Awesome SmallRig 3942 Arca Swiss mount L-bracket for Nikon Z8 camera
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- Опубликовано: 29 июн 2023
- UPDATE: I forget to mention the inclusion of the Quick Disconnect (QD) socket on the bottom of the bracket and that SmallRig chose not to include a wrist strap mounting slot on the grip side of the SmallRig 3942.
The SmallRig 3942 wasn't available anywhere in the USA when I received my Nikon Z8, so I took a chance and ordered one from China on eBay. To my surprise I received a Genuine SmallRig bracket much sooner than expected. 
Хобби
Today I received the Smallrig 2947 L Bracket for the Nikon Z5/Z6/Z7. So pleased I was with the Smallrig grip for my Nikon Zfc that not only did I replace the ballhead of my tripod with a ballhead for Arca-Swiss mounting I wanted the same features (Arca-Swiss and anchor attachment point) for my Nikon Z5. Not listed on the Smallrig website, and listed as discontinued, back ordered or unavailable at Amazon, Adorama, and B&H Photo I found it listed as in stock at Wal Mart. Delivery was by USPS in about a week. In addition to the Arca-Swiss mount I'm particularly fond of that they provided an attachment point for an anchor (in my case Peak Design) that moves the strap low and out of the way on the grip side. And, at least in my case, it is a plus that the L portion of the mount is easily removable.
I have this same item for 1 month. It's all very good except that the battery latch will eventually become loose and will start to droop. I wrote to them and got a nice reply that they will pass on my comments to the R&D team. Notwithstanding this small issue, this is a perfect solution - i have large hands and yet do not want the additional vertical grip. Add this base plate gives my little finger a place to grip. Just perfect.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment! I was concerned that the battery 'flap' on the bracket would loosen up over time. If mine gets really loose I'll investigate a solution.
Well explained, I ordered one here in germany. You forgot to mention the possibility to connect a QD strap. I think this is new for smallrig stuff.
You are correct, I did forget to mention the inclusion of the QD socket and the omission of a wrist strap mounting loop on the SmallRig 3942.
Way back in the early 80s I had a bad experience with a quick release camera strap on a Canon AE-1 and after that experience I've only trusted one strap directly mounted to the camera's lugs. The Nikon AN-4B. I've used that strap on every camera I've owned, DSLRs, Holgas, Rolliflex, 6x7 Bronicas, Widelux, Mirrorless, Rangefinders, every camera. In the past five years more than 50% of my shooting involves the camera being mounted to a macro rail, tripod, copy stand, gimbal, etc. so I finally broke down and added Peak Design releases to all of my Nikon AN-4B straps.
www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/straps/an-4b-nylon-neck-strap-%28black%29.html
I see Bob is partly answering my question. The QD link seems like putting a lot of faith in a single connection, one that is made to open easily. Have you had much experience with it? Do you trust it for such a heavy camera?
@@geraldseligman Until recently I've never trusted any camera strap with a 'quick release' since that bad experience back in the 80s. The Peak Design quick release isn't as likely to fail or unintentionally release as the buckles, snaps and ball detents that other manufacturers use. I don't love their straps though so I use their quick releases with the Nikon AN-4B strap on my Z8 bodies, I have a Peak Design Slide Lite strap that I use on my big telephoto lenses and Z9 simply because it's wider than the Nikon strap.
What I do with the strap lugs is to extend the vertical bracket (smallrig brackets allow you to do that) enough to give room for free movement, it reduces structural strength when using heavy lenses though... is a matter of choice and priorities.
That's a good option, typically I like to tuck my L bracket as tight against the body as possible but if the limited mobility of the lug gets on my nerves I'll definitely scoot the bracket over just a bit.
Regarding lenses, I have Peak Design loops on all of my telephoto lenses that have strap mounts and I never let the camera lugs carry the weight of the camera and lens if possible. One of the reasons I'm looking forward to getting the new Nikon 180-600mm is the lens has strap lugs on it, unlike the Nikon 200-500mm.
@@Koolbob2 good strategy for heavy lenses, I basically use straps for street and casual nature/travel photography, for studio or landscape/architecture most of the times the tripod handles the lens weigth excepting when I do nude portraiture, there I go handheld and no straps.
Take the strap attachment on the left side and move it to the SmallRig loop. That is what it is for.
Nope. I switch between the L-Bracket and Nikon MB-N12 grip several times a week. L-Bracket for copy work, macro photography, everyday use. MB-N12 grip for wildlife, sports.
@@Koolbob2 Your case is unique. Most of the time people who buy grip leave it on permanently.
The “tool” underneath that you think “will never go anywhere” was soon lost on my Z9 L bracket by SmallRig. Sadly I could not find it on their website, because I would like to replace it!
Well that's not good. I never lost the Allen keys from my Gabale Z7 brackets, so I assumed the SmallRig tool would stay in place even better. Have you tried finding a flat metal washer the same size and keeping it in the slot? I measured my SmallRig 'tool' and it's 3/4" (20mm) in diameter.
the metal triangle that is on the Nikon where you have the Peak Design strap clips. those can be removed. back when I shot Sony 5 years ago the camera came with them attached. I removed them as I hated using them.
I've considered removing the strap eyelets, but I prefer for the strap to have as much mobility as possible where it attaches to the camera. Back in the day Nikon's strap eyelets were known to abrade straps and leave rub marks on cameras, but those issues were resolved once Nikon started adding the plastic guards to the eyelets (I think Nikon introduced the guards in the 90s).
It looks like you can take off the Nikon triangular split ring and they incorporated a strap slot into the bracket itself. That would fix your lay down problem.
Good point, I considered that option after I made the video. The catch is with or without the triangle still installed I would need to move the camera strap mounting tab back to the body/triangle on those occasions when I want to remove the L-Bracket. I may decide to go that route later on, but so far the limited mobility of the strap mounting tab is a very minor inconvenience.
@@Koolbob2 I've had a SmallRig L-Bracket on my Nikon Z7ii for a couple of years now and have never removed it. I see no need to do so (I don't use a battery grip). The situation might be different with a heavier camera like the Z8 or if one needed to use a battery grip on occasion.
@@coleplacemb I never removed the L-brackets from my Z7 cameras, but as you say I have battery grips for my Z8s and time will tell if I leave the L-Brackets on, leave the battery grips attached, keep one Z8 with L-bracket and one with Battery grip. 😉
I have the same Peak Design strap. Rather than both eyelets for the attachment to the camera, can you use one eyelet and, perhaps, some tab other than the QD hinge on the L-Bracket? (I could be wrong, but the QD link makes me a bit nervous.) I find that to be a better balance for shooting.
I had a bad experience with a 'quick release' strap way back in the 80s and a friend of mine had an SLR take a tumble with one of the plastic buckles on his 'quick release' strap broke a few years ago. I only recently decided to give the Peak Design quick release fasteners a try because they seem to be the safest design available. I did get one of their Slide Lite straps to use on my long lenses and Z9, but I still use my favorite strap that I've used exclusively since the 80s on my Z8s. the Nikon AN-4B strap.
After I made this video I thought about mounting the strap to the top of the SmallRig L-bracket, but I anticipate swapping the L-Bracket and NikonMB-N12 battery Grip back and forth frequently.
@@Koolbob2 , thanks for the reply, Bob.
What about taking triangle off and threading through hole in stud?
Good point, I considered that option after I made the video. The catch is with or without the triangle still installed I would need to move the camera strap mounting tab back to the body/triangle on those occasions when I want to remove the L-Bracket. I may decide to go that route later on, but so far the limited mobility of the strap mounting tab is a very minor inconvenience.
@@Koolbob2 my small rig frame is in transition. Few more days I’ll have it. I usually buy RRS gear because I love the quality, not the price. After seeing your video I ordered the small rig one. Sounds like it is really close to the Really Right Stuff quality
@@sekaf4125 I think you like the SmallRig bracket once you see it in person. I've owned at least a dozen Acra Swiss plates and lens feet from RRS, Kirk enterprises, SmallRig, Benro, 3 Legged Thing, and so many no-name knockoff brands over the years. I've been happy with all of them except the 3 Legged Thing Zaara and a Veledge foot for my 70-200mm.
@@Koolbob2 ok got it. I was hoping I could use it as a l-bracket
On my list. I'll use it without the vertical piece. I just want it to protect the bottom of the camera (I know...that's kinda prissy, but it's just a hobby for me and I want my $4,000 camera body in the best shape if I sell it 4 years from now to buy something new).
Even if you don't use a tripod a lot, there are benefits to the baseplate. In addition to protecting the bottom of the camera, the extra length for your right hand to grip the camera is really nice.
@@Koolbob2 My hand fits the Z8 grip well without this extension, so I'd be using it just for the protection of the bottom of the camera. I had one of those on my Z7 II. Also have their grip on my Zfc.
yep not even on their website.