Replace the locking screw in your camera plates and L-brackets
Mar 30, 2019 14:06:52 #
Many tripod head camera plates and L-brackets come with locking screws that have either a slotted head or allen key socket. You have to use a coin or allen wrench to tighten and loosen them. There are many D-ring screws available that can be used in place of the original screws. B & H Photo has many. One of my L-brackets camera with this slotted head screw. I found a D-ring screw made by SmallRig that has the same dimensions as the original and replaced it.
Original
(Download)
SmallRig D-ring screw
(Download)
SmallRig 838 on left, original on right
(Download)
Mar 30, 2019 14:19:14 #
Mar 30, 2019 14:46:21 #
Mar 30, 2019 15:17:42 #
CO wrote:
Many tripod head camera plates and L-brackets come with locking screws that have either a slotted head or allen key socket. You have to use a coin or allen wrench to tighten and loosen them. There are many D-ring screws available that can be used in place of the original screws. B & H Photo has many. One of my L-brackets camera with this slotted head screw. I found a D-ring screw made by SmallRig that has the same dimensions as the original and replaced it.
Here is a source:
https://www.smallrig.com/smallrig-1-4-thumb-screw-5-pcs-1611.html
Mar 30, 2019 17:43:36 #
SmallRig has diagrams on their website that show the dimensions for their different screws. You can know if one is the right size to use as a replacement for the original.
Mar 30, 2019 18:45:46 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
Bogen/Manfrotto quick-release plates have been using a similar screw for nearly 50 years. First time I’ve seen them available for other brands.
Mar 31, 2019 06:48:10 #
chrissybabe
Loc: New Zealand
Many tripods and other fittings use the screw with a D ring. However use it a few times and they are a pain as you cannot tighten them as much as you can one that uses an allen key. Everything of mine uses an allen key and anything that uses a screwdriver or fingers to tighten the screws is history. And leaving aside the issue of total tightness if the D is too loose (which most of them seem to be) it flops around when you take things on and off and that can be annoying too.
One of these ideas that seems good but isn't. Use an allen key. Why do they sell them if they are a nuisance - because there is always someone who will buy them ?
I have spent several years fighting fittings that come loose invariably because they couldn't be tightened enough. Now I am enjoying fittings that don't swivel loose.
Plus if your systems are set up correctly you only ever have to tighten them once so why not use the allen key.
One of these ideas that seems good but isn't. Use an allen key. Why do they sell them if they are a nuisance - because there is always someone who will buy them ?
I have spent several years fighting fittings that come loose invariably because they couldn't be tightened enough. Now I am enjoying fittings that don't swivel loose.
Plus if your systems are set up correctly you only ever have to tighten them once so why not use the allen key.
Mar 31, 2019 08:15:59 #
CO wrote:
Many tripod head camera plates and L-brackets come with locking screws that have either a slotted head or allen key socket. You have to use a coin or allen wrench to tighten and loosen them. There are many D-ring screws available that can be used in place of the original screws. B & H Photo has many. One of my L-brackets camera with this slotted head screw. I found a D-ring screw made by SmallRig that has the same dimensions as the original and replaced it.
Let us know how it works out in the long run. I may have gotten a cheap imitation of your screw, but the D ring screws I bought are sitting in a drawer somewhere after the "D" came off the first use. I now just put the allen key that fits my screws on my key ring and use it if I need it (rarely). I have a Peak Design strap, so the quick release plate never leaves the camera after the initial installation.
Mar 31, 2019 08:28:02 #
wrangler5
Loc: Missouri
The last 3 plates I've bought from Really Right Stuff have designs with magnets that hold the allen wrench in the plate itself. And continuing my practice from prior decades, I just keep one of the wrenches in each of my camera bags. So I'm never far from a wrench, although I can't remember the last time I really needed one in the field.
Mar 31, 2019 10:54:08 #
I replaced the screws on all my arca swiss plates last year with d-ring equivalents. I still find myself often reaching into my pocket for a quarter every once in a while to tighten a little more. Also, overtime I’ve noticed that the d-rings have loosened a little (to the screws). So, imagine a body upside down, the plate in place, the ring wants to flop down, and you’re trying to grip it to finish tightening. So, once on, the places don’t come off unless they have to. 🥴
Cutting to the chase, they're still recommended. Bought mine from Amazon.
Cutting to the chase, they're still recommended. Bought mine from Amazon.
Mar 31, 2019 11:50:59 #
Do you think that, just perhaps, there is a good reason that RRS uses allen head screws? Like some others, I have a wrench in every bag, plus I do love the new design with the tool keepers. Personally speaking I would never replace the OEM screw as I've got quite a bit of money being safely held on that small screw. The material and method of manufacturing of the screw are vital and there are various grades. Best of luck.
Mar 31, 2019 14:50:40 #
My Sirui tripod uses those - it really makes it easy to unscrew! Wish all removavble screws had them!
Mar 31, 2019 15:05:52 #
chrissybabe
Loc: New Zealand
I don't understand why people need to unscrew anything. Properly setup the only thing that needs to be removable is any plates used in your system. Once a plate is mounted (via hex screw preferably) you shouldn't need to take it off again. If you do it is maybe because you don't have enough plates ?
If you use spare cameras put a plate on that also.
If you use spare cameras put a plate on that also.
Mar 31, 2019 15:36:10 #
chrissybabe wrote:
I don't understand why people need to unscrew anything. Properly setup the only thing that needs to be removable is any plates used in your system. Once a plate is mounted (via hex screw preferably) you shouldn't need to take it off again. If you do it is maybe because you don't have enough plates ?
If you use spare cameras put a plate on that also.
If you use spare cameras put a plate on that also.
Mar 31, 2019 16:06:54 #
Definitely superior. I use Manfrotto plates, and they have the ring.
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