Black Rapid & Manfrotto RC4

markmullen

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Does anyone have any ingenious ways of using a Black Rapid with a Manfrotto RC4 (410) quick release system?

I ordered a DR1 at Focus On Imaging having been sold on the idea when they fitted me with two weighty cameras and I couldn't feel any difference to the system without cameras hanging off it.

I could use the spare 1/4" threaded hole in the bottom of the 410 plate to secure the black rapid fastener but that would mean removing it if I wanted to use the camera on the tripod.

One solution I wondered about is buying another Manfrotto 394 QR plate and leaving that clipped onto the Black Rapid fastener, if I wanted to use the camera on a tripod I would then unclip it from the one QR adaptor on the black rapid, then drop it into the QR adaptor on the tripod. Would that work?
 
Not sure of the RC4 but I have the Manfrotto 496RC2. There is a black rapid plate you can order that fits it like a glove. All I have to is undo the karibiner clip and the plate is a permanent fixture on my camera.

If not compatible then drop black rapid an email. They are normally responsive.
 
I have just come across this issue myself. I bought a manfrotto specifically to use with my BR but did not realise that the Fasten R-T1 only works with RC2 plates, not RC4 :-(

Your solution to have a plate on the BR does work but adds more bulk and weight and is not that easy to release.
I have mailed black rapid to see if they are releasing a new fastener for RC4 plates, otherwise I may either mill out the bottom plate to accomodate it or get a local machine shop to make me a fastener.

Anyone else got the solution ?
 
I have my RS7 clipped to the plate via the tightening ring, when I want to use it on a tripod I just unclip.
 
Oldslugger said:
I have my RS7 clipped to the plate via the tightening ring, when I want to use it on a tripod I just unclip.
Click to expand...

That works fine until the ring springs open.

They are bent metal which is pinched in place and not welded. Manfrotto have issued warnings about not using them like that.

And yes, I have. It worked for ages. Then it broke.
 
JonathanRyan said:
That works fine until the ring springs open.

They are bent metal which is pinched in place and not welded. Manfrotto have issued warnings about not using them like that.

And yes, I have. It worked for ages. Then it broke.
Click to expand...

Ahhhh Thanks for the advice!!!
 
This is the Manfrotto RC2 quick releease plate, for this you need the Black Rpaid Fasten R-T1. It replaces the manfrotto clip with a solid stainless steel one.
The problem with the RC4 quick release plate is it is lower profile and therefore the R-T1 does not fit. However, given the size of this plate, after to mounting to the camera there is a big overhang so I can just drill a hole in it and clip the black rapid carabiner clip through the hole. Good enough and very secure.
Did contemplate changing to the RC2 but love the spirit level on the RC4 plate, with a ball haed makes it so quick to get level without adjusting the legs.
 
testbloke said:
This is the Manfrotto RC2 quick releease plate, for this you need the Black Rpaid Fasten R-T1. It replaces the manfrotto clip with a solid stainless steel one.
The problem with the RC4 quick release plate is it is lower profile and therefore the R-T1 does not fit. However, given the size of this plate, after to mounting to the camera there is a big overhang so I can just drill a hole in it and clip the black rapid carabiner clip through the hole. Good enough and very secure.
Did contemplate changing to the RC2 but love the spirit level on the RC4 plate, with a ball haed makes it so quick to get level without adjusting the legs.
Click to expand...

That is quite a good idea. I have a RC4 plate on my D5100 and as you say there is a big overhang out the back. At the minute i have my Black Rapid strap attached to the spare 1/4 hole in the bottom of the plate.
 
phil_b said:
That is quite a good idea. I have a RC4 plate on my D5100 and as you say there is a big overhang out the back. At the minute i have my Black Rapid strap attached to the spare 1/4 hole in the bottom of the plate.
Click to expand...

Hmm. Scratch that. I cannot get used to having the plate sticking out that far. Any ideas for a more compact quick release plate that has a spirit level and allows a carabiner to be clipped for the black rapid strap ?
 
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