Arca Swiss Conversions of tripod heads

Msmoto

Several folks were discussing tripods, heads, etc.  For many years I used Manfrotto heads and the RC-2 and RC-3 clamps and plates.  However, the difficulty I had was the two were not interchangeable.  And the "L" plate for a camera body was not efficient.  Thus, i made a decision to switch to the Arca Swiss style clamps while adding the appropriate "L" plate to the camera.  All turned out fairly well.  One of the heads was a new SIRUI which I rotated the clamp by 90° as originally supplied the tilt was right to left and I wanted fore and aft.  Here are the conversions, and one can see the various connection methods used for the heads.

Golf007sd

Here is my setup...as it relates to a monopod and head configuration. I find the manner in which RRS has incorporated their line of products very intuitive and effective in getting the most out of one's gear.

D4 105 2.8 Micro 1/800 ISO 1000 @ f/8.0

DXV_Photo

Is this turning into a head/mount discussion? If so I really like Induro. Not as expensive as Gitzo and RRS but I think offers a great product for the price. Here is my monopod with a BHL1 head on it.

Msmoto

For sure, I like Induro.  The big Manfrotto head 468MGRC2 is on an Induro carbon tripod.  I had all these Manfrotto heads and had to convert them. 

@ ;Golf007sd

How does the adjustment work on the RRS head?  It would seem one would want a vertical adjustment.  If you can, tell me how you use the right left adjustment.

Golf007sd

OK...Ok...do not go laughing your asses of at my videos. One of my 2013's goals is to shoot more videos so that is why you see me doing more of this type of stuff in order to answer your questions and other members. The setting is not the best...well my favorite part of the house, the kitchen that is, but it is the message that counts. So here we go....LMFAO  :-)) :-))

DXV_Photo

Nice video golf but it sounds like dinner is done.  

Maybe you can help me understand the L bracket more.  I have always been of the opinion the less I have to dismount/remount the camera the better.  On a ballhead I just swing it down to portrait and don't have to worry about it.  What advantage does the L bracket give over the ballhead? Is it only for panoramas where being off access on a ball head can affect the picture?

Thanks,

David

Golf007sd

David, the advantage of the L-Plate is show in this video. As for dinner...that was my room mate warming up her tea. Like I said with anything in life....practice, practice, practice....only one way for me is up given that I'm beginning my whole videography chapter this year. Lets just hope I don't make to much of a fool of myself in front of the camera :P

PB_PM

@DXV The L bracket is not meant to replace a ballhead. The L bracket is designed to allow you to switch the orientation of the camera, without changing it's position.

Edit: As Golf shows in the video he posted. I find it amusing that the RRS guy uses a Gitzo tripod.

DXV_Photo

Ok, so it helps you from having to change your tripod setup to use the other orientation.  Makes sense.

Golf007sd

PB_PM  RRS, as a company, has a great relationship with Gitzo, In fact they sell their products on their web site at this link. Lastly, that "guy" a.k.a. Joe Johnson, is the president/CEO/Founder of RRS.

PB_PM

I understand that Golf, I just find it amusing that the founder doesn't seem to use a RRS tripod, then again that is an old video.

macsavageg4

So far I have been digging on the Manfrotto RC0 plate on my D800 and D7000.  I like it since it can be orientated in different ways and provides a stability point with the flush mount plate.  If I start doing more than just general shooting and start heavily moving into portrait work for the company I work for I may get the L-plate RC0 kit or the ball head that Manfrotto shipped with an RC0 mount.  I do like how the Arca Swiss plate is a bit smaller which would be nice on the smaller bodies.

PB_PM

The true advantage, size depends on the brand you choose, of the Arca style plate is that they are designed to fit each body, which prevents rotation of the plate on the body/lens while mounted on a tripod.

Dan

 prevents rotation of the plate on the body/lens while mounted on a tripod.

That in itself was the kicker for me to go into this system.  Gone are the days where I constantly have to tighten the release plate to the body and not to mention the scratches it causes to the bottom of the camera when it rotates lose.

adamz

thank You golf for Your video! really good job!

adamz

as for the second video... well, why use RSS tripods if Gitzo is better

PB_PM

Yup, and due to a sale I got my Gitzo for several hundred less than an equivalent RRS one.

Msmoto

Hey, Golf, great videos...but....show me this with the D4 and 24mm f/1.4 mounted, portrait orientation, how to make it flex in a vertical manner......

Oh, now the solution from RRS

MH-01 Hi-Capacity Monopod Head without Clamp.

B2-Pro II with 1/4-20 screw

This allows the orientation of the clamp so when the camera is mounted on the "L" plate, it can be adjusted fore and aft and not right to left.

If you note, on my knock off head, the plate has been reoriented to allow this fore and aft adjustment.

So, thanks for the video...

Golf007sd

@Msmoto Will make a video later on and hope I can address your questions the best I can...without looking to foolish.

@adamz & PB_PM As I have said before, Gitzo makes great tripods and monopods, Hence, why I own their monopod. But when it came to tripods, I personally felt that the RRS tripods addressed my needs better. As for pricing, they are not that far apart from each other when you look at the two companies. One thing to keep in mind, you will have a very very hard time trying to find a used RRS tripod. Not to many owner will part with their line of products. They are a keeper.

Golf007sd

Ok so lets see if I was able to address your question and request msmoto.



D7000 35 1.8G ISO 1000 @ f/5.6

Msmoto

Thanks Golf...I have the D4, 24mm f/1.4, and the knock off head which looks identical to the RRS. However, when i wanted to do the change as you demonstrated, the first item of concern was the center allen screw which striped because it was way too tight. So, after drilling this out and removing the pieces, rotating the clamp by 90° and reattaching with a new screw, it also required a second locking screw so as not to accidentally unscrew. Lots of work.

So, the next piece of equipment I purchase, be it a ball head, tripod, or whatever RRS has, I will no doubt it from them. You should send the video to them as you are far more appealing than Joe Johnson...

Golf007sd

I have to say the screw that is in the middle of the RRS head is very well made. I had to switch the orientation many times and I have not had a single issue with it. One of the nice things about RRS MB-40 ball head is that it fits nicely on the monopod as well.



D7000 35 1.8G 1/2500 ISO 100 @ f/2.5

Thank for the kind words on my looks .

JJ_SO

Could you two please do the flirting business in one of the other usual channels? Just because the jealousy :-*
That's cute, Golf, especially eating the hex/allen key, yummy.
Msmoto, why aren't you using the Manfrotto grip 322RC? Too less elegant, too much to carry around? handmuscles got tired? Just guessing, these are my reasons to leave it at home pretend, to have forgotten it again.

Msmoto

@ JJ_SO
The Manfrotto Grip is actually a very nice piece of equipment. And it has seen its use on three occasions at the NAIAS with a D90 and a D200 using the 12-24mm DX Nikkor. Currently, my plan is to use the D4 on the monopod, and the weight is getting marginal w/ the 24mm f/1.4 nikkor mounted. It will also be used with the D4 and 10.5mm f/2.8.

JJ_SO

That grip has no problems with weight:

8-}
Although the photographer could have problems with people looking at him as if he had two purple chimpanzees on his shoulders.

Golf007sd

@JJ_SO WoW. Now that is a crazy setup.