To me, adding a key/coin slot (by simply removing some material) to the existing screw is simpler and less expensive than adding any kind of hardware. If I'm wrong, please tell me how.
Sometimes it depends on how you mill the metal. The less air left inside, the tighter your screws will be, it works the same way like how you fasten a wheel nut. btw I am not a native speaker, pardon me if I wrote something incorrectly.
This is a great idea on the surface. I was convinced by this video, and have found that Tony's advice is almost always right on the money. So I tried it, and bought a number of different 1/4" screws with D-rings, including the ones linked above. However, this doesn't work as a long term solution, at least not with the Peak Design Capture Clips that I personally use. I just used this "upgrade" on a 250 mile thru-hike, and let me tell you, it sucked. I was constantly fiddling with the plate, tightening it after it came loose, and fighting with my camera when it would jam inside the Capture Clip. I had changed all of my QR plates over to tool-less screws as recommended in this video, but after my experience I've now changed them all back again. The third-party screws would inevitably end up jamming the QR mechanism, or bending when being tightened, or loosening while attached. They seem great at first, and maybe for brief outings they are OK, but for long-term use where reliability is essential, they are a big pain in the ass and you're much better off sticking with the screws that use a tool because they have sufficient clearance, no moving parts, and tighten more securely. At one point during my hike the Peak Design QR plate that was retro-fitted with a D-ring screw worked its way loose from the bottom of my camera, and it fell clean off of the Peak Design Capture Clip while the plate itself remained firmly attached to my backpack. Had I not prepared for this possibility, I would have surely smashed my camera on the ground. Luckily I had a backup rope leash to my camera that saved me from an expensive mistake. You've been warned! I wish this upgrade worked, but it doesn't. Perhaps Peak Design and other manufacturers will offer tool-less plates in the future, but until they do, stay clear of this DIY solution.
Meanwhile at Peak Design headquarters... CEO: "What do you guys think of the new Tony Northrup video?" Susan: "It's a brilliant idea. We should add a cheap D-ring Tripod Screw to our tripod for free." Bob: "We should sell the 1/4'' D-ring Tripod Screw as a new Peak Design product and charge $100 for it." CEO: "Susan, you're fired."
had one peakdesign clip fail and they sendt me a new one for free. The also updated their anchors to be more sturdy and sendt them as replacements for free to all customers who could show a reicept to a peak design product that had anchors. So who knows. maybe they will send them for free to every one.
Over the years I did this with every one of my mounting plates. As long as I can remove/replace the screw with a D-ring I don't worry about that particular feature when buying an new tripod. Thanks Tony.
A tripod is just the legs. You still need a head to attach to the tripod legs. $600 will buy you a nice set of aluminum legs and a mid range priced head. There are hundreds of combinations available for purchase from the $29 Chinese unit to the $2000 plus Gitzo.
Personally, I use Really Right Stuff plates, which both don't come loose, ever, and also have the hex key self stored on the plate itself so I always have it. Oh, and there's a QD socket on the bottom for a strap. But these cost several times what a QR plate that comes with a tripod does, so to each their own. :) BlackRapid sells a replacement screw that's bulker but can be used to attach their straps to as well, by the way. It works with Manfrotto and 3LT plates at minimum.
Wow.. I love the peak design stuff and have always been bothered by the tool to screw on the plates. Why haven't I thought about this any time before? - Thanks Tony!
and now your peak design plate wont work with most peak design accessories, like the capture clip. if you must use a D-ring screw with a peak design plate, get a gen 1 or gen 2 peak design plate. the latest gen plate is too thin for a d-ring and it will prevent working with the capture clip and other peak design accessories. it'll even interfere with some standard arca compatible clamps, depending on the screw head's thickness. or, you know, just put a hex key on your keychain.
My blackrapid d-ring screw works great with both my first and 3rd gen capture clip. I do have the Manfroto version so not sure if the Arca plate is different
Just found your channel. Ordered your book. This is a game changer for me. I am retired in central Florida am still using my Nikon d300. Keep up the good work
Careful with the cheap versions, I've seen pictures of those made with poor quality materials shearing off; camera falls to the floor and if it survives you're left with the end of the tripod screw stuck in the camera body!
First, it was a 2 pack for $6. Secondly, there are simple tools for extracting screws when the head is gone. Third, maybe look for a well built D-ring screw so your camera doesn't fall.
Such a simple solution makes ones life so much easier. Thanks! It actually gave me the idea to replace the hex head bolt on my peak design plate with a d ring from a spare tripod plate I had in my bag like for ages ago! Doh!
The problem with this solution is the fact that the d-ring sometimes moves and blocks the easy release of the plate from the quick capture by Peak Design. You have to literally fight with it to get the camera released. That is the only drawback to keep in mind. Other than that - your solution is great. Especially if it is for a tripod rather than for the capture on the belt or on the backpack.
Funny, I have a box full of $$RRS plates that I have switched to Peaks plates. I have one on the bottom of each camera and on the collar of my larger lenses. I never remove them, they fit all of my tripods, ground pods, as well as, the many Peak clips I have on every one of my camera backpacks and day packs. In my 35+ years of shooting and $$$$ in straps, base plates, and L-Brackets Peak is the best I have ever used. I crank them on and don't need a tool with me as I never remove them. On my Sony 70-200 F2.8 GM and 100-400 GM, I removed the Sony collars and installed Peak baseplates. I have just had a different experience than you have. My Butt has never needed saving.😎🤙
Tony, Major love ❤️ and appreciation. Just last week I used a friends tripod needed a different quick release plate. Mine required a hex tool to remove. Luckily I had brought my big pack, so had the wrench. Normally on a day trip I wouldn’t have a hex tool available. Won’t worry about that in the future!
Wow! This is the best photography video I’ve seen in a long time and perhaps your best ever! It’s been a very long time since anyone has offered a photography tip this helpful. You just resurrected a few of my never used tripods sitting in the closet! Many thanks to you and the viewer with the tip! As an aside, I’m looking at that mounting screw and it still accommodates a screwdriver or a coin. It seems pretty obvious that any manufacturer who is bent on having a tool for the mounting plate screw could also include a finger-tab as well. And it shouldn’t add more than $6 to the price of the tripod.
The finger-tightening plate has been solidly stuck on the bottom of my camera. I hate it with a passion, but it's really really solid and perfect when the camera is on the tripod. But oh, I would LOVE to be able to take it off!
That new screw also has a slot in it. If you carry a swiss army knife or any other multi-tool, you can easily us that to snug that screw down as tight as you could with an allen wrench.
I have bought a couple of those screws. And what Tony forget to mention is that come in different sizes and lengths. All specific camera and tripod sizes.
A little tip, if you need to tighten the D-ring more than you can do with your fingers, then you can use any small rod shaped thingy you may have to tighten the D-ring. Just put it through the hole and use it like a leverage bar. I have used these tool-less mounts for years without any problems.
@@GaryLum Hmm, I guess I tighten my Allen screws wayyy tighter than that. And there are some Arca plate D-ring sizes that you could slip something more substantial into, I forget which brand it is, maybe Mefoto. But I'd /never/ buy one of those tripods to begin with, since they're so junky.
it's weird, because i have an allen on my keyring so it's no hard to grab than my lens cap, i mean if you have a bunch of items that need a specific tool, you make sure that tool is in easy reach
Brilliant solution! When I first started in photography years ago, we told not to tighten the tripod too tightly because it could punch a hole in the bottom of the camera or damage the threads. I definitely think that the D-Ring is the best solution because it allows you to finger tighten without over tightening. I can't imagine why anyone would think something you use in the field and probably in poor conditions should require a tool instead of a using your hand.
Hi Tony, I recently bought a Benro tripod, the plate screw can be tightened with a hex key or a coin and it also has a D ring, like you say, it’s the little things...👍
D-ring and quick release plate is perfect. Love my cheap manfrotto beefree with this solution. Have a moore expensive one on my Benro fancy -ass tripod, but it is not user friendly at all. Unfortuatly I can not switch ballheads because the tightening knob will touch the base.
Now I use these from manfroto but I have noticed that when I try to use even the smaller manfroto D ring attachments on my other plates that they do not always fit. Because the D ring sticks out farther than the outside of the screw head. This is a great system and I use it to attach my blackrapids strap all of the time. Literally all of the time. It's the only strap that I use. It is a great system just make sure that people know that it may not fit all plates before they spend their money.
good tipp, if you like to use the second scew shown, I used that and I'm hapoier withe allen key srew, because, the original allen key can hang on you key ring and I always have my key with me
I took the tool that came with my peak design plate and attached a nickle (with a hole drilled into it) to the key ring of the tool. It gives me multiple options and is easy to find.
You have to find the right replacement D-ring screw. I've had some that are a tad too long and won't fully tighten and I've had some where the ends of the D-ring were a tad too long making the ring difficult to fold down and really difficult to lift back up when you want to remove the tripod plate. Without an extra purchase you could just cut a coin slot in the factory screw with a hacksaw or dremel tool. I carry a quarter in my Peak Design "extras" bag just for the purpose of tightening that screw.
I like the combination ones, Hex (or slot) and D ring. I had a lot of tripod plates become loos when tightened by hand so I prefer the roof for when im mountung my camera in a higher risk application (eg glidecam)
Wow. I knew something before Tony regarding photography equipment conveniences? I got those and they could have worked HOWEVER I have another tip: Find a system of attachments that works and make sure all of your tripods, clips, and straps use it! I got the quick clip V2 by PeakDesign along with their plate which is Arca-type compatible. I bought small little add ons to my Manfrotto Pixie and Joby Gorilla tripods ($10~$15 each). My travel (normal sized?) tripod already came with an arca compatible plate. Lastly, my camera strap is another PeakDesign with the little cap-strings connected to the corners of the QuickClip plate and I never have to take those off. At the end of the day my Sony A6300 only ever has one plate that stays on it no matter if I'm using any of my three tripods, the quick clip, or the camera strap. I still bring the hex tool when I travel, but it's tight and has never loosened on me. I have also never had a reason to take that single plate off since it is compatible with all of my equipment.
i have a manfrotto compact action with just a little knob you screw into the thread on the camera and there is a quick release clamp on the tripod but it still sits super secure when on the tripod (its a manfrotto after all). i usually just leave the knob on the camera even when im not using the tripod since it doesnt really take up space nor annoy me. quite a nifty design actually and i dont need tools either
You can buy them on aliexpress for less than 1€ they are call d screw i think. For peak design release plate you have to look that the head is thin. But those work very nicely as soon as you pick the right design. Just also have a look that the screw is not too long for some tipod collar. I had the problem with the sigma 50-100. I have changed all of them years ago.
Most of my tripods and plates are Manfrotto or Small rig Arca Swiss... They all (bar the one with the D ring like yours) use slotted screws you can tighten with a coin... You can really tork them down.. so they are my preferred way.. I mean you always have some change in your pocket right??? Ones for the Video cameras, with longer bases and base plates, you can even add 2 screws to alleviate wobble...
This is GOLD for tripods .. I saw some for lens filters that where magnetic .. Would be faster than the slide in style lens filters. Also no need to screw on a off .. (Have you ever had a screw on one stuck?)
I have a couple of quick release played that have a straight line for a screwdriver but it's wide enough to use a keychain, a quarter, or even keys. I feel hex keys are designed to make things more difficult (deter theft).
the size and design of some tripod plates (like the peak design one that Tony is holding) simply doesn't allow for the use of a d-ring screw, without also sacrificing some of its motion. Tony conveniently didn't show the camera how he can no longer push the plate to the edge of the thread hole with the d-ring screw, while still be able to tighten it.
Good stuff! :) As a former starving artist, there have been times in the past where I had to get super inventive. In fact, a lot of times, the need for problems to be solved has resulted in me becoming much more creative and in problems being solved better. There's a used camera shop here in town where I've picked up many a screw or clamp:) productivity is a wonderful thing.
I use a peak design tripod plate. It never comes lose because of how I configure it. I use a peak design slide strap. The strap is configured to the hook to a link on the front left corner of the plate. (when looking top down at the camera) The other link for the strap is connected to the neck strap attachment point on the left of the camera. The result is that every time i hang the camera on the strap a torge is applied which tightens the plate. This causes the plate to tighten itself on every time I hang the camera on the strap across my body. It never comes loose.
I had a D ring type of quick release. Problem was it would loosen up. I looked back on my days of auto mechanics for my answer. One drip of locktite thread locker problem solved. Don't use the red locktite or you will need to apply heat to remove it. Use purple or green or blue.
Very nice and informative. Also coincidental. I just replaced my Luma Lab strap plate hex bolt for a D-ring last week. I happened to be going through my misc. drawer, and had an 'aha' moment. Love the strap, but that hex bolt was a real pain.
I have replaced all my quick release attachments with D rings. I take a small screwdriver with me, push the shaft of the driver through the D to slightly tighten more than just by hand. Yes, another tool, but a small screwdriver is easily found in my camera bags, and it does just as good a job as an Allen key does.
Even the D ring can come loose when finger tightened. I carry a multi tool on my belt whenever I go out to photograph which comes in handy for SO many things. Amount them: tightening the D ring on my tripod quick plate so that it can't come loose. It takes just a moment longer to pull out the multi tool rather than use my fingers. So far, I haven't missed a sunset due to using the multi tool, AND my tripod D ring doesn't come loose when I'm using my long lens in the portrait position.
There's a slightly more expensive (and stronger) version of the same thing that's recommended if you want to clip your D ring to a black rapid strap. I lost the tool that came with my 5/8 x 11 to 1/4 x 20 adapter plate in under a week but it was essentially a small Allen key style Phillips screw driver and I've got plenty of small Phillips drivers.
First thing I do when I get a new plate is replace it with a D-ring style screw 😁. Though, one thing to note is some plates require a flat C shaped metal piece to stop the screw from falling out. Though, you can just pull it off the old screw and onto the new
My 150-600 sport has 3 tapped holes for mounting. My big tripod that I use with it has a long plate. So I replaced the single coin slot screw with 2 D ring screws. So I know that lens and camera are not going to be wobbly.
I thought it would be a simple thing to switch out the screw as you describe here. I had two "L" brackets, one with a d-ring and the other with a screw requiring the tool. They were not interchangeable due to the overall thickness of the brackets being different. Yes, these are "L" brackets, not tripod plates, but I thought I would mention this, that it may be helpful to someone.
I bought these for my Manfrotto slide plates (502 head type) and they suck. If you can tighten the D ring to sit in the groove front or back, it works just fine. But anything other than that, and the D ring part doesn't fold completely down, making it sometimes REALLY near impossible to slide your plate onto your fluid head. So, while I'll agree, this is a good solution for MOST quick release plates, not all.
I like and have several Peak Design products. I think they make some quality gear, but the plate that requires a hex wrench seems a bit odd. For all the attention to detail and price, it seems there could be a better solution. I have the Clutch hand strap and even the plate that comes with that has coin slot so I can use a flat head screwdriver (which I always have as part of my kit) or a quarter etc. in a pinch.
U get the little tool with a kind of a key-ring aswell, so you can just put it on a clip on the bag. With my Small-Rig, I have a magnetic one - which easy pops in a place on the bottomside :D
Same here - Arca-swiss QR plates came with Benro gimbal and 3-way head, except they have D-ring and coin slot. However, I find that I still need to use a screwdriver or coin to really get a good hold on long (i.e. heavy) lenses. Almost dropped lenses a couple of times from not having it tight enough.
Aw damn! The only time in my life that I could have risen above and made a video about good camera advice that actually would have been of any use to anybody and now Tony snatches that topic away from me! ;P
One has to remember when replacing the screw in the tripod mount plate to get one the same length, as you don't want it sticking out much more than 5mm. If it sticks out too far you can crack the base of your camera. I get mine from Small Rig and they have a few lengths to cover plates of various thicknesses. I have found that on some of the cheaper "D" toggle screw that the radius at the end of the "D" sticks up past the inside of the bolt head, so when you tighten it down then fold it over the bolt is slightly loose.
Agreed. On the other hand, does the 3/4 inch threads on the camera ever break? As I walk (sometimes run) with the camera with the PD Capture on the belt, it's so wobbly inside the housing that I fear for the worst. What's your opinion? Does constant jousting from movements push the design limits of this stationary attachment?
In effect, the only thing the "tool" for the plate does is give some extra leverage for tightening. Just use a car key in the D-ring type plate for the same benefit.
I usually remove the d-ring screws from plates and fit a socket head cap screw so I can tighten it properly with an Allen key, never had one come loose when done this way, I hd them come loose when using a d-ring to tighten them…..
best of both worlds. D-ring for when you dont have a tool/nickel to tighten or slit when you have a coin/screwdriver with you to make it tighter. always a better solution available.
Or for $30 you can get an L-Bracket and permanently attach it to your camera. Pros: Vertical mounting Always there Has extra thread for straps Extra pinky space on mirrorless cameras Cons: Adds a slight bit of height and width to your camera Harder to access side ports (depending on design) Manfrotto users need an Arca-Swiss adapter
Every subscriber should send Tony a hex-tool. Since his first video he is unable to maintain an orderly lifestyle and keep track of his tools. Not everybody can afford such a fancy baseplate-screw.
If you want a toolless quick release plate with the added benefit of anti twist you should have a look at this: Manfrotto 200PLARCH-14 Architectural Anti-Twist Quick Release Plate with 1/4-20" Screw. It’s just perfect.
Nice to watch this after the peak design tripod video. You got the solution to a plain design error. Could you sort the $600 price issue too please? Cheers
The most simple and inexpensive things are sometimes the most valuable. Thanks for sharing Tony!
To me, adding a key/coin slot (by simply removing some material) to the existing screw is simpler and less expensive than adding any kind of hardware. If I'm wrong, please tell me how.
in a few moments, other photography youtubers: "Why using a hex bolt is better than using a D ring"
LOL right
and a battle over the length of the attachment tool, with the camp evenly divided over long and short and how much torque do you really need?
Sometimes it depends on how you mill the metal. The less air left inside, the tighter your screws will be, it works the same way like how you fasten a wheel nut.
btw I am not a native speaker, pardon me if I wrote something incorrectly.
I imagine the title would be different, somenthing like "Why is Tony Northcrop wrong"
@@zmasterar Nailed it.
This is a great idea on the surface. I was convinced by this video, and have found that Tony's advice is almost always right on the money.
So I tried it, and bought a number of different 1/4" screws with D-rings, including the ones linked above. However, this doesn't work as a long term solution, at least not with the Peak Design Capture Clips that I personally use. I just used this "upgrade" on a 250 mile thru-hike, and let me tell you, it sucked. I was constantly fiddling with the plate, tightening it after it came loose, and fighting with my camera when it would jam inside the Capture Clip.
I had changed all of my QR plates over to tool-less screws as recommended in this video, but after my experience I've now changed them all back again. The third-party screws would inevitably end up jamming the QR mechanism, or bending when being tightened, or loosening while attached. They seem great at first, and maybe for brief outings they are OK, but for long-term use where reliability is essential, they are a big pain in the ass and you're much better off sticking with the screws that use a tool because they have sufficient clearance, no moving parts, and tighten more securely. At one point during my hike the Peak Design QR plate that was retro-fitted with a D-ring screw worked its way loose from the bottom of my camera, and it fell clean off of the Peak Design Capture Clip while the plate itself remained firmly attached to my backpack. Had I not prepared for this possibility, I would have surely smashed my camera on the ground. Luckily I had a backup rope leash to my camera that saved me from an expensive mistake.
You've been warned! I wish this upgrade worked, but it doesn't. Perhaps Peak Design and other manufacturers will offer tool-less plates in the future, but until they do, stay clear of this DIY solution.
Thanks for this real world feedback.
I have a quick release plate with a D-ring and a hole for a hex tool. Best of both worlds.
Meanwhile at Peak Design headquarters...
CEO: "What do you guys think of the new Tony Northrup video?"
Susan: "It's a brilliant idea. We should add a cheap D-ring Tripod Screw to our tripod for free."
Bob: "We should sell the 1/4'' D-ring Tripod Screw as a new Peak Design product and charge $100 for it."
CEO: "Susan, you're fired."
I hope @cameraconspiracies captured this boardroom meeting
if you are using the peak design tripod, but you are in a hurry, you can also easly open your back pack and use the manfrotto tripod
CEO: "I have a great idea. Let''s start a kickstart project and put a ridiculous price to cover the cost of this R&D meeting"
had one peakdesign clip fail and they sendt me a new one for free. The also updated their anchors to be more sturdy and sendt them as replacements for free to all customers who could show a reicept to a peak design product that had anchors.
So who knows. maybe they will send them for free to every one.
Ikr like wtf is up with their pricing fr
Over the years I did this with every one of my mounting plates. As long as I can remove/replace the screw with a D-ring I don't worry about that particular feature when buying an new tripod. Thanks Tony.
You would think that’d be included in a $600 tripod.
A tripod is just the legs. You still need a head to attach to the tripod legs. $600 will buy you a nice set of aluminum legs and a mid range priced head. There are hundreds of combinations available for purchase from the $29 Chinese unit to the $2000 plus Gitzo.
Personally, I use Really Right Stuff plates, which both don't come loose, ever, and also have the hex key self stored on the plate itself so I always have it. Oh, and there's a QD socket on the bottom for a strap. But these cost several times what a QR plate that comes with a tripod does, so to each their own. :)
BlackRapid sells a replacement screw that's bulker but can be used to attach their straps to as well, by the way. It works with Manfrotto and 3LT plates at minimum.
Peak Design will soon release the, "Peak Screw" for the bargain price of $49.95.
Wow.. I love the peak design stuff and have always been bothered by the tool to screw on the plates. Why haven't I thought about this any time before? - Thanks Tony!
I'm so happy to learn about this because I DO need a screwdriver for one of my tripods. Hopefully...no longer! Thanks for the helpful advice.
Awesome Tony! Thanks for the heads up about those D-ring screws. I use that manufacturers qr plates and this top may save the day! Love your videos!
and now your peak design plate wont work with most peak design accessories, like the capture clip.
if you must use a D-ring screw with a peak design plate, get a gen 1 or gen 2 peak design plate. the latest gen plate is too thin for a d-ring and it will prevent working with the capture clip and other peak design accessories. it'll even interfere with some standard arca compatible clamps, depending on the screw head's thickness.
or, you know, just put a hex key on your keychain.
My blackrapid d-ring screw works great with both my first and 3rd gen capture clip. I do have the Manfroto version so not sure if the Arca plate is different
I just checked and I'm using one Peak Design Prodrive screw on one camera and the Blackrapid on the other and both work in either capture clip
Hmm and here i am using a generic d ring screw on a gen 3 plate and capture.
Thanks, Tony. I've had the same issue backpacking when I didn't have the tightening tool with me. What a simple fix.
You can tighten the D-ring type down just as firmly by inserting a screwdriver (or almost anything similar) into the D and twisting that.
That's what I do!
Even a coin does wonders!
Yep, except the second grade plate did not have a flat head cut out. But now we all know that can be easily swapped out
@@davidteer80 No, you don't need that. You just stick the screwdriver/stick/whatever through the D and use it as a lever.
@@maxsr3236 be very careful if you do that. You can easily snap the d ring
Just found your channel. Ordered your book. This is a game changer for me. I am retired in central Florida am still using my Nikon d300. Keep up the good work
Careful with the cheap versions, I've seen pictures of those made with poor quality materials shearing off; camera falls to the floor and if it survives you're left with the end of the tripod screw stuck in the camera body!
I was just going to mention this!
Ditto!
That was my first thought when we went on to “buying a cheap 6 pack on amazon”. Ruh roh.
First, it was a 2 pack for $6. Secondly, there are simple tools for extracting screws when the head is gone. Third, maybe look for a well built D-ring screw so your camera doesn't fall.
Got my Stay Focused t-shirts today! Thanks and keep up the great work!
Such a simple solution makes ones life so much easier. Thanks! It actually gave me the idea to replace the hex head bolt on my peak design plate with a d ring from a spare tripod plate I had in my bag like for ages ago! Doh!
The problem with this solution is the fact that the d-ring sometimes moves and blocks the easy release of the plate from the quick capture by Peak Design. You have to literally fight with it to get the camera released. That is the only drawback to keep in mind. Other than that - your solution is great. Especially if it is for a tripod rather than for the capture on the belt or on the backpack.
Funny, I have a box full of $$RRS plates that I have switched to Peaks plates. I have one on the bottom of each camera and on the collar of my larger lenses. I never remove them, they fit all of my tripods, ground pods, as well as, the many Peak clips I have on every one of my camera backpacks and day packs. In my 35+ years of shooting and $$$$ in straps, base plates, and L-Brackets Peak is the best I have ever used. I crank them on and don't need a tool with me as I never remove them. On my Sony 70-200 F2.8 GM and 100-400 GM, I removed the Sony collars and installed Peak baseplates. I have just had a different experience than you have. My Butt has never needed saving.😎🤙
This is the greatness of RUclips in its essence! Some valuable and practical info in just 2 minutes. Kudos for that video :)
Tony, Major love ❤️ and appreciation. Just last week I used a friends tripod needed a different quick release plate. Mine required a hex tool to remove. Luckily I had brought my big pack, so had the wrench. Normally on a day trip I wouldn’t have a hex tool available. Won’t worry about that in the future!
I TOTALLY AGREE! And I did the screw replacement on ALL my Arca plates that had the dumb hex lug!
Wow! This is the best photography video I’ve seen in a long time and perhaps your best ever! It’s been a very long time since anyone has offered a photography tip this helpful. You just resurrected a few of my never used tripods sitting in the closet! Many thanks to you and the viewer with the tip!
As an aside, I’m looking at that mounting screw and it still accommodates a screwdriver or a coin. It seems pretty obvious that any manufacturer who is bent on having a tool for the mounting plate screw could also include a finger-tab as well. And it shouldn’t add more than $6 to the price of the tripod.
Just ordered 5PCS for my peak design tripod plates. THANKS !!!
The finger-tightening plate has been solidly stuck on the bottom of my camera.
I hate it with a passion, but it's really really solid and perfect when the camera is on the tripod.
But oh, I would LOVE to be able to take it off!
Do you own pliers?
That new screw also has a slot in it. If you carry a swiss army knife or any other multi-tool, you can easily us that to snug that screw down as tight as you could with an allen wrench.
I was in the same situation, I'll order one right now. thanks
I have bought a couple of those screws. And what Tony forget to mention is that come in different sizes and lengths. All specific camera and tripod sizes.
A little tip, if you need to tighten the D-ring more than you can do with your fingers, then you can use any small rod shaped thingy you may have to tighten the D-ring. Just put it through the hole and use it like a leverage bar. I have used these tool-less mounts for years without any problems.
And, if you need a D-ring to be tighter, just use any other metal rod you may have in your bag to add force to the lever action.
Exactly
That only works onManfrotto's larger D-rings. On Arca Swiss plates, the D-ring is often too small.
@@MatthewSaville Even a paperclip doubled over can added a little extra leverage.
@@GaryLum Hmm, I guess I tighten my Allen screws wayyy tighter than that. And there are some Arca plate D-ring sizes that you could slip something more substantial into, I forget which brand it is, maybe Mefoto. But I'd /never/ buy one of those tripods to begin with, since they're so junky.
it's weird, because i have an allen on my keyring so it's no hard to grab than my lens cap, i mean if you have a bunch of items that need a specific tool, you make sure that tool is in easy reach
Yes...it works! I have done this with several different plates!
Brilliant solution! When I first started in photography years ago, we told not to tighten the tripod too tightly because it could punch a hole in the bottom of the camera or damage the threads. I definitely think that the D-Ring is the best solution because it allows you to finger tighten without over tightening. I can't imagine why anyone would think something you use in the field and probably in poor conditions should require a tool instead of a using your hand.
Hi Tony, I recently bought a Benro tripod, the plate screw can be tightened with a hex key or a coin and it also has a D ring, like you say, it’s the little things...👍
D-ring and quick release plate is perfect. Love my cheap manfrotto beefree with this solution. Have a moore expensive one on my Benro fancy -ass tripod, but it is not user friendly at all. Unfortuatly I can not switch ballheads because the tightening knob will touch the base.
Now I use these from manfroto but I have noticed that when I try to use even the smaller manfroto D ring attachments on my other plates that they do not always fit. Because the D ring sticks out farther than the outside of the screw head. This is a great system and I use it to attach my blackrapids strap all of the time. Literally all of the time. It's the only strap that I use. It is a great system just make sure that people know that it may not fit all plates before they spend their money.
good tipp, if you like to use the second scew shown, I used that and I'm hapoier withe allen key srew, because, the original allen key can hang on you key ring and I always have my key with me
I took the tool that came with my peak design plate and attached a nickle (with a hole drilled into it) to the key ring of the tool. It gives me multiple options and is easy to find.
Thanks Tony, great tip !
I just love how passionate Tony gets on these things (while kindda trying not to show how passionate he feels about it) 🤣
You have to find the right replacement D-ring screw. I've had some that are a tad too long and won't fully tighten and I've had some where the ends of the D-ring were a tad too long making the ring difficult to fold down and really difficult to lift back up when you want to remove the tripod plate. Without an extra purchase you could just cut a coin slot in the factory screw with a hacksaw or dremel tool. I carry a quarter in my Peak Design "extras" bag just for the purpose of tightening that screw.
That is a great idea Tony. Thanks for this awesome video.
Thanks Tony!! Great idea!
I use the gray one and have a dozen of them in case I ever loose one. I love it!
I like the combination ones, Hex (or slot) and D ring. I had a lot of tripod plates become loos when tightened by hand so I prefer the roof for when im mountung my camera in a higher risk application (eg glidecam)
Wow. I knew something before Tony regarding photography equipment conveniences? I got those and they could have worked HOWEVER I have another tip:
Find a system of attachments that works and make sure all of your tripods, clips, and straps use it! I got the quick clip V2 by PeakDesign along with their plate which is Arca-type compatible. I bought small little add ons to my Manfrotto Pixie and Joby Gorilla tripods ($10~$15 each). My travel (normal sized?) tripod already came with an arca compatible plate. Lastly, my camera strap is another PeakDesign with the little cap-strings connected to the corners of the QuickClip plate and I never have to take those off. At the end of the day my Sony A6300 only ever has one plate that stays on it no matter if I'm using any of my three tripods, the quick clip, or the camera strap. I still bring the hex tool when I travel, but it's tight and has never loosened on me. I have also never had a reason to take that single plate off since it is compatible with all of my equipment.
This is so genius and obvious of a solution that I feel embarrassed that it never occurred to me sooner! Thanks for this video!!!
Super useful tip, why didn't I think about that, so easy to forget these simple things, I think I did something like this a while back 🙄
i have a manfrotto compact action with just a little knob you screw into the thread on the camera and there is a quick release clamp on the tripod but it still sits super secure when on the tripod (its a manfrotto after all). i usually just leave the knob on the camera even when im not using the tripod since it doesnt really take up space nor annoy me. quite a nifty design actually and i dont need tools either
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated 😊
You can buy them on aliexpress for less than 1€ they are call d screw i think. For peak design release plate you have to look that the head is thin. But those work very nicely as soon as you pick the right design. Just also have a look that the screw is not too long for some tipod collar. I had the problem with the sigma 50-100. I have changed all of them years ago.
Most of my tripods and plates are Manfrotto or Small rig Arca Swiss... They all (bar the one with the D ring like yours) use slotted screws you can tighten with a coin... You can really tork them down.. so they are my preferred way.. I mean you always have some change in your pocket right??? Ones for the Video cameras, with longer bases and base plates, you can even add 2 screws to alleviate wobble...
Coins in my pocket? No. I can't tell you how many nickels and quarters I've forever borrowed from someone on set because I forgot a coin.
Nice to see the Nikon "Not in my Bag" is on your tripod!
This is GOLD for tripods ..
I saw some for lens filters that where magnetic .. Would be faster than the slide in style lens filters.
Also no need to screw on a off .. (Have you ever had a screw on one stuck?)
And or you’ve lost the tool... lol. Nice conclusion/solution!!! Thumbs up, great video!!!
I have a couple of quick release played that have a straight line for a screwdriver but it's wide enough to use a keychain, a quarter, or even keys. I feel hex keys are designed to make things more difficult (deter theft).
Awesome, going to do this on my PD plates
Love it! That is a great upgrade that peak design should sooner o later embrace.
the size and design of some tripod plates (like the peak design one that Tony is holding) simply doesn't allow for the use of a d-ring screw, without also sacrificing some of its motion.
Tony conveniently didn't show the camera how he can no longer push the plate to the edge of the thread hole with the d-ring screw, while still be able to tighten it.
Good stuff! :) As a former starving artist, there have been times in the past where I had to get super inventive. In fact, a lot of times, the need for problems to be solved has resulted in me becoming much more creative and in problems being solved better. There's a used camera shop here in town where I've picked up many a screw or clamp:) productivity is a wonderful thing.
I use a peak design tripod plate.
It never comes lose because of how I configure it.
I use a peak design slide strap. The strap is configured to the hook to a link on the front left corner of the plate. (when looking top down at the camera) The other link for the strap is connected to the neck strap attachment point on the left of the camera. The result is that every time i hang the camera on the strap a torge is applied which tightens the plate.
This causes the plate to tighten itself on every time I hang the camera on the strap across my body. It never comes loose.
I had a D ring type of quick release. Problem was it would loosen up. I looked back on my days of auto mechanics for my answer. One drip of locktite thread locker problem solved. Don't use the red locktite or you will need to apply heat to remove it. Use purple or green or blue.
Very nice and informative. Also coincidental. I just replaced my Luma Lab strap plate hex bolt for a D-ring last week. I happened to be going through my misc. drawer, and had an 'aha' moment. Love the strap, but that hex bolt was a real pain.
I have replaced all my quick release attachments with D rings. I take a small screwdriver with me, push the shaft of the driver through the D to slightly tighten more than just by hand.
Yes, another tool, but a small screwdriver is easily found in my camera bags, and it does just as good a job as an Allen key does.
Oh wow, ordering those for sure
You could use any rod, screw driver or key that fits through the D ring to give yourself that additional leverage.
Awesome Tony, Cheers! Works on the new Peak Design Capture clip, which ALWAYS comes loose, how come THEY didn't think of that.
Even the D ring can come loose when finger tightened. I carry a multi tool on my belt whenever I go out to photograph which comes in handy for SO many things. Amount them: tightening the D ring on my tripod quick plate so that it can't come loose. It takes just a moment longer to pull out the multi tool rather than use my fingers. So far, I haven't missed a sunset due to using the multi tool, AND my tripod D ring doesn't come loose when I'm using my long lens in the portrait position.
There's a slightly more expensive (and stronger) version of the same thing that's recommended if you want to clip your D ring to a black rapid strap.
I lost the tool that came with my 5/8 x 11 to 1/4 x 20 adapter plate in under a week but it was essentially a small Allen key style Phillips screw driver and I've got plenty of small Phillips drivers.
First thing I do when I get a new plate is replace it with a D-ring style screw 😁. Though, one thing to note is some plates require a flat C shaped metal piece to stop the screw from falling out. Though, you can just pull it off the old screw and onto the new
I believe finger tight is preferable. The leverage from a wrench can over tighten the bolt, potentially dislodging the receiving nut from the camera.
I have a tripod that came with a quick release with a wide screw head that you can turn with a coin, or your finger nail. It works fine.
Well dang! Thanks Tony
My 150-600 sport has 3 tapped holes for mounting. My big tripod that I use with it has a long plate. So I replaced the single coin slot screw with 2 D ring screws. So I know that lens and camera are not going to be wobbly.
I much prefer the D ring with a sturdy cross pen or long device to give extra leverage on the D ring to make it tight.
Peas design staff is not happy when Someone post this to their kickstarter campaign page. But I am very happy to have this solution. Cheers
Yes, the Sunset scene changes every second !
Also my experience .
You should throw that old screw Really FAR !!! 😂🤣 .
I thought it would be a simple thing to switch out the screw as you describe here. I had two "L" brackets, one with a d-ring and the other with a screw requiring the tool. They were not interchangeable due to the overall thickness of the brackets being different. Yes, these are "L" brackets, not tripod plates, but I thought I would mention this, that it may be helpful to someone.
I've put my order for two in. That was the same complaint I've had about the Peak Design plates!
I bought these for my Manfrotto slide plates (502 head type) and they suck. If you can tighten the D ring to sit in the groove front or back, it works just fine. But anything other than that, and the D ring part doesn't fold completely down, making it sometimes REALLY near impossible to slide your plate onto your fluid head. So, while I'll agree, this is a good solution for MOST quick release plates, not all.
I like and have several Peak Design products. I think they make some quality gear, but the plate that requires a hex wrench seems a bit odd. For all the attention to detail and price, it seems there could be a better solution. I have the Clutch hand strap and even the plate that comes with that has coin slot so I can use a flat head screwdriver (which I always have as part of my kit) or a quarter etc. in a pinch.
U get the little tool with a kind of a key-ring aswell, so you can just put it on a clip on the bag. With my Small-Rig, I have a magnetic one - which easy pops in a place on the bottomside :D
I've got multiple Arca style plates and they're all hex AND coin slot. Nearly as handy.
Same here - Arca-swiss QR plates came with Benro gimbal and 3-way head, except they have D-ring and coin slot. However, I find that I still need to use a screwdriver or coin to really get a good hold on long (i.e. heavy) lenses. Almost dropped lenses a couple of times from not having it tight enough.
Aw damn! The only time in my life that I could have risen above and made a video about good camera advice that actually would have been of any use to anybody and now Tony snatches that topic away from me! ;P
One has to remember when replacing the screw in the tripod mount plate to get one the same length, as you don't want it sticking out much more than 5mm.
If it sticks out too far you can crack the base of your camera.
I get mine from Small Rig and they have a few lengths to cover plates of various thicknesses.
I have found that on some of the cheaper "D" toggle screw that the radius at the end of the "D" sticks up past the inside of the bolt head, so when you tighten it down then fold it over the bolt is slightly loose.
Agreed. On the other hand, does the 3/4 inch threads on the camera ever break? As I walk (sometimes run) with the camera with the PD Capture on the belt, it's so wobbly inside the housing that I fear for the worst.
What's your opinion? Does constant jousting from movements push the design limits of this stationary attachment?
In effect, the only thing the "tool" for the plate does is give some extra leverage for tightening. Just use a car key in the D-ring type plate for the same benefit.
Great tip! Thanks!
This is genius! Thank you so much!
I usually remove the d-ring screws from plates and fit a socket head cap screw so I can tighten it properly with an Allen key, never had one come loose when done this way, I hd them come loose when using a d-ring to tighten them…..
best of both worlds. D-ring for when you dont have a tool/nickel to tighten or slit when you have a coin/screwdriver with you to make it tighter. always a better solution available.
Or for $30 you can get an L-Bracket and permanently attach it to your camera.
Pros:
Vertical mounting
Always there
Has extra thread for straps
Extra pinky space on mirrorless cameras
Cons:
Adds a slight bit of height and width to your camera
Harder to access side ports (depending on design)
Manfrotto users need an Arca-Swiss adapter
Freakin’ genius Tony. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Every subscriber should send Tony a hex-tool. Since his first video he is unable to maintain an orderly lifestyle and keep track of his tools.
Not everybody can afford such a fancy baseplate-screw.
if we can't afford the D-ring screw how are we going to afford buying the hex tool and pay for shipping?
If you want a toolless quick release plate with the added benefit of anti twist you should have a look at this: Manfrotto 200PLARCH-14 Architectural Anti-Twist Quick Release Plate with 1/4-20" Screw. It’s just perfect.
I always have a coin on me to tighten plates, favorite design is with D-Ring and a regular screw slot.
Nice to watch this after the peak design tripod video. You got the solution to a plain design error. Could you sort the $600 price issue too please? Cheers
I've used Manfrotto 200PL plates, with D-rings, for years on multiple cameras and long lenses. I've never, EVER had one detach. Not once.
depends on where you travel to, the weather conditions might affect your equipments.
You can insert something into the d-ring to lever it and make it as tight as the hex bolt