I've finally decided to order an Acratech ballhead. The only problem is that I don't shoot with the newest and best supported hardware. I've sent some emails to companies, but got a lot of "maybe this" and "try that" pointers. I'd prefer to buy something that has been tested so I don't have to play the guessing game and return things that don't work/fit properly.
I'm looking for plates for 5 cameras:

35mm Canon FTb
6x6 Yashica 124G
6x9 Voigtlander Bessa II
6x9 Zeiss Ikonta
4x5 Gowland Pocket View

If you have any of these cameras with an Arca Swiss compatible plate on it, can you let me know a part number and where you bought it?
Thanks in advance.
Chris

The best source I've found for Arca-Swiss style plates is Really Right Stuff (http://reallyrightstuff.com/index.html). They are specially made for just about every camera, and the fit and finish is excellent. I have them on every camera.

The best source I've found for Arca-Swiss style plates is Really Right Stuff (http://reallyrightstuff.com/index.html). They are specially made for just about every camera, and the fit and finish is excellent. I have them on every camera.

That was one of the places I looked, but could not find these in the list. I'm looking for replies from folks who may own one of these models with a QR plate, not looking for ideas where to start.
Thanks anyway.
Chris

I have a few RRS plates, and they are very nicely made, but I have at least a dozen inexpensive generic plates that I got from a guy who sells as "fletcher28wu" on eBay, and they work fine for most things. If you're just setting up and want several plates, as I recall, he used to offer discounts in quantity (like buy 5 or 6 and get one free). The longer ones have stops, and they seem to be compatible with all A-S style QR clamps including lever-lock clamps. They don't have anti-twist ridges, and aren't engineered to be as light as possible like the RRS plates, but they do the job. I used one of the shortest 1.5" generic plates on my Gowland, and would use the same one on any of the cameras you mention, or possibly the next size up for the TLR.

If you want to go with RRS plates, just measure and look for something compatible with a similar type of camera, or call them if you want more advice. They aren't in general customized so precisely that they only work with one camera or only the ones listed.

I have an Acratech ball head and I am very satisfied with it. I wish they made tripods too.

I bought all my quick release plates from Acratech and they are fine. they have a couple of basic or general quick release plates that should be a good generic fit for the miscellaneous cameras that you have.

This is a link:

http://acratech.net/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=AOS&Category_Code=Universal+Plates