Gimbal Head Advice

[jrw]

There's something to be said for exacting dimensions. The RRS lever clamps are apparently unforgiving when it comes to incorrect plate size: too narrow and they don't clamp firmly, too wide and they deform <something> or break. There's also the end stops on top of the shorter plates, making it easier to keep the plate square, or the captive screw that's easy to attach a lens but won't fall out unless you move it to one end. Some have safety stop screws so you can't slide them out of a clamp. Yes, they might be over-priced, but I'd rather not work through the mechanics of getting all those details right at a metal shop.

I suppose that the perception of complexity in any endeavour varies greatly depending on one's background experience. If there is a school with a machine shop in your neighbourhood you may find a shop teacher quite happy to have some students make some of these as an example of rather basic machining operations.

[Busted Knuckles]

I suppose that the perception of complexity in any endeavour varies greatly depending on one's background experience. If there is a school with a machine shop in your neighbourhood you may find a shop teacher quite happy to have some students make some of these as an example of rather basic machining operations.

I have been tempted to take my lens collars to a shop and have them milled for the clamps. Seems some version of not wise for the manf's to no mill it into the foot of larger tele's

[Joel Eade]

I have been tempted to take my lens collars to a shop and have them milled for the clamps. Seems some version of not wise for the manf's to no mill it into the foot of larger tele's

The main issue is they are not long enough to balance the whole rig....but I have always thought the foot should be made so as not to need another $50 accessory. (ie lens plate)