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View Full Version : Arca Swiss style quick release plate for the Bessa 111?

anjan
09-24-2009, 06:50
Hi,

Does anyone know which Really right stuff or Kirk (or other) Arca swiss Ballhead style camera plate would be ideal for the Bessa 111/Fuji 667?
I use the arca swiss B1 and cant find which plate I should purchase.

Thanks in advance

anjan
venchka
09-24-2009, 07:04
I bought a large flat plate from RRS. So far, it has worked on 3 different 4x5 cameras and a Pentax 6x7. I think it's listed in the 4x5 camera section of the catalog.

Call RRS. They are most helpful.
anjan
09-24-2009, 09:10
I am assuming the large flat plate was for the bessa? If so, what was the model name/number?

Does it work well and does it have limitations because its not specifically for the bessa?

Thanks

anjan
peter_n
09-24-2009, 09:46
The best designed and made Arca Swiss style universal plate I've used is the Wimberley P5 (http://www.tripodhead.com/products/camera-body-main.cfm). I've used it on Fotoman, Fuji, Leica, and Nikon bodies and I strongly recommend it.
Pickett Wilson
09-24-2009, 10:02
RRS has generic flat plates in sizes from 2 inches to six inches, I believe. One of those should work fine.
uhligfd
09-24-2009, 10:08
Look up acratech too. They have standard plates with a raised lip of varying length and they look good and adaptable to whatever length you want under the Bessa III.
anjan
10-03-2009, 17:08
Hi,

Thanks to all. I am reporting back that the Wimberley P-5 Universal camera plate works perfectly! Thank you Peter!
Here is the website:
http://www.tripodhead.com/

best,

anjan
peter_n
10-03-2009, 19:00
Glad you liked it anjan! Thanks for closing the loop.
venchka
10-03-2009, 19:08
I bought a large flat plate from RRS. So far, it has worked on 3 different 4x5 cameras and a Pentax 6x7. I think it's listed in the 4x5 camera section of the catalog.

Call RRS. They are most helpful.

The RRS plate mentioned above.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Itemdesc.asp?ic=B35&eq=B35%2D002&Tp=

http://reallyrightstuff.com/mmRRS/Images/full/B35.gif
MichaelSt
10-07-2009, 07:57
A modified Novoflex QPL 3 plate works also fine. The length is 120 mm and so it fits exactly between the spool knobs.
The plate is quite large and gentian blue. It's not an unobtrusive solution, but it's easy to mill a grove or "slot" in the plate due to its depth. So the camera base is "embedded" in the plate. The plate cannot twist and the lower cover of the camera (made from thin die-cast aluminium) is well protected.
For details, please see attached pictures.

I'm not sure about full compatibility between Novoflex plates and other arca-swiss style systems. Safety pins or -stops will certainly work only within one system.

Regards,
Michael.
uhligfd
10-07-2009, 08:05
Re Venchka's image of a completely flat RRS plate:

I prefer plates with a raised lip to hug the front or back of the camera bottom and avoid twisting.

These are available at acratech and (maybe) at RRS, Wimberly etc. But I strongly recommend a lipped plate. The length should be about the width of the camera bottom, go measure. And all will be fine then ...
FrozenInTime
10-07-2009, 08:29
I'm not sure about full compatibility between Novoflex plates and other arca-swiss style systems.

I've had problems with RRS heads : my Novoflex plates did not lock in it.
I'm blaming RRS as I've also got other Arca style bits from Novoflex and Kirk that are perfectly interchangeable.

BTW: Kirk make a really nice M6 specific plate.