A good fix for Nikon 180-600 foot --- maybe for other models as well
Apr 27, 2024 11:33:43 #
Last week I mentioned the new 180-600 proved to be very sharp and well made except for the foot which is not Swiss-Arca compatible. I fixed mine and hope this will be informative for some who also want to have a Swiss-Arca foot on their lens.
First I ordered a plate which is about 1 1/2" longer than the Nikon foot. The Nikon foot has two holes -- a 1/4x20, and a 3/8". The plate opening for the mounting screw will only allow the 1/4x20 screw to be used. I ordered an insert to reduce the Nikon 3/8 opening to 1/4x20. I also ordered new screws that attach with an allen wrench which I deem more secure than a regular screw. By doing this I was able to use two screws to mount the new plate to the Nikon foot. This makes an extra firm mount that will not slip like a single screw could. Below are photos of the items I used.
The total cost of this project was around 25.00.
I will add this one comment: Someone mentioned Nikon may use the foot they do for comfort and I will agree with the attached plate its ridges do make carrying it by the foot less comfortable.
First I ordered a plate which is about 1 1/2" longer than the Nikon foot. The Nikon foot has two holes -- a 1/4x20, and a 3/8". The plate opening for the mounting screw will only allow the 1/4x20 screw to be used. I ordered an insert to reduce the Nikon 3/8 opening to 1/4x20. I also ordered new screws that attach with an allen wrench which I deem more secure than a regular screw. By doing this I was able to use two screws to mount the new plate to the Nikon foot. This makes an extra firm mount that will not slip like a single screw could. Below are photos of the items I used.
The total cost of this project was around 25.00.
I will add this one comment: Someone mentioned Nikon may use the foot they do for comfort and I will agree with the attached plate its ridges do make carrying it by the foot less comfortable.
Original Nikon foot
(Download)
Plate showing original screw
(Download)
Adaptor insert to change screw hole from 3/8 to 1/4 (they come in a six pack)
(Download)
New Screws with allen wrench (included) they come in a five pack
(Download)
New plate attached showing a double connection
(Download)
Apr 27, 2024 11:57:06 #
I've always done this with my long lenses but I also put a small lock washer on each screw otherwise they become loose over time. Also, the length of the plate that I use depends on the camera/lens combo. That is, I want the combo to balance on my gimbal/tripod rig so that there's no movement when I let go. I get a plate long enough to be able to use it (without adjusting the plate on the lens) with and without my teleconverters. Your zoom lens will have variable balance points depending on the focal length that you use. Best wishes with your new rig!
Apr 27, 2024 12:26:07 #
ecobin wrote:
I've always done this with my long lenses but I al... (show quote)
Well said.....but generally speaking, the longer the A/S plate the better !
Apr 27, 2024 15:01:50 #
ecobin wrote:
I've always done this with my long lenses but I al... (show quote)
Sometimes the washer will raise the screw head above the base!!
Blue locktite works very well and the screws are easily removable.
Apr 27, 2024 17:38:18 #
Apr 27, 2024 17:38:27 #
Apr 28, 2024 06:51:23 #
Manglesphoto wrote:
Sometimes the washer will raise the screw head above the base!!
Blue locktite works very well and the screws are easily removable.
Blue locktite works very well and the screws are easily removable.
That was my first thought too.
Bruce
Apr 28, 2024 06:52:32 #
Bridges wrote:
Last week I mentioned the new 180-600 proved to be... (show quote)
A good idea and you did it the right way.
Bruce
Apr 28, 2024 07:07:44 #
Bridges wrote:
Last week I mentioned the new 180-600 proved to be... (show quote)
So far every long lens I have had has only had one mounting hole in the foot, My cure was to very carefully drill and tap a second hole for a mounting plate of 5" to 7"
Apr 28, 2024 07:34:58 #
Manglesphoto wrote:
So far every long lens I have had has only had one mounting hole in the foot, My cure was to very carefully drill and tap a second hole for a mounting plate of 5" to 7"
Yes, I think any one-post connection is bound to loosen up regardless of how well it is mounted. I was glad to see Nikon provided two holes albeit one 1/4 and one 3/8. It was simple enough to make that 3/8 hole smaller so two 1/4 screws could be used. Some suggested using ways to keep the screws tight and that is also good info.
Apr 28, 2024 07:45:03 #
Bridges wrote:
Yes, I think any one-post connection is bound to loosen up regardless of how well it is mounted. I was glad to see Nikon provided two holes albeit one 1/4 and one 3/8. It was simple enough to make that 3/8 hole smaller so two 1/4 screws could be used. Some suggested using ways to keep the screws tight and that is also good info.
If you use Loctite be damn sure to use Blue Loctite it makes the screws easily removable.
Before Loctite we used Linseed oil it made the screws sticky but easy to remove
Apr 28, 2024 09:36:48 #
To All:
Thanks for the tips, and most of all, for sharing your knowledge and years of experience.
Now this post makes me . . . .
Smile,
JimmyT Sends
Bravo Zulu
Thanks for the tips, and most of all, for sharing your knowledge and years of experience.
Now this post makes me . . . .
Smile,
JimmyT Sends
Bravo Zulu
Apr 28, 2024 13:55:06 #
Manglesphoto wrote:
Sometimes the washer will raise the screw head above the base!!
Blue locktite works very well and the screws are easily removable.
Blue locktite works very well and the screws are easily removable.
Apr 28, 2024 16:32:54 #
chrissybabe
Loc: New Zealand
This solution is only a surprise to those who have never experimented with using arca-swiss plates for everything.
Every one of our tripods has an A/S clamp on the top, every head has an A/S plate on the bottom AND another A/S clamp on the top. That way any tripod can take any of several heads. Where possible I use the 1/4" screw for rigidity. Nothing has a slotted screw - they are all allen headed.
Every one of our tripods has an A/S clamp on the top, every head has an A/S plate on the bottom AND another A/S clamp on the top. That way any tripod can take any of several heads. Where possible I use the 1/4" screw for rigidity. Nothing has a slotted screw - they are all allen headed.
Apr 30, 2024 14:23:05 #
J15hun
Loc: Baton Rouge
Bridges wrote:
Last week I mentioned the new 180-600 proved to be... (show quote)
Hello
Very well thought out. I have ordered the same lens and would like to purchase the plate and screws needed. Can you provide info on purchasing.
Thanks for your time
Jerry location New Roads La
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