Universal L-Brackets

[Norm Dulak]

Kirk Enterprises now offers two universal quick release L-brackets: http://www.kirkphoto.com/Universal-L-Brackets.html. These brackets attach to arca-type camera plates.

Since dedicated L-brackets are pricey if they are purchased for each camera owned, these universal brackets should save money over time.

Norm

[James Prudente]

RRS and Acratech also make universal L brackets.

Jim

[Norm Dulak]

RRS and Acratech also make universal L brackets.

Jim

Jim:

Thanks for the information, but there are other factors to consider.

A universal L-bracket I found on the RRS web site does not have a quick release clamp. Thus you would have to carry a wrench to attach and remove the bracket. More importantly, according to RRS it only fits "some" cameras, which tend to be older film cameras. Maybe they have another universal L-bracket, but I didn't see it.

Acratech does produce a number of universal L-brakets with quick release clamps. But the "standard" size, which is said to fit most SLRs and DSLRs, costs considerably more than the Kirk bracket. I can't say whether the Acratech bracket is worth the added cost.

Norm

[Jamie Strickland]

I have the acratech one and really like it, one difference is the plate can be moved back and forth for better placement than the kirk

also its one whole piece I dont like the kirk design of 2 pieces with those 2 screws holding it in at a 90 degree angle, I am not sure how strong it is but I am sure the 1 piece design is stronger which is the main reason I purchased the acratech

[Norm Dulak]

I have the acratech one and really like it, one difference is the plate can be moved back and forth for better placement than the kirk

also its one whole piece I dont like the kirk design of 2 pieces with those 2 screws holding it in at a 90 degree angle, I am not sure how strong it is but I am sure the 1 piece design is stronger which is the main reason I purchased the acratech

Thanks Jamie. You've raised some good points in support of the Acratech L-brackets. And in looking at their universal brackets, which are shown at: http://acratech.net/product.php?prod...1&cat=4&page=1, it appears that they also have a spring safety stop. So the added cost of the Acratech brackets might be justified.

Norm

[James Prudente]

A solution for the universal brackets that don't have a clamp integral to the L is to purchase the RRS B2 Duo Clamp. The Kirk universal model requires that a Arca-Swiss type plate be attached to the camera to attach the Kirk universal L bracket as does the Acratech Universal L bracket.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/prin...e=CK&ic=B2-Duo

I have the B2 Duo Clamp on each of my RRS long lens support systems. Which can be seen here, it is the clamp with the white nylon screw heads.

http://www.pbase.com/silverbowff/camera_gear


Jim

[Norm Dulak]

A solution for the universal brackets that don't have a clamp integral to the L is to purchase the RRS B2 Duo Clamp. The Kirk universal model requires that a Arca-Swiss type plate be attached to the camera to attach the Kirk universal L bracket as does the Acratech Universal L bracket.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/prin...e=CK&ic=B2-Duo

I have the B2 Duo Clamp on each of my RRS long lens support systems. Which can be seen here, it is the clamp with the white nylon screw heads.

http://www.pbase.com/silverbowff/camera_gear


Jim

Please explain more fully how the duo clamp relates to a universal L-bracket.

[James Prudente]

Norm,

The Kirk and Acractech universal brackets have Arca-Swiss type clamps and require the use of a Arca-Swiss type plate attached to the camera to mount the universal L bracket to the camera. You commented that the RRS plate had to be screwed to the camera body and a you would have to carry a wrench to attach and remove it from the camera. My point is if you add a RRS B2 Duo Clamp to the RRS universal L bracket you could then attach an Arca-Swiss type plate to the camera as is required with the Kirk and Acratech universal L brackets and would not need to carry any tools to attach and remove the bracket in the field.

In my experience all camera model dedicated L brackets require a tool to attach or remove them. With universal L brackets one would need a tool to attach the Arca-Swiss type plate to the camera and it could be left in place and then any universal L bracket with a clamp could be attached and removed on an as needed basis without the use of any tools.

Hope this clears up the question of the use of the RRS B2 Duo Clamp with the RRS universal bracket.

Jim

[Norm Dulak]

Norm,

The Kirk and Acractech universal brackets have Arca-Swiss type clamps and require the use of a Arca-Swiss type plate attached to the camera to mount the universal L bracket to the camera. You commented that the RRS plate had to be screwed to the camera body and a you would have to carry a wrench to attach and remove it from the camera. My point is if you add a RRS B2 Duo Clamp to the RRS universal L bracket you could then attach an Arca-Swiss type plate to the camera as is required with the Kirk and Acratech universal L brackets and would not need to carry any tools to attach and remove the bracket in the field.

In my experience all camera model dedicated L brackets require a tool to attach or remove them. With universal L brackets one would need a tool to attach the Arca-Swiss type plate to the camera and it could be left in place and then any universal L bracket with a clamp could be attached and removed on an as needed basis without the use of any tools.

Hope this clears up the question of the use of the RRS B2 Duo Clamp with the RRS universal bracket.

Jim

OK Jim, I see what you mean. But as I noted above, the RRS universal L-bracket doesn't fit many cameras, and the ones that the bracket does fit are all older film cameras, not DSLRs.

[James Prudente]

Norm,

After some further research of the current design of the universal RRS L Bracket it is not built with the double dovetail and unfortunately will not work with their Duo Clamp. I have brought this to RRS attention and hopefully they will consider building it with the double dovetail and increase its usability.

Jim

[Norm Dulak]

Norm,

After some further research of the current design of the universal RRS L Bracket it is not built with the double dovetail and unfortunately will not work with their Duo Clamp. I have brought this to RRS attention and hopefully they will consider building it with the double dovetail and increase its usability.

Jim

Thanks Jim, for persisting in getting all of the relevant information. I truly appreciate your efforts! :)

Norm