Mounting a Calumet 4x5 monorail to a Manfrotto Tripod

[Ektagraphic]

Hi Guys- I have a delemma on my hands. I am trying to mount my Calumet 4x5 monorail onto one of the standard Manfrotto tripod clips to mount to be able to put the camera on the ball head. The problem is that the screw coming from the tripod clip is not long enough to grab into the bottom of the Calumet. Taking off the ball head and mounting the camera directly to the tripod won't work either because the screw coming out it to big. Am I doomed? I can't think of a way around this.
Thanks,

Patrick

[BenZucker]

is there a plate for the tripod head? if so you can get an extra plate, take out the the part that threads into the camera, and use a low-profile bolt that is the proper size/thread (1/4 inch i think) hope that helps

[domaz]

Could you use a Bogen/Manfrotto Super Clamp to hold the rail instead of the Calumet's rail clamp? I do this on my old 5x7 B&J and it works great- but it has a hex rail. If you have a Super Clamp lying around it might be worth a try.

[phaedrus]

Am I doomed?

No, you're screwed.
Sorry, couldn't resist.

No, really, it sounds as if you wanted to mount a quick release plate to the tripod block on the monorail, and the screw in the plate wasn't long enough, right? They can often be exchanged for a longer screw, they are metric. Get them at a hardware store, sorry, can't remember the size (M8?).

[Doremus Scudder]

You can probably replace the screw on your tripod head with a longer bolt from your local hardware store. It is likely 1/4-20 size (standard small tripod screw).

Pull the pad from the top of the tripod platform and you will see how the screw is easily removed. You will have to file/grind a recess groove in the new screw to be able to slide it into the slot in the head; easily done.

Same story with most quick-release plates

Have fun,

Doremus Scudder
www.DoremusScudder.com

[Rick A]

I bought an extra Tilt-All (old Leitz/Marchioni Bros) for my CC-401, now it lives on its tripod and I have my main tripod for all my other cameras. The new Tilt-All pods are pretty reasonably priced, they will hold the weight of your Calumet.

[Ektagraphic]

I bought an extra Tilt-All (old Leitz/Marchioni Bros) for my CC-401, now it lives on its tripod and I have my main tripod for all my other cameras. The new Tilt-All pods are pretty reasonably priced, they will hold the weight of your Calumet.

I have an old Tiltall that I usually use but I wanted to put it on the Manfrotto. The Tiltall is a great tripod!....Thanks for the tips. I will go to the hardwear store and see what I can do.

[Rich Ullsmith]

I have your same camera and had your same problem. Screw is too short because of the flanges on the mounting plate. I could find no combination of hardware that would work with my Tiltall, either. Fortunately, before I took a metal file to the plate on the camera I found an old tripod that fit. Still, it's holding on by its fingernails. If you find a solid solution to this problem, I would appreciate a PM.

[unclemack]

Standard tripod threads are either 1/4" Whitworth or 3/8" Whitworth.
I bought stainless bolts in both sizes on the auction site for a few pounds.
Just cut them to length.

[Ektagraphic]

I have your same camera and had your same problem. Screw is too short because of the flanges on the mounting plate. I could find no combination of hardware that would work with my Tiltall, either. Fortunately, before I took a metal file to the plate on the camera I found an old tripod that fit. Still, it's holding on by its fingernails. If you find a solid solution to this problem, I would appreciate a PM.

My Calumet works pretty darn well on my Tiltall. I will let you know how things turn out.