Leonard Shen Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 Hi guys, I've been flying my HPX170 on a Pilot with AA batteries for several months. It balances easily and I'm comfortable with the setup. Now I'm thinking about upgrading my cam to the EX1. The EX1 is only maybe 1 pound heavier than the HPX170, so the Pilot should be able to handle it in theory. But, I have added the Manfrotto quick release onto the plate so I can go to tripod quickly, and the only way the release can fit onto the Pilot plate functionally is to fit it onto the right side of the plate. So even with my HPX my rig is right side heavy. My left-right CG is pushed very far to the right side. With a shotgun mic or a wireless receiver, I have to open my LCD on the left side to balance it. From just looking at the EX1, it seems right side heavy already. I haven't had a chance to try it but I don't think the EX1 would work with this setup. The issue here is really the quick release, but I very much would like to keep it on. Does anyone have experience with this setup? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Charles Papert Posted October 9, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 What is the issue causing the quick release to have to be mounted to the right side? Is it access to the tiedown lever on the Manfrotto? If so, a simple riser plate between the Pilot dovetail and the Manfrotto base would fix that--you just need enough height to be able to rotate the lock a quarter turn or so, which might be as little as a 1/4" plate. Passthrough holes for the mounting screws--would be an easy homebuilt project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Shen Posted October 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 What is the issue causing the quick release to have to be mounted to the right side? Is it access to the tiedown lever on the Manfrotto? If so, a simple riser plate between the Pilot dovetail and the Manfrotto base would fix that--you just need enough height to be able to rotate the lock a quarter turn or so, which might be as little as a 1/4" plate. Passthrough holes for the mounting screws--would be an easy homebuilt project. Yes Charles you are correct. I would need to raise the release plate a bit so I can turn the lock. Is there a product I can purchase or a DIY tutorial I can follow to build myself for this? Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Amedeo Fabroni Posted October 9, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 (edited) Hi Leonard, here is my set up with Steadicam Pilot and EX1. The access to the Manfrotto quick release tiedown lever is not very easy but there's enough space to make the "last" turn to lock the plate. Amedeo Edited October 9, 2011 by Amedeo Fabroni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Shen Posted October 10, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2011 (edited) Amedeo: Thanks for your pic. Perhaps you have a different lever than mine. Mine needs to turn downwards , clockwise, pretty much 180 degrees to lock it. And the opposite to unlock it. edit: to be more specific, the last turn has to be a full 180 degrees through the lower half of the turning cycle, clockwise. Edited October 10, 2011 by Leonard Shen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Morgan Moore Posted October 13, 2011 Report Share Posted October 13, 2011 Amedeo: Thanks for your pic. Perhaps you have a different lever than mine. Mine needs to turn downwards , clockwise, pretty much 180 degrees to lock it. And the opposite to unlock it. edit: to be more specific, the last turn has to be a full 180 degrees through the lower half of the turning cycle, clockwise. You are aware that the frotto lever is a ratchet? Pull the lever out and reposition Id still prefer it with a 1/4 or 6mm plate underneath to give the fingers a little more wiggle room Such a plate could be made with a hacksaw and a drill - not a major op if you get some 1/4 by 1.5 inch plate (or 2 inch) S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Shen Posted October 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2011 You are aware that the frotto lever is a ratchet? Pull the lever out and reposition Id still prefer it with a 1/4 or 6mm plate underneath to give the fingers a little more wiggle room Such a plate could be made with a hacksaw and a drill - not a major op if you get some 1/4 by 1.5 inch plate (or 2 inch) I repositioned my lever. You are very helpful my friend. I'll finally have my workshop next week. Hopefully I'll stop asking newbie questions! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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