Terrywoodenpic
Suspended / Banned
- Messages
- 8,172
- Name
- Terry
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Problems & Solutions associated with L brackets used with the Fuji XT 30.
I have both a SmallRig and Generic L brackets designed to fit the Fuji XT 10 to XT30 range of cameras. They each have their associated benefits and shortcomings.
SmallRig Bracket XT30
On the positive side the SmallRig bracket has an adjustable L portion, to facilitate access to the open side port and cable entry. It has a good looking and excellent wooden extended grip. That is firm and comfortable to hold. It has numerous extra screw fixing points for accessories. The side extension is easy to adjust.
On the down side the SmallRig bracket, only supports the camera on two small rubber inserts that hold the camera some 1mm above the base. And as both of these are on the same side of the camera mounting screw. The camera is held on a tilt to the base. It is only restrained from twisting by a short front extension under the lens position. Even when firmly screwed down the camera tends to move and flex relative to the L bracket. The camera is neither supported nor restrained by any other part of the L bracket.
The Arca style groove is also unnecessarily restricted in length, so that when fixing a larger quick release to it, it can not be fully centred with the lens.
This general lack of precise or firm support, makes it unsuitable for use in combination with a Panorama bracket or for any other precision use.
Mitigations: I have removed the two small rubber inserts and extended the cover of the base with thin sheet rubber. This is a very slight improvement, but does not solve the problem of the pressure of the mounting screw tilting the camera, nor the tendency of the camera to swing on the base.
“Generic” L bracket XT10/20/30
The most positive aspect of this bracket is the fit of the camera to the base of the L bracket. This fits extremely precisely, within a rim and onto the base of the bracket, so that there is no movement at all, even without tightening the screw. This allows for complete repeatability when used in conjunction with any other head or equipment.
This L Bracket has two down sides, firstly you are unable to fully open the door of the side port for the use of cables, and also, the shiny metal grip is not comfortable nor feels secure to hold.
Mitigations: I have made a small brass 4.7 mm thick spacer and pins to locate between the base and L piece. This fits extremely rigidly and precisely, and completely solves the port door and cable problems. I have also covered the Grip with black soft nappa leather 0.7mm thick. This is very pleasant to hold and gives an excellent grip.
Conclusion.
I can find no way to make the SmallRig L Bracket suitable for my use. The design of the camera base fitting is flawed and would need to be totally redesigned. It is now retired. Though expensive, I will not resell it, as I do not consider it fit for purpose.
I have permanently promoted my modified Generic L Bracket. Which is in all respects extremely precise, fully functional and comfortable. I am able to leave it in place, for what ever use I am putting the camera to, without any loss of functionality or precision. (including on a pre-calibrated panoramic head.)
I am aware that there are other alternative, general purpose, L Brackets that can solve the cable problem. However they do not have a custom base fitting for the XT 30 range of cameras.
I have both a SmallRig and Generic L brackets designed to fit the Fuji XT 10 to XT30 range of cameras. They each have their associated benefits and shortcomings.
SmallRig Bracket XT30
On the positive side the SmallRig bracket has an adjustable L portion, to facilitate access to the open side port and cable entry. It has a good looking and excellent wooden extended grip. That is firm and comfortable to hold. It has numerous extra screw fixing points for accessories. The side extension is easy to adjust.
On the down side the SmallRig bracket, only supports the camera on two small rubber inserts that hold the camera some 1mm above the base. And as both of these are on the same side of the camera mounting screw. The camera is held on a tilt to the base. It is only restrained from twisting by a short front extension under the lens position. Even when firmly screwed down the camera tends to move and flex relative to the L bracket. The camera is neither supported nor restrained by any other part of the L bracket.
The Arca style groove is also unnecessarily restricted in length, so that when fixing a larger quick release to it, it can not be fully centred with the lens.
This general lack of precise or firm support, makes it unsuitable for use in combination with a Panorama bracket or for any other precision use.
Mitigations: I have removed the two small rubber inserts and extended the cover of the base with thin sheet rubber. This is a very slight improvement, but does not solve the problem of the pressure of the mounting screw tilting the camera, nor the tendency of the camera to swing on the base.
“Generic” L bracket XT10/20/30
The most positive aspect of this bracket is the fit of the camera to the base of the L bracket. This fits extremely precisely, within a rim and onto the base of the bracket, so that there is no movement at all, even without tightening the screw. This allows for complete repeatability when used in conjunction with any other head or equipment.
This L Bracket has two down sides, firstly you are unable to fully open the door of the side port for the use of cables, and also, the shiny metal grip is not comfortable nor feels secure to hold.
Mitigations: I have made a small brass 4.7 mm thick spacer and pins to locate between the base and L piece. This fits extremely rigidly and precisely, and completely solves the port door and cable problems. I have also covered the Grip with black soft nappa leather 0.7mm thick. This is very pleasant to hold and gives an excellent grip.
Conclusion.
I can find no way to make the SmallRig L Bracket suitable for my use. The design of the camera base fitting is flawed and would need to be totally redesigned. It is now retired. Though expensive, I will not resell it, as I do not consider it fit for purpose.
I have permanently promoted my modified Generic L Bracket. Which is in all respects extremely precise, fully functional and comfortable. I am able to leave it in place, for what ever use I am putting the camera to, without any loss of functionality or precision. (including on a pre-calibrated panoramic head.)
I am aware that there are other alternative, general purpose, L Brackets that can solve the cable problem. However they do not have a custom base fitting for the XT 30 range of cameras.
Last edited:
