Universal L-brackets

pxpaulx · 08-16-2010, 08:25 PM

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Originally posted by twokatmew

What clamp do you have attached to the 7" Hejnar plate? Can you provide a link for where you got it?

The quick release plate can be found here on ebay. The seller is OECCamera

twokatmew · 08-16-2010, 08:40 PM

Originally posted by pxpaulx

The quick release plate can be found here on ebay. The seller is OECCamera

Do you mean this clamp?

How do you keep it from rotating on the rail?

pxpaulx · 08-16-2010, 09:14 PM

That's he one. I have it tightened down, haven't noticed any play even if I haven't used it for a week or two. It is just held on the rail with a standard tripod screw.

Russell-Evans · 08-16-2010, 11:58 PM

Originally posted by pxpaulx

Along with using the two rails for an L bracket, I have an alternate use for the longer plate - balancing the Olympus 70-300mm and my e-pl1.

I bought one of these and I'm using the tightening screw in a QR clamp. This allows enough room for the QR clamp to be rotated forward so that I'm not poking myself in the eye or breaking out a tooth.

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Once screwed in tightly, I haven't had it come loose. If it did come loose, I will use loctite on it as the setup works well enough for me not to care about dedicating a QR clamp for this.

I use it on a couple of other things as well.

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It really is much more comfortable to have the tightening screw up front instead of sticking out the back of the camera.

Thank you
Russell

Last edited by Russell-Evans; 08-17-2010 at 08:47 AM.

Russell-Evans · 08-17-2010, 01:48 PM

This is the way I'll use the L-bracket, with the QR clamp. It is just easier to put the bracket on the camera this way. The two clamp tensioners are close, but just far enough apart were they don't interfere with each other. There is enough room to move the camera sideways to have access to the ports on the left side of the K10/20D.

Without the QR clamp if you want to same the money and the weight. The camera sits closer to the curve of the 90 degree adapter so the vertical is out a little further in this setup.

Finally, the reason I went this direction; the least expensive gimbal setup I could come up with.

Thank you
Russell

scottax1 · 02-15-2011, 06:59 AM

Bringing this thread back to life!

Has anyone tried this one?

SUNWAYFOTO Universal L QR Plate DPL-02 Arca Compat NEW - eBay (item 360327043485 end time Mar-09-11 13:14:04 PST)

The infinite variability from 41mm to 63mm looks very useful.

I'm wondering about rigidity . . . I've found that it's essential to snug the edge of the camera to the bracket to avoid flex.

pxpaulx · 02-16-2011, 07:46 PM

That looks like a decent plate option. The quick release clamp I've referenced previously in this thread is sold by the same ebay seller - what I have bought from them is nice quality, though a little on the heavy side (some heavier metal, not aluminum or anything light).

Russell (if you see this!) - what panning base are you using there? I have been looking at gimbal mounts today since I just got a sigma 120-400mm, and getting a 2nd panning base could be a cheaper solution to a full gimbal arm!

woof · 05-17-2011, 11:10 AM

Originally posted by twokatmew

Do you mean this clamp?

Originally posted by Russell-Evans

This is the way I'll use the L-bracket, with the QR clamp. It is just easier to put the bracket on the camera this way. The two clamp tensioners are close, but just far enough apart were they don't interfere with each other. There is enough room to move the camera sideways to have access to the ports on the left side of the K10/20D.

Without the QR clamp if you want to same the money and the weight. The camera sits closer to the curve of the 90 degree adapter so the vertical is out a little further in this setup.

Finally, the reason I went this direction; the least expensive gimbal setup I could come up with.

I just put together one of Russell's l-brackets with the oecCamera QR plate noted above.

Excellent. Really very good. The QR clamp really is on solid and I cannot see it twisting. Much better option frankly than attaching the camera directly to the L-bracket because I can keep the QR plate on my camera and use it in different ways, as well as remove the camera quickly from the l-bracket.

Purchasing the clamp also gives you the option of rotating it 90 degrees, placing it at the end of the plate, then using the plate as a macro slider. Not bad.

This is a very nice, economical solution. I will continue building on this as the foundation for a multi-row panorama setup.

woof!

scottax1 · 05-17-2011, 12:14 PM

Originally posted by woof

I just put together one of Russell's l-brackets with the oecCamera QR plate noted above.
woof!

So you bought the last one (of 359)!!

Can you post a pic of the rig you put together? I can't seem to visualize it.

pxpaulx · 05-17-2011, 12:17 PM

I put something like Russell's solution together as well. I never did get a response from him, but figured the panning base he was using in the second shot is made by feisol, I picked one up for under $50 and it is a nice solid base. Setup like Russell is showing above it makes for a reasonably priced gimbal type setup!

Edit: a couple of photos for Scottax1 and anyone else interested! One thing I particularly enjoy with the large plate/post is the ability to grab it like a second grip, makes use of the camera both on and off the tripod very stable.

woof · 05-17-2011, 07:14 PM

Originally posted by scottax1

So you bought the last one (of 359)!!

Can you post a pic of the rig you put together? I can't seem to visualize it.

It's exactly like this... (courtesy of Russell-Evans) only with a slightly different QR Clamp... same vendor for the plates I think. I use a generic plate on the camera, thought there are of course model-specific plates.

I recently purchased a dedicated Kirk L-Bracket for my K-5. I am a little disappointed in the Kirk. It does not have the free-fall safety screws, so carrying the camera mounted on the tripod is out of the question.

The universal L-bracket was intended for use with my K-10D. In many ways I like it better than the dedicated Kirk bracket.

Originally posted by pxpaulx

One thing I particularly enjoy with the large plate/post is the ability to grab it like a second grip, makes use of the camera both on and off the tripod very stable.

Yes! I do like this very much too. Makes it easy to swing it around, pan, etc. I imaging that some budding videographer is going to pick up on this sooner or later...

Ebay Link for Plates kit: Arca Swiss type Panorama set. For Markins Kirk etc | eBay

He will accept a generous Best Offer. Ships fast too.

Here's the QR clamp I used.

NEW Fotopro Quick Release Clamp QR fits Arca-Swiss | eBay

Again, fast ship, decent quality. Unlike Russell-Evans, the tightening knob does fouls the one on my tripod, but I just reverse it and put it out front. One less knob to potentially come loose from a bump.

I'll be getting another one of these to convert another tripod I have to Arca-compatible.

Thanks Russell-Evans!

woof!

woof · 05-17-2011, 07:36 PM

Here's an interesting rig...

NbyNW · 05-17-2011, 10:34 PM

Originally posted by woof

Here's an interesting rig...

As it's often said amongst downhill specialist mountain bikers:

"Looks flexy" ... Which is a bad thing

But you're right; it is interesting. At the same time it looks so prone to vibration and flex from heavier loads that it would always be suspect in use for me.

woof · 05-18-2011, 02:03 PM

Originally posted by NbyNW

As it's often said amongst downhill specialist mountain bikers:

"Looks flexy" ... Which is a bad thing

But you're right; it is interesting. At the same time it looks so prone to vibration and flex from heavier loads that it would always be suspect in use for me.

Heh...

I can tell you that the basic version - just the L-bracket and the QR clamp - is not at all flexy. I am sure that also goes for the version with the addition of the single panning base as well as shown by pxpaulx.

As for the "over the top version" I have to agree... "Looks flexy."

woof (it took three broken bones for me to quit downhill mountain biking) woof!

pxpaulx · 05-18-2011, 05:50 PM

I'd say that thing wouldn't flex at all either. Although the photos above have only my K-x and 15mm lens attached, it handles the K-5 with grip and sigma 120-400mm without any noticeable movement. Considering mine is thrown together, one that is built to work as a unit would probably be even better.

02-15-2011, 06:59 AM	#96
scottax1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Motown, USA Posts: 190	A new contender? Bringing this thread back to life! Has anyone tried this one? SUNWAYFOTO Universal L QR Plate DPL-02 Arca Compat NEW - eBay (item 360327043485 end time Mar-09-11 13:14:04 PST) The infinite variability from 41mm to 63mm looks very useful. I'm wondering about rigidity . . . I've found that it's essential to snug the edge of the camera to the bracket to avoid flex. Last edited by scottax1; 02-16-2011 at 08:43 PM.

05-17-2011, 12:17 PM	#100
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	I put something like Russell's solution together as well. I never did get a response from him, but figured the panning base he was using in the second shot is made by feisol, I picked one up for under $50 and it is a nice solid base. Setup like Russell is showing above it makes for a reasonably priced gimbal type setup! Edit: a couple of photos for Scottax1 and anyone else interested! One thing I particularly enjoy with the large plate/post is the ability to grab it like a second grip, makes use of the camera both on and off the tripod very stable. Last edited by pxpaulx; 05-17-2011 at 12:22 PM.

05-17-2011, 07:14 PM	#101
woof Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: In the present Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,870	Originally posted by scottax1 So you bought the last one (of 359)!! Can you post a pic of the rig you put together? I can't seem to visualize it. It's exactly like this... (courtesy of Russell-Evans) only with a slightly different QR Clamp... same vendor for the plates I think. I use a generic plate on the camera, thought there are of course model-specific plates. I recently purchased a dedicated Kirk L-Bracket for my K-5. I am a little disappointed in the Kirk. It does not have the free-fall safety screws, so carrying the camera mounted on the tripod is out of the question. The universal L-bracket was intended for use with my K-10D. In many ways I like it better than the dedicated Kirk bracket. Originally posted by pxpaulx One thing I particularly enjoy with the large plate/post is the ability to grab it like a second grip, makes use of the camera both on and off the tripod very stable. Yes! I do like this very much too. Makes it easy to swing it around, pan, etc. I imaging that some budding videographer is going to pick up on this sooner or later... Ebay Link for Plates kit: Arca Swiss type Panorama set. For Markins Kirk etc \| eBay He will accept a generous Best Offer. Ships fast too. Here's the QR clamp I used. NEW Fotopro Quick Release Clamp QR fits Arca-Swiss \| eBay Again, fast ship, decent quality. Unlike Russell-Evans, the tightening knob does fouls the one on my tripod, but I just reverse it and put it out front. One less knob to potentially come loose from a bump. I'll be getting another one of these to convert another tripod I have to Arca-compatible. Thanks Russell-Evans! woof! Last edited by woof; 05-17-2011 at 07:36 PM.

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08-16-2010, 08:25 PM	#91
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Originally posted by twokatmew What clamp do you have attached to the 7" Hejnar plate? Can you provide a link for where you got it? The quick release plate can be found here on ebay. The seller is OECCamera

08-16-2010, 08:40 PM	#92
twokatmew Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Lansing, MI Photos: Albums Posts: 509	Originally posted by pxpaulx The quick release plate can be found here on ebay. The seller is OECCamera Do you mean this clamp? How do you keep it from rotating on the rail?

08-16-2010, 09:14 PM	#93
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	That's he one. I have it tightened down, haven't noticed any play even if I haven't used it for a week or two. It is just held on the rail with a standard tripod screw.

08-17-2010, 01:48 PM	#95
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553	This is the way I'll use the L-bracket, with the QR clamp. It is just easier to put the bracket on the camera this way. The two clamp tensioners are close, but just far enough apart were they don't interfere with each other. There is enough room to move the camera sideways to have access to the ports on the left side of the K10/20D. Without the QR clamp if you want to same the money and the weight. The camera sits closer to the curve of the 90 degree adapter so the vertical is out a little further in this setup. Finally, the reason I went this direction; the least expensive gimbal setup I could come up with. Thank you Russell

02-16-2011, 07:46 PM	#97
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	That looks like a decent plate option. The quick release clamp I've referenced previously in this thread is sold by the same ebay seller - what I have bought from them is nice quality, though a little on the heavy side (some heavier metal, not aluminum or anything light). Russell (if you see this!) - what panning base are you using there? I have been looking at gimbal mounts today since I just got a sigma 120-400mm, and getting a 2nd panning base could be a cheaper solution to a full gimbal arm!

05-17-2011, 11:10 AM	#98
woof Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: In the present Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,870	Originally posted by twokatmew Do you mean this clamp? Originally posted by Russell-Evans This is the way I'll use the L-bracket, with the QR clamp. It is just easier to put the bracket on the camera this way. The two clamp tensioners are close, but just far enough apart were they don't interfere with each other. There is enough room to move the camera sideways to have access to the ports on the left side of the K10/20D. Without the QR clamp if you want to same the money and the weight. The camera sits closer to the curve of the 90 degree adapter so the vertical is out a little further in this setup. Finally, the reason I went this direction; the least expensive gimbal setup I could come up with. I just put together one of Russell's l-brackets with the oecCamera QR plate noted above. Excellent. Really very good. The QR clamp really is on solid and I cannot see it twisting. Much better option frankly than attaching the camera directly to the L-bracket because I can keep the QR plate on my camera and use it in different ways, as well as remove the camera quickly from the l-bracket. Purchasing the clamp also gives you the option of rotating it 90 degrees, placing it at the end of the plate, then using the plate as a macro slider. Not bad. This is a very nice, economical solution. I will continue building on this as the foundation for a multi-row panorama setup. woof!

05-17-2011, 12:14 PM	#99
scottax1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Motown, USA Posts: 190	Originally posted by woof I just put together one of Russell's l-brackets with the oecCamera QR plate noted above. woof! So you bought the last one (of 359)!! Can you post a pic of the rig you put together? I can't seem to visualize it.

05-17-2011, 07:36 PM	#102
woof Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: In the present Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,870	Here's an interesting rig...

05-17-2011, 10:34 PM	#103
NbyNW Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: East of the Cascades, PNW Posts: 163	Originally posted by woof Here's an interesting rig... As it's often said amongst downhill specialist mountain bikers: "Looks flexy" ... Which is a bad thing But you're right; it is interesting. At the same time it looks so prone to vibration and flex from heavier loads that it would always be suspect in use for me.

05-18-2011, 02:03 PM	#104
woof Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: In the present Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,870	Originally posted by NbyNW As it's often said amongst downhill specialist mountain bikers: "Looks flexy" ... Which is a bad thing But you're right; it is interesting. At the same time it looks so prone to vibration and flex from heavier loads that it would always be suspect in use for me. Heh... I can tell you that the basic version - just the L-bracket and the QR clamp - is not at all flexy. I am sure that also goes for the version with the addition of the single panning base as well as shown by pxpaulx. As for the "over the top version" I have to agree... "Looks flexy." woof (it took three broken bones for me to quit downhill mountain biking) woof!

05-18-2011, 05:50 PM	#105
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	I'd say that thing wouldn't flex at all either. Although the photos above have only my K-x and 15mm lens attached, it handles the K-5 with grip and sigma 120-400mm without any noticeable movement. Considering mine is thrown together, one that is built to work as a unit would probably be even better.