Quick Release vs. Arca Swiss plates

hark

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A while back I asked some questions about tripod plates and was always under the impression there were only 2 styles. Many companies make Arca Swiss compatible plates, but what I didn't know is there are companies that make quick release plates (and heads) that look exactly like the Manfrotto quick release plates. So technically, yes, there are still 2 styles, but I always assumed Manfrotto was the only company that made their type of quick release plate.

I looked up a Benro head and was surprised to see what appears to be a Manfrotto style quick release plate. After digging a little more, I found even Oben makes a similar plate for some of their heads.

Here is an Oben video that shows their BA ball heads. Those are the ones with the quick release plates. The difference in their heads vs Manfrotto head with quick release plates are how the locks are made. Manfrotto makes a small metal lever that flips out of the way when locked. Both Benro and Oben use a different style locking mechanism (both use what appears in the video below) than Manfrotto. My question is whether or not anyone uses this Oben type of plate specifically with that type of lock. As I said, the locking mechanism is different that Manfrotto's. Just wondering if it is as secure (or more secure) than Manfrotto's.

 
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Horoscope Fish

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Without going into excruciating detail we don't "do" QD tripod plates in our house any more. Period. We're *all* Arca-Swiss, *all* the time.
 

hark

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Without going into excruciating detail we don't "do" QD tripod plates in our house any more. Period. We're *all* Arca-Swiss, *all* the time.

Lol! Yes, I do remember you mentioned previously about a mishap with a Manfrotto quick release plate. Unfortunately the tendonitis in my hand doesn't like the Arca Swiss plates (taking the plate on and off). The QR type suits my needs much better. I know there are others here who use the Manfrotto QR plates so am hoping to get feedback on these other QR brands.
 

Chucktin

Senior Member
I don't recall who Arca-Swiss actually is (were?) but they certainly missed a lot of income by not locking down that brand/design.

For some QR plates work for others not so. 50 years of observations and tryings and I've yet to find the ideal set-up.
 

hark

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I don't recall who Arca-Swiss actually is (were?) but they certainly missed a lot of income by not locking down that brand/design.

For some QR plates work for others not so. 50 years of observations and tryings and I've yet to find the ideal set-up.

I had to look up info on Arca Swiss to find out about their history. It is a company brand so if people aren't buying actual items made by Arca Swiss, then those are Arca Swiss compatible.

Here is info on the company itself. It isn't in English but can be translated.

arca-shop.de

Video from their web site:

The video from their web site includes English subtitles.

 

hark

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And here is an interesting video showing some differences between Arca Swiss style plates:

 

Horoscope Fish

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I had to look up info on Arca Swiss to find out about their history. It is a company brand so if people aren't buying actual items made by Arca Swiss, then those are Arca Swiss compatible.
In my experience there is Arca-Swiss, Arca-Swiss "compatible" and Arca-Swiss "style". The first is manufactured by Arca-Swiss. The second is an exact copy of the original Arca-Swiss design while the third uses the same basic design as Arca but may also incorporates one or more design modifications, such as the 45° dovetail, that makes them incompatible with true Arca-Swiss products. While not earth shattering, it's frustrating to pick up a batch of QD plates (on the cheap, of course!) only to discover they employ a 60° dovetail.
 

hark

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In my experience there is Arca-Swiss, Arca-Swiss "compatible" and Arca-Swiss "style". The first is manufactured by Arca-Swiss. The second is an exact copy of the original Arca-Swiss design while the third uses the same basic design as Arca but may also incorporates one or more design modifications, such as the 45° dovetail, that makes them incompatible with true Arca-Swiss products. While not earth shattering, it's frustrating to pick up a batch of QD plates (on the cheap, of course!) only to discover they employ a 60° dovetail.

You may very well be correct in your assessment of the various types of Arca Swiss plates. I didn't know about the different degrees between the dovetail edges so it's good to know. Thanks!

I am reconsidering going back to Arca Swiss for a monood head. After watching the one video, I didn't realize there were different ways to lock the plates (lever vs. knob).
 

hark

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Here is something different that is new to me. An Arca Swiss clamp that is also compatible with Manfrotto's quick release plates.

Sunwayfoto makes the DT-02 Monopod Head that doesn't come with a clamp (they do make a monopod head that comes with an Arca Swiss clamp though).
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/867132-REG/sunwayfoto_dt_02_monopod_head.html

sunwayfoto_dt_02_monopod_head_1338474185000_867132.jpg

This Sunwayfoto Arca & Manfrotto Compatible Clamp can be attached to the monopod head and accepts both Arca Swiss and Manfrotto quick release plates.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...MItNSF7b7P2wIVD6_ICh1o1APeEAQYAyABEgLhhvD_BwE

sunwayfoto_mac_14_arca_manfrotto_compatible_1391362629000_1026970.jpg

Is anyone familiar with this clamp? It gets great reviews on B&H, but the concept is new to me.
 

Mark F

Senior Member
Here is something different that is new to me. An Arca Swiss clamp that is also compatible with Manfrotto's quick release plates.

Sunwayfoto makes the DT-02 Monopod Head that doesn't come with a clamp (they do make a monopod head that comes with an Arca Swiss clamp though).
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/867132-REG/sunwayfoto_dt_02_monopod_head.html

View attachment 289283

This Sunwayfoto Arca & Manfrotto Compatible Clamp can be attached to the monopod head and accepts both Arca Swiss and Manfrotto quick release plates.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...MItNSF7b7P2wIVD6_ICh1o1APeEAQYAyABEgLhhvD_BwE

View attachment 289284

Is anyone familiar with this clamp? It gets great reviews on B&H, but the concept is new to me.

Ive got a couple of those clamps that I used to start converting over from manfrotto to arca swiss.
They work just fine with both. One is a DBA-1 and the other is a DAB-2
Only difference is where they put the level bubble.
I don't use them anymore, so if you want to try them out, I can send them to you
 

hark

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Ive got a couple of those clamps that I used to start converting over from manfrotto to arca swiss.
They work just fine with both. One is a DBA-1 and the other is a DAB-2
Only difference is where they put the level bubble.
I don't use them anymore, so if you want to try them out, I can send them to you

Thanks but I'm not sure yet what to get. Ideally I'd like to find an Arca Swiss/Manfrotto clamp that has a lever release as opposed to the knob. That's what I'm searching for right now--and a longer one if possible. If I can't find one, I might just go with the Sirui monopod head. As you can see, I'm still trying to decide. :loyal:
 
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