Tripod quick release plate compatibility

[Matt Hunt]

I'm looking to add the Filmtools Gripper windshield mount this season. I'd like to be able to take my camcorder from this mount straight to a tripod. They sell a Manfrotto quick release plate for this mount, but I'm wondering if this or another plate would be compatible with a tripod? It's not really convenient to have to unscrew the plate to take the camcorder off. If this can't be done relatively inexpensively I made just get another camcorder strictly for handheld/tripod shots.

 

[Jeremy Perez]

Matt, the solution I went after sounds like what you're considering. I got frustrated with that entire situation too, with different tripod head and window mount options. It takes too long to switch plates going from one to another when chasing. I purchased several quick release plates of the same model, e.g.,
Camera 323 Manfrotto Quick Release Plate with Special Adapter (200PL-14)
Vktech Black Camera 323 Quick Release Plate

At under $10 a piece, I could get enough for my two tripods, one monopod, one superclamp and one window mount. Then the detachable camera plate goes on each dslr/video camera and everything is quickly interchangeable.

If the tripod/mount comes with its own built-in plate, then I just stack the quick release plate on top of that and make sure its screwed in securely. I haven't had any problems with a plate double-stack so far where it's been necessary.

 

[Ben Holcomb]

Didn't even realize those plates were so cheap nowadays. I bought manfrotto back in 2011 and looked into that plate and it was $40+ and I passed. At $10 I might as well hop on it and make all my cameras/tripods interchangeable.

 

[Jeremy Perez]

Ben and Matt, I should note that the links I sent are for 3rd party manufactured plates. I believe the Manfrotto original is still around $40. They Vtech ones have worked great for me in any case. One thing that some reviewers mention for all the plates—3rd party and Manfrotto—is that they all have about an eighth inch protrusion below the quick release lever that can interfere with mounting on wider surfaces. It might be worth picking up just one to be sure it works on all the tripods you would use.

 

[Ben Holcomb]

Got my adapter in, works exactly as I had expected! Still have 1 spare manfrotto plate with the purchase of my Canon 6D. Pretty happy with my tripod/mount situation going forward. Just need to get a carbon fiber travel tripod now