Quick release plate/tripod

jlina

Senior Member
Messages
2,470
Reaction score
1,585
Location
Seabrook, US
I am asking this here as we all know basically the size of my camera - FZ1000ii -

So, I'm on my third tripod. Finally got one that is smooth and sturdy in the $100 range. Now the reviews say the plastic ball head is no good and to get a replacement.

The "quick release" knob was completely unexpected! Dropped my camera a little but luckily straight into my hand. (well at that point I had a firm grip on it :) ) This is what I got.


They sell them with a lever as well as a screw knob but there aren't many listed. There is also a ulanzi "claw" system that locks in place.


Was wondering if in your experience the single knob that turns the plate holder is strong enough for the FZs? It might have also been the sudden smooth rotation of the ball head vs the levers I'd gotten on the $40 ones.

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
I am asking this here as we all know basically the size of my camera - FZ1000ii -

So, I'm on my third tripod. Finally got one that is smooth and sturdy in the $100 range. Now the reviews say the plastic ball head is no good and to get a replacement.

The "quick release" knob was completely unexpected! Dropped my camera a little but luckily straight into my hand. (well at that point I had a firm grip on it :) ) This is what I got.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015CGRREI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They sell them with a lever as well as a screw knob but there aren't many listed. There is also a ulanzi "claw" system that locks in place.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08NC2KF52/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=A7XZMJAHE7S5Z&psc=1

Was wondering if in your experience the single knob that turns the plate holder is strong enough for the FZs? It might have also been the sudden smooth rotation of the ball head vs the levers I'd gotten on the $40 ones.

Thanks!
I’m going in the opposite direction that you are – the quick release adapter on my tripod uses a release lever. I’m constantly worried that I’ll accidentally hit the lever and release the clamp as I manipulate the camera to adjust the camera angle and/or use the focus ring.

So I currently have on order a QR adapter whose clamp uses a knob (basically a set-screw). Aside from easing my mind about accidentally opening the clamp, the knob/screw can accommodate other brands of Arca-compatible plates that may or may not have the exact same width as what is supplied with the QR adapter.

As far as the ball head itself, you definitely want a ball that is metal. Large diameter should be more secure than small diameter. (I’ve been looking at the Leofoto EB-36 ball head for possible replacement of my tripod’s current mount.)
 
Hi! Thanks so much for pointing this out. It is more secure than I thought, I tried it more last night. But that's why I was thinking of the Ulzani system. I think the plate is a different size (not universal) but it has a very secure lock you move into place according to reviews. Lots of reviews from people saying they used it and bought it for all their stuff.

I also like the idea of the controls being a different color - seems like that'd make it easier to grab if you are visual like me. Since I have to/ will eventually need one....

I hate shopping for these things! haha
 
It is heard to believe your ball head did that. Sorry to hear it.

I am currently using a NEST NT-624H ball head (good to hold 22lb?), so far so good.



574fc82c374a4025a80b04acd144a6c3.jpg



de19329ba26640e49ca7395ecd85e390.jpg



Unless I push the safety pin release button, my camera will sit on the ball head.
Unless I push the safety pin release button, my camera will sit on the ball head.



9beaa77906a04bafa2b152efcdff1176.jpg



437211f55667464cbad7e552e6890101.jpg

Wishing this might help.

--
Albert
** Please forgive my typo error.
** Please feel free to download my image and edit it as you like :-) **
 
That is exactly what I wished I could find Albert - a secondary lock. I don't think mine also has a friction control knob. I can find that head used on eBay, the guy says he's not sure if all the pieces are there so I don't know about that ;it seems like it would be hard to break it?

I ordered a cheap metal one that I thought I would try to see if it held better. Delivery has been delayed on it till Sunday. I think it was the ball head had no friction on it on the other one it just fell into my hand but it wasn't a big deal with my first try.

I saw a cool DIY for your camera where you put a screw in a big frying pan and you mount your old tripod head into the frying pan so that you can set your camera on the ground at a low angle! I am going to try that with the old one.

I appreciate the detailed diagramming, it gives me a real good idea of what to look for!
 
That is exactly what I wished I could find Albert - a secondary lock. I don't think mine also has a friction control knob. I can find that head used on eBay, the guy says he's not sure if all the pieces are there so I don't know about that ;it seems like it would be hard to break it?

I ordered a cheap metal one that I thought I would try to see if it held better. Delivery has been delayed on it till Sunday. I think it was the ball head had no friction on it on the other one it just fell into my hand but it wasn't a big deal with my first try.

I saw a cool DIY for your camera where you put a screw in a big frying pan and you mount your old tripod head into the frying pan so that you can set your camera on the ground at a low angle! I am going to try that with the old one.

I appreciate the detailed diagramming, it gives me a real good idea of what to look for!
As per your links to Amazon about the K&F tripod, you should be able to reverse the central column for ground level shooting. You don't need to use that DIY idea although fun to do it... :-)
 
I know Albert! I just think it would be a lot of fun to carry my camera around in a frying pan :) and I'd actually be a lot more likely to set it low to the ground with a frying pan underneath it. They said take the handle off but of course I'm going to leave it on :)

Song that used tripod head the guy says he doesn't even know if all the parts are there. Are they pretty easy to break the friction control? Sometimes I think people put stuff like that because they know the item is broken.

Thanks!
 

Keyboard shortcuts

Back
Top