Manfrotto 200-PL Quick release plate interferes with lens on OMD EM5-II

[Kerensky97]

I was using my new Olympus OMD EM5 II with the Panasonic Lumix 12-35 f/2.8 lens and when I screwed on the quick release plate for my Manfrotto tripod, the QR plate is making full contact with the lens. I can't tighten the plate down 100% and when changing lenses on the tripod I can feel the lens grind against the plate as I twist it off.

I there any option to adapt the plate or buy one that is slightly modified so that the lens has clearance to not be under pressure from a QR plate that is screwed on too tight? I'm really afraid of the long term damage if not just cosmetic damage to having the lens grind against the tripod plate.

 

[yslee1]

The answer is to stop using Manfrotto plates and their ballheads! Though if you have something specialised I recommend adapting it anyway to the AS platform.

 

[Impulses]

They probably have a smaller plate available, no? I'd hope so anyway.

There's some downright diminutive Arca Swiss plates out there... I got this for my GM1:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1109185-REG/jobu_design_sf_bpxs750_extra_small_surefoot_accessory.html

Using a slightly larger 1" Kirk plate on the other bodies tho, I like the flange on it for a more secure fit and the rubber top. Only downside to plates that tiny is you can't really fit a D ring in there anymore, don't forget that hex wrench if you need to take it off!

OTOH they're small enough and flexible enough mounting wise they don't block my battery doors.

 

[Betarover]

If you are handy and willing to spend 15 to 30 minutes this should be an easy modification with a file. I have modified this plate to allow the battery door on my Oly E-PL5 to open without having to remove the plate. It looks ugly but works. I keep the plate on my camera at all times. The performance of the plate is not decreased by the alteration. I find these plates are made of a soft metal that is easy to drill, file, or grind.

 

[Jouko]

I'm using those plates with my Em1, Ep3 and EPM1... and so far no problems. But I mostly use older Ft-lenses with an adapter, so that gives some more room between the camera body and the lens...

If you like to use the Manfrotto -plates, try to add some material between the body and the plate. Even 1mm may make it work. Some thin rubber glued to the plate could do the thing, and even absorb some vibrations better. Don't overdo that anyway, too much is too much.

If that doesn't work try to sand down some material from the front center of the plate - the part that causes the trouble. There will be enough material left to keep the plate functional, but more room for the lens.


Jouko
'The best camera in the world is the one you have with you when you need it'

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[400trix]

I replaced the clamp on my Manfrotto head with an ARCA compatible one from Acratech. Problem solved!

 

[Skeeterbytes]

That can be a problem with a small body and larger lenses--I've run into it myself. Can you shim the plate leaving enough screw threads exposed to get a solid connection to the camera? That's where I'd start.

My Manfrotto plates are incompatible with Arca-Swiss. If yours are similar, you have to work with them or change tripod heads, which gets expen$ive.

Cheers,

Rick

 

[Betarover]

Perhaps you could post a photograph of where the interference is. If I understand correctly, your modification would be much simpler than mine. All you need do is use a file and file off a shallow depression in the front edge. A half-round file would be perfect. The metal is soft and files easily. However, the job might be even simpler if it is the rubber pad on the top of the plate that is pressing on the lens. If so, use a sharp knife (Xacto, single edge razor, or box cutter) to cut off a small section of the rubber that is making contact.

 

[yslee1]

They probably have a smaller plate available, no? I'd hope so anyway.

That's the problem with QR systems like the Manfrotto: It's of a fixed size, regardless of what equipment you're using.

 

[Narcosynthesis]

Would something like the tripod adapter for the GM1 work? - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/687192-REG/Panasonic_DMW_TA1_DMW_TA1_Tripod_Adaptor.html that was designed for pretty much this exact reason, and would allow the plate to fix slightly further away from the camera.

Alternatively it may be possible to modify your plate by filing away part of the metal where it is rubbing to give you more clearance.

If you are interested in a more long term/permanent option, then perhaps switching to an alternative head/quick release may be in order - I have seen people either replacing the manfrotto qr mount with an alternative, or fixing an alternative mount to the manfrotto qr plate (and just ignoring the manfrotto qr section from there on) to give a different mount. There is also the option of an entirely new tripod head, which seems a bit extreme, but may be an option depending on whether you were planning upgrading/changing anytime in the future.