Well, the Bogen Super Clamp is certainly a big step in the right
direction, and now I don't have to invert the tripod column for flowers and
other items that are close to the ground. But, the adapter that attaches to
the tripod head is a bit of a disappointment as it is limited to attaching
heads with a 3/8" thread to the clamp. Pretty sad for something that weighs in
at 4 ounces.
So, out comes the sketch pad and then a few hours in the machine shop
produces this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/8273896578/in/photostream/
The item in the centre is the rod from my ground spike, the platform for
which is in the lower left-hand corner. Next to that is a Manfrotto barrel,
which has a 1/2-20 thread on one end and a 3/8-16 thread on the other. In the
upper right-hand corner is a Chines knock-off of the Manfrotto 323 quick
release adapter, which has been modified by drilling out the mounting hole and
tapping it to a 3/8-16 thread. Below that is a pair of 1/4" to 3/8" adapters,
one long and the other short. Then there is a pair of threaded studs, each
3/6" long, one made from 1/4-20 rod and the other from 3/8-16 rod. Both have a
1/16" slot on one end.
In this photo the barrel, platform, and 3/8" stud are assembled to make a
mount adapter for a tripod head having a 3/8" thread:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/8272827095/in/photostream/
A similar arrangement using the 1/4" stud and the short 1/4" to 3/8"
adapter yields a mount adapter for a camera or tripod head with a 1/4" thread:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/8272826423/in/photostream/
The longer 1/4" to 3/8" adapter threads into the platform to make an
adapter with a nice gripping surface, much like the Manfrotto 088. And the
longer adapter is also used with the modified 323 knock-off so it can be easily
attached to a tripod head having a 1/4" stud.
And of course the platform can be used with the long rod to assume it's
earlier duty as a ground spike. Adding the knurl to the edge of the platform
was the finishing touch.
All this weighs about the same as the Manfrotto 3/8" mount adapter, and it
is certainly much more versatile.
Chris
Chris
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