goforths

Since the 1/4-20 bolt on tripod pads is an industry standard, I go to Home Depot and pick up cheap PVC and electrical parts to create all kinds of photographic accessories. For a start look through You Tube for ideas so you won't be trying to re-invent the wheel. My first venture was a DIY shoulder mounted video camera stabilizer made from PVC connectors, a few small nuts & bolts, and an electrical box cover. Not only is it a lot of fun but if the project fails you are only out a couple of bucks, literally. With a $1 can of flat black spray paint you can make your DIY accessories look like they were professionally built. Have fun and enjoy the results.

TonyF Loc: Bradenton, FL

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

If your tripod head uses a Swiss Arca plate and not a proprietary plate, then yes. Just purchase a plate for each of your camera bodies (1 inch or so) and buy plates for your lenses with feet. Then buy a Swiss Arca 'clamp' with a 1/4-20 threaded hole in the center and screw in your BlackRapid lug. Now you can switch fast. The plates will also distribute the load on your camera bodies. It costs about $60 for the clamp from B&H.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/686909-REG/Jobu_Design_QRR_125_QRR_125_Ballhead_Monopod_Quick_Release.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quick-Release-Plate-PU-40-50-60-100-120-150-200-B1-B2-B3-B4-Ball-Head-Arca-Swiss-/112048865556?var=&hash=item1a16a20114:m:mclpU574lqM5bydh00PRQIg

Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

This is one of the reasons I went with an Op-Tech sling and wrist strap.

blackest Loc: Ireland

I'm not sure about your tripod but this arca swiss plate is very good it lives on my k5 it has a strap boss either side I use it with a hand strap on the right a neck strap on the left and the arca swiss plate for my tripod. It's screwed into my battery grip. If there was a problem with the tripod screw the plate links both the hand grip and neck strap which means even if there was a failure the camera is still supported at 2 points.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171024603755?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

It never comes off my K5 I've seen other variations but they are moulded plastic and even I wouldn't trust my camera to them.
It's great value at $17 but shipping is going to be fairly slow.

malaneystuff Loc: SE Wisconsin

Thanks for all the input. I would hope my tripod mount would be built to at least hold the hanging weight of a camera based on the need to go vertical with a large lens. Understood it is a static weight. Has anyone seen a failure here - interesting video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUK7G5Gy5B4.
With the cost of plates, maybe I look at another strap option - or - use the strap connections provided. As mentioned by a couple folks, I do like some sort of strap or connection to the camera on a tripod when the tripod is in a precarious position.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUK7G5Gy5B4

malaneystuff Loc: SE Wisconsin

Thanks for the input. I'm staying with with my black rapid and using a Acratech Quick Release Plate for Nikon D7100 that does not slip/rotate. I put a O ring on the left camera strap mount so I can clip the BR strap to that when I have the camera mounted to the tripod for extra comfort security. I'm leaving the house with or without a tripod so I can plan to be using the plate or not and plan and configure accordingly.