DIY lightweight and easy to attach L-bracket (< 50 g) for small cameras

I would like to share my craft project mentioned in the title.

The starting point was the realization that I was not able to find a convenient L-bracket for my Samsung NX mini for occasional use – especially at an aspired weight below 50 g. Handling of most L-brackets requires a tool and/or subtle fingers.

When I saw a round (!) Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plate (BGNing/FEICHAO 40 round quick release plate), an idea grew. Such plates could be used as knurled screw or nut. They were so inexpensive, that I "imported" some and went to the local hardware store to buy connecting angles of different dimensions. A size of 50 mm x 50 mm x 15 mm was perfect for the NX mini. I drilled two holes for the plates.

The mentioned plates have a short 1/4’’ female thread. So attaching the sideward plate was very easy.

To mount the camera a longer (countersunk) screw is needed. Because their head was bigger than that of the original screw, I had to modify the plate. After that I glued the screw into the plate.

Adding an anti-twist rubber pad as contact surface for the camera is useful.

Now I can quickly attach and remove the L-bracket just by turning the round qr plate.

Of cause it would be nice to have quick release plates optimised for this application.

- plate at the side: more pitches

- plate below camera: better coupling between screw head and plate (glue is suboptimal)

The connecting angles can also be found on the major Internet trading platforms.