Questions about proper Arca-Swiss adapter plates for quick release

[Brian Hirschfeld]

I'm trying to find the correct arca-swiss quick release plates for my cameras

Nikon D3s (Also coming the Nikon D4) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/665593-REG/Arca_Swiss_802290_Slidefix_Quick_Release_SLR.html

Hasselblad 503CW http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2125-REG/Arca_Swiss_802221_Camera_Plate_for_Hasselblad.html

and for my Mamiya 645AFDiii and PhaseOne 645DF camera http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/665590-REG/Arca_Swiss_802285_802285_Slidefix_Quick_Release.html

I'm a little confused because although these are the plates they list for these cameras, they say all this stuff about how it fits into the Arca Swiss tripod system, and I know nothing about this, and it seems to be a secret world for all intensive purposes...help is much appreciated.

[K.C.]

Arca Swiss developed a mounting system that uses a plate on the camera and a respective clamp on a tripod head or bracket.

You can find a pdf of the AS classic system here.

Many different manufacturers make so called AS 'compatible' plates and brackets, though they don't all fit each other. So calling a plate an AS plate is lot like calling a box of tissue a box of Kleenex. It's become the standard term with no standard for exactly what quality and dimensions the AS plate/clamp may be.

Many fit each other, most are good quality, but they're not all the same. Fun huh ?

I think most would agree that the actual AS brand and Really Right Stuff are the best. Though you still have quality products from Markins and Kirk.

So you have to pick a brand and jump in. A good way to decide on which to use is by deciding what tripod head/clamp you want to use.

(OK Ellis, your turn)

[K.C.]

I should add that one of the reasons for this system to have proliferated with such lack of a cohesive standard has been the lack of an Arca Swiss web site. Those wacky Swiss like to be known for what they deny the need for, as much as for the quality products they produce. So you'll find vendors, but no company web site.

There are other brands beyond those I mentioned and more are coming online every year. A quick ebay search will offer you too many choices.

[Ellis Vener]

Brian,
 your confusion stems from the factthat Arca-Swiss now makes two different Quick release systems. Your first and second links point to componente to the newer system.

The third Party Manufacturers like Really Right Stuff, Kirk, Markins, Acratech, Synway Foto, Photoclam, Foba, Novoflex, Wimberely, Benro/Induro, and I'm sure I have missed a few, make plates and rails forhe older and larger Classic system.

My suggestion is use Really Right Stuff "L" brackets for your cameras. http://www.reallyrightstuff.com

Arca-Swiss does not have an official website because the senior Mr.  Vogt  doesn't believe it is a good idea. His son does.

[tom b]

I just recently bought a Arca-Swiss 802288 Slidefix Quick Release Vario Plate Kit to attach to my Canon 5D MkII. My main problem with it is that there are 3 pieces to it, plus the allen key used to fasten it to the camera. Then there was the price, $78 at B&H. I'm still walking around with the allen key in my pocket!

Is there a reasonably priced 1 piece plate out there? The last tripod plate I used was one piece and could be tightened with a coin.

Thanks,

[K.C.]

Brian,
 your confusion stems from the factthat Arca-Swiss now makes two different Quick release systems. Your first and second links point to componente to the newer system.

As I said:

I should add that one of the reasons for this system to have proliferated with such lack of a cohesive standard has been the lack of an Arca Swiss web site.

As to why they don't have a site and whose decision that is, it's a mute point.

[David Watson]

Brian

I have an Arca Swiss Cube with the Arca Swiis standard clamp.  I used it for a few months until my camera slid off the tripod one day on location.  IMO their heads are really good but the clamps are a POS.  I replaced the clamp with a screw clamp from Really Right Stuff which is much more secure.  The camera plates from RRS are also again IMO much better than the AS options.  

[Ellis Vener]

David's experience is why I prefer screw lock clamps as well. Also if you have plates from different manufacturers you might find that the bevel angle and width might vary slightly between plates from the different manufacturers. Screw driven clamps in my experience are more tolerant of these differences. I've been using the AS Classic clamp and plate system since the late 1980s or early '90sand have accumulated plates, rails and/or clamps or clamps from just about everyone except Hejnar, Photoclam, and Markins. Novoflex are the narrowest of the lot while Graf makes (or made clamps and plates with the most acute bevel angle. Arca-Swiss and Really Right Stuff make the best screw clamps. RRS makes a better lever actuated clamp than Arca-Swiss but limits you to plates from RRS and I think Wimberley (unless one of changed their specs).  Really Right Stuff makes the overall best plates and rails. Benro/Induro, Foba, and Arca-Swiss make very good plates as well.