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 p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · A different Arca-compatible lever release clamp (adjustable!) | |
Chris S. wrote:
Regardless of what the makers say, in practice I mount plates from Kirk, RRS, Hejnar, and Wimberly in my RRS lever release clamp all the time. Out of at least two dozen assorted plates, I've found only one whose fit is anything other than perfect, that one one is a tad snug. It's an early model from one of the above makers, and does not appear to represent their current production. I also have screw clamps from RRS, Kirk, and Wimberly. Both styles of clamp have their place in my work, but universality of fit has, for me, turned out to be a non-issue.
I think the Markins statement is quite a bit different from the RRS one. Markins tells us that while their lever clamp is adjustable, doing it in the field is not practical, so they recommend sticking with one brand--any brand--of plate. RRS's clamp is not adjustable at all, so they recomend sticking with the RRS brand plates only. But notwithstanding their statement, as explained I haven't found their clamp to be so finicky.
The Sunway lever clamp, as illustrated in their moving images, is not only adjustable, but appears to be easy adjust on the fly. How well that works in practice, of course, remains to be reported. I also see that it has a "safety lock," which I assume helps prevent the lever from opening via inadvertant snagging. I can't tell from the images how this works, though.
Pretty cool to see three players now in the lever clamp game. Howard, I didn't know about the Markins product. Thanks for the heads up....Show more →
when you use a RRS/Wimberley plate with a RRS lever clamp there has been some thought in how it interfaces. it is designed to apply approx 50lbs of clamping pressure on the plate or higher. not so much as to possibly damage the clamping assy or make it overly difficult to complete the lever throw or loose so you might not trust it.
this is why they recommend theirs or wimberleys products. they are both identical and consistantly dimensioned products.
with the adjustable there is no consistant control over the ultimate clamping force. it is in the hands of the end user which can be less then consistant. what RRS offers is consistancy. now having adjustbility is great as long as you realize that there are limits. there are those out there that know no boundries for tight or loose. RRS eliminates that factor by doing what they have done. in the long run its just another option.
what RRS offers is a fact. the fact is if you use RRS or Wimberley plates with their clamp they will perform as designed and consistantly. you have the option as the end user to put whatever you want in it and it may work well or not.
with an adjustable plate you the end user are responsible for the consistancy and ultimate settings for your plates so for that reason using one brand for (hopefully)consistant dimensioning is to your advantage.
not so different after all.
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