I have an Acratech Ultimate Ballhead and the appropriate quick release plate for my 7D. The quick release plate has a slot in it. I don't know why it has a slot, and I just can't figure out how to keep the camera from sliding back and forth. I know that if I overtighten the bolt or screw I will strip it.
This may be the most clueless question ever asked on NPN, but does anyone understand what I mean and can anyone help me without actually being here to show me in person?
Unforntunately, I'm not familiar with Acratech, but understand it's excellent equipment. I would suggest using a non-permanent thread cement (Loc-tite, blue I think, not red, but check with the clerk) that you can pick up at your local hardware store. That should solve your problem. Also, you can probably tighten it more than you think.
Posted by Alan Olander on June 18, 2012 at 6:30 PM
I don't think she's having trouble with the screw loosening, so Loc-tite isn't going to help. The long slot is, in Acratech's words, "to increase the chances of compatibility with future cameras", i.e. the screw can line up with different screw hole locations. As Bill mentioned, you can tighten the screw quite a bit without harm. If you're still having trouble with the camera sliding on the plate, check with Acratech.
Another thought is that the screw might be too long and is bottoming out before the plate is tight to the camera base. If that is the case be careful tighening as you could punch through the bottom of the camera.
We have a number of plates from other makers with the long slot, all intended to fit multiple camera models.
Here's our take and fix:
ALL of them slip until you get the screws scary tight, then somehow manage to work loose again within a year.
Our fix is quick and easy- Pick up a sheet of 400-grit emery or wet/dry sandpaper. Cut a tab the length of the base and a little less that twice as wide. Fold in half lengthwise, then press it down onto the base and press up on the screw to "mark" the spot. Punch a hole through both layers of sandpaper. Now sandwich the folded sandpaper between the base and camera body as you tighten the screw.
If you haven't already, take the advice to contact the manufacturer. They want that plate to work for you. Before cranking down on that screw I'd make darn sure it's not too long. I don't crank any of these things scary tight, but my definition of scary tight may be different than someone elses. I do tend to check my camera and lens plates occasionally, which is why I have a 5/32" allen key on my key chain.
Discussion
6 repliesThis may be the most clueless question ever asked on NPN, but does anyone understand what I mean and can anyone help me without actually being here to show me in person?
Thank you for any help.
http://acratech.net/help.php?section=contactus&mode=update
Another thought is that the screw might be too long and is bottoming out before the plate is tight to the camera base. If that is the case be careful tighening as you could punch through the bottom of the camera.
Here's our take and fix:
ALL of them slip until you get the screws scary tight, then somehow manage to work loose again within a year.
Our fix is quick and easy- Pick up a sheet of 400-grit emery or wet/dry sandpaper. Cut a tab the length of the base and a little less that twice as wide. Fold in half lengthwise, then press it down onto the base and press up on the screw to "mark" the spot. Punch a hole through both layers of sandpaper. Now sandwich the folded sandpaper between the base and camera body as you tighten the screw.
Done deal.
Pete D.