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TallGuy

Best quick release to use in conjunction with Camera Armor

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I'm currently assembling a camera helmet. I have a Rebel Xti in Camera Armor that I would like to mount on the top of an FTP.
The complication is that the Camera Armor has a large rectangular section at the bottom that is left open.
I've seen someone use a Stroboframe quick release with the armor by cutting out a bit more rubber off the bottom of the armor. While it works it seemed to have more play than I was comfortable with.

Some of the other more solid mounts like the Schumacher and the Gold Member look like they could work but it seems like the rubber might obstruct the mounting plate from sliding in an out of the bracket.

The last option I considered, and I think possibly the best might be the Liquid Flatlock. Seems like the armor might lie flush against the bracket and help dampen any movement and/or vibration. My major concern is that the screw on the bracket might not be long enough to secure the camera with the distance the rubber adds between the bracket and the screw hole.

Anyone with Camera Armor have any experience with these that could help me to make a decision?

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My major concern is that the screw on the bracket might not be long enough to secure the camera with the distance the rubber adds between the bracket and the screw hole.



Get a longer screw.


I can assume if you are recommending that combination it's something you have experience with?

Do you find it to be stable and secure?

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My major concern is that the screw on the bracket might not be long enough to secure the camera with the distance the rubber adds between the bracket and the screw hole.



Get a longer screw.

I can assume if you are recommending that combination it's something you have experience with?

Do you find it to be stable and secure?


Nope, I have no experience with the armor, but I do have experience with screwing ;), and the solution to a too-short screw is a longer screw.

As I've mentioned in a lot in my other posts, I'm putting the finishing touches on my Wes Rich CCM and his carbon fiber quick release plates are amazingly fast, light, strong, and simple. Easy to make and I'm sure I could put any camera with any thickness of armor on it, as long as the screw I have is long enough. ;)
www.WingsuitPhotos.com

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Short answer: I use Really Right Stuff clamps/mounts on all of my cameras. My 5D has Camera Armor on it and I am able to use the RRS L bracket no problem. The armor doesn't line up perfectly over some of the buttons but its not an issue. Because of the way the RRS camera plate mounts on the camera I cannot use the piece of plastic that covers the LCD screen that comes with the camera armor, again its not an issue for me. I am able to mount and remove my camera no problem without having to trim any of the rubber away. Camera armor IMO is the bomb for what it costs and the protection it provides.
"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

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I just cut the lip off and now it sits flat on my quick release. Just mark the area and cut.............


Yeah, that's what I've seen done with a Stroboframe.
But certain releases take up so much real estate that that may require cutting off almost all of the lip. In the end that is what I may end up doing

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Camera armor IMO is the bomb for what it costs and the protection it provides.



No argument there. That's why I'm doing my best to find a solid "mount" that will work well with it. The RRS does seem like a really nice option. I'd be happier it wasn't so high off the helmet. But that's not a total deal breaker.

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I'd be happier it wasn't so high off the helmet



The difference in height between a strobo and the RRS clamp when the camera is mounted is less than an inch.
"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

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Ok here is the deal on screw length.
My name is Terry Schumacher and one thing I make is the Quick Shoe. I spend a lot of time sizing the Bolt Length to the assembly. You do want to use as close as 100% of the hole depth as possiable so the bolt has to be the exact length, or you risk stripping the camera thread which is a bugger to fix. My fix and something I do for 2 reasons is I use a Set Screw and a 1/4 x 20 Jam Nut. 1st the set screw can bottom out in your camera, 2nd you do not have to remove the set screw to remove your camera from your helmet thus preventing undo ware on the camera.

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Yeh, I have noticed that Terry, as I am sizing my carbon fiber camera plates for screws. The camera base usually only has about 3.5 full threads available which is pretty small by most standards. I'm using flush screws in my design and I purposely bought them too long and then ground the tips down to just the right length. It is true that I have to undo the screw to get the camera off the plate, but I'd have to do that to get the battery out anyway.

Can you post any pictures to further illustrate what you're describing with the set screw and jam nut? Thanks.
www.WingsuitPhotos.com

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For whatever reason, most of my DZ, myself included uses one of these. Clicky With the little leveler things removed ofc.
~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

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Let me get this right.

You want to add MORE weight to your camera helmet?


Possibly. Adding weight is not unheard of for the purpose of better quality video and photos, gear protection, trading one safety aspect for another, or convenience. I would say in this case it would be the later.

Do you not make such trade-offs?

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I can't think of when I've added weight for saftey, and if it's not to improve the image then I generaly don't add it.

Quick release, armor, d-boxes, IMHO they are a waste in both weight and money.
----------------------------------------------
You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

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Kevin, since I know you have a neck bigger than a chicken I am positive the few ounces of weight camera armor adds won't cause your neck to snap.;)

Here are a few quick shots of the armor on my set up. The only piece I considered possibly cutting off was the hot shoe cover/flap piece but have left it on so far.

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

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Quick release, armor, d-boxes, IMHO they are a waste in both weight and money.



You don't use a quick release?

I could imagine bolting the right video camera on without too much trouble, but I don't know of any still camera that you can change the batteries on without unscrewing it from the helmet. Seems like at best you are going to wear on the threads of the camera's tripod mount, and at worst you have to re-sight the thing every time you want to change the battery.

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