Focus Locus
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 p.1 #13 · Need a stable camera bracket. | |
tbertram wrote:
Focus Locus, do you use the Custom Brackets rotational device? If so can you compare it to StoboFrame? My main concern is vibration, if I have to sacrifice convience by using the L brackets I will, but would love to find a rotating bracket that will not vibrate.
Thanks again
Yes, Thomas, I do have the Custom Bracket rotational device, which came as part of the complete QRS-35-EV flash bracket kit. To save money, you might just consider the rotational part, which is the QRS-35-SV.
The SV stands for Studio Version, where it is presumed that you are on a tripod working with studio strobes rather than flash, so no flash arm, handle, or foot is included.
The EV that I have stands for Extended Version, where the included flash arm handle is offset to alllow line of sight clearance for an infrared transmitter to be mounted on the camera hotshoe to trigger remote ETTL flashes.
"Custom Brackets" is not to be confused with "Camera Brackets", makers of the Newton flash bracket that Nill mentioned above. I'm referring only to Custom Brackets.
Mike, the owner of Custom Brackets, was a wedding photographer for 20 somthing years, and back in 1999, he patented a rotation device that is self adjusting and very solid. It utilizes one or more ball bearings on a machined track in the shape of a crescent.
Quite unlike an L plate by RRS or Kirk or Manfrotto, the Camera Brackets rotation device keeps the lens in the EXACT SAME POSITION when the camera is rotated between horizontal and vertical modes. This feat is IMPOSSIBLE with an RRS L plate (which I also have a couple of) due to the structure of the camera itself (the cameras I use, at least).
With the RRS L plates, even with their convenient indexing marks, the HEIGHT of the lens changes as the camera is transitioned between portrait and landscape. So no matter how carefully the horizontal axis is realigned, the ball head (or whatever head) still has to be tilted, or the tripod has to raised/lowered, to match the composition attitude created when the camera was in the previous state.
I have not had much experience with StroboFrame products (other than trying them in the camera store), primarily because when it came time for me to purchase a flash bracket a few years ago, I researched (for weeks) every possible option on the market, and arrived at the conclusion that this Custom Bracket rotational device presented the most favorable and unique implementation of solving the issues I was wanting to address at the time.
It is solidly made and well crafted. And it is surprisingly simple. The spring loaded ball bearing(s) is/are self adjusting and wear compensating, so the tension remains constant on the curved slide, and locks well into the detents for portrait and landscape. No tightening or adjustment over the life is required or possible.
Recently, Mike introduced a newer version of his rotational device, using roller bearings, called the Digital Pro SV. His newest (and more expensive) Digital Pro-M, Digital Pro, QRS-35-E2 and H series flash brackets now feature this updated rotational device, (along with an idea that I suggested to him over a year and a half ago concerning the right side foot balance support with different weight and length lenses, which he tweaked and finally incorporated into his current product).
You can order either type of Custom Bracket SV rotation device or EV flash bracket with Arca Swiss style or Bogen-Manfotto style quick release plates.
I ordered the unique quick release plate and receiver that Mike designed, because it is lightening quick and rock solid. Unlike the RRS lever lock, the Custom Bracket's quick release cannot be accidently flicked open.
If you order the whole flash bracket kit, two screws unbolt the flash post, grip handle, and left foot assembly, two screws unbolt the camera mount, and two screws unbolt the tripod mounting plate assembly. What remains after all the unbolting is the cnc machined T6061 aluminum crescent track and ball bearing (or roller bearing) detent rotation device.
For another photographer's opinion, visit: http://www.aljacobs.com/brackets.htm
For a Rangefinder Magazine review, visit:
http://www.rangefindermag.com/Magazine/Feb05/custombrackets.tml
For other reviews of the exact piece I use, visit:
http://www.custombrackets.com/scripts/prodReview.asp?idProduct=26
For general reviews of Custom Brackets, visit:
http://www.custombrackets.com/Scripts/reviews.asp
After you visit the last link, you should be able to navigate around to see pictures and prices. They can purchased directly, but they can also be obtained at camera stores, including B&H, at their typically lower margins.
The QRS-35-SV was $143 in the Summer 2006 B&H catalog.
Very recently, Really Right Stuff introduced a circular Camera Rotation Device. Joe apparently wanted to address the problem with the "L" plate having to be re-horizoned when shifting the camera between vertical and horizontal. Obviously, it had to be a different design than Mike's, due to patent protection.
Unfortunately, Joe's solution starts at $750, and goes up from there, depending on the added parts. But it looks very cool, as all the RRStuff does. I'm sure the reviews on function will be out shortly.
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