for sensor cleanings and spend to much on gear when I am there. I have not been able to find much on the used market to make the conversion, but I will keep looking. I am mainly worried about my tele lenses hitting the ground. Are there brands to stay away from, in the compatible market?
p.1 #8 · Brewing problem with my Bogen tripod plates.
I agree that Arca-Swiss is the way to go, but in the mean time, you can try this. I sometimes add a layer of anti-slip sandpaper strip to the top of a monopod or tripod, where the head or QR clamp screws onto the support base. This is especially useful when there is only a centre screw, and no offset lock screw. This anti-slip sandpaper strip has a self-adhesive back which is designed to stick permanently in outdoor conditions, and it works really well. I first got it for boat ramps at a kayak rental business we used to run, and it has many excellent uses.
p.1 #9 · Brewing problem with my Bogen tripod plates.
Thanks again... I will start converting, when I can find parts. I really like my Manfrotto action ball grip, that is going to be hard to find a plate for it is the large one, not 222.
It looks like it might be hard to find a lens plate for my 80-200/2.8L and my gripped 20D as well. I watch the forums here often and have bought and sold many times, so will just have to watch for them. I will also need brackets for a gripped T3i and gripped 7D.
I have never used a ballhead, they look like it is not very handy to use one on a monopod.
p.1 #10 · Brewing problem with my Bogen tripod plates.
I recently gave up on the Manfroto RC2 plates due to twist problems and a lack of plate sizes for smaller and larger gear. However, if you like your head and tripod, there is no need to start over from scratch with Arca-Swiss compatible heads. Any Manfroto head can be converted to Arca-Swiss compatible by removing the RC2 clamp and replacing it with an Arca clamp. The main gotcha is you need to know what type of stem is used on your Manfroto head and buy an Arca clamp that fits it. I converted my 054, 494 and 352 heads to Arca using Hejnar and Sunwayphoto clamps. I Hejnar Photo sells an Arca clamp for the Manfrotto action ball grip but it's a little pricy, albeit his stuff is excellent. I wrote reviews on the conversions I did:
p.1 #11 · Brewing problem with my Bogen tripod plates.
if you are happy w/what you have, & only need to 'tighten' up the plates you could try to secure the screws for the plates w/Locktite (available at auto stores). Cheap, they make 2 types - one is non permanent and can be removed easily. Small bottles run around 9-12 bucks. Might work... Ed K.
p.1 #12 · Brewing problem with my Bogen tripod plates.
Matt Ward wrote:
Thanks again... I will start converting, when I can find parts. I really like my Manfrotto action ball grip, that is going to be hard to find a plate for it is the large one, not 222.
It looks like it might be hard to find a lens plate for my 80-200/2.8L and my gripped 20D as well. I watch the forums here often and have bought and sold many times, so will just have to watch for them. I will also need brackets for a gripped T3i and gripped 7D.
I have never used a ballhead, they look like it is not very handy to use one on a monopod.
Thanks again.
Matt...Show more →
On a monopod, I use a pistol-grip ballhead. One hand handles the grip and pod. the right hand fiddles with camera controls. I have a 3265 equivalent and love it on a monopod.
p.1 #13 · Brewing problem with my Bogen tripod plates.
Yes, the RC322R2 is an awesome head but to fit a-c plates to it takes a $40 receiver, Hejnar has them instock. I use the 322 on a tripod, just have a simple one axis head on my monopod with a 3167 base plate. I think I am going to try locktite for now, plus I probably have not been getting them tight enough for years, for fear of damaging the lens foot threads.
I do like the idea of a-s style gear and will work toward it in time. As I said before with the 322 I have never felt the need for a real ball head and have never even used one for a camera.
Once again, thanks for the input everyone... This is why I like this site so much.
p.1 #14 · Brewing problem with my Bogen tripod plates.
"Back in the days of film, Canon tried aluminum tripod mount threads in cameras. They quickly stripped out, and Canon spent good money replacing them with stainless."
Canon was using aluminum threads as late as the 1DsMKII. I know. I stripped several of them and finally switched over to RRS plates and clamps and couldn't be happier. My Canon XH-A1 also uses aluminum. I can't for the life of me understand why they'd use completely the wrong material in such a critical area in such expensive cameras. When you go them replaced by Canon, they were replaced with the same crap they came with originally. No SS replacement. In fact, they insisted that they didn't use aluminum, but anyone who ever drilled one out for a helicoil would know better. And the helicoils only worked for a while, as there wasn't enough meat for them to work properly and they'd twist out.
