Adapting an O'connor 50d baseplate to 1/4" at DVinfo.net

Jay Webster · May 8th, 2007, 10:13 AM

Anyone have any leads as to where or how I could have an Oconnor 50D baseplate adapted to accommodate lighter weight HDV cameras?

Craig Chartier · May 8th, 2007, 02:33 PM

by adapting do you mean just attaching to the quick release plate?

You can do this if your looking for a lock off camera head, However you cannot modify this head to work properly with this light of a load on it if you want to do smooth pans and tilts.

This head was made in a time when dropping the camera on your foot would cause great pain. All of the drags are set for heavier loads.

It would feel like working in tar if trying to smoothly use that camera on it.

Jay Webster · May 9th, 2007, 07:31 AM

Hi Craig,
Yes, this would be for a very stable locked off situation. I already own the 50d, so I thought this would be a quick way to achieve a stable lock off. Problem is the 1/4 inch thread on a JVC 100u. For now, I just rigged the original baseplate with a 1/4" flat head screw which will do for now but would be more comfortable with a solution that would be a bit more secure without the "play" of the smaller screw in the baseplate hole etc. I have a friend who is a machinist and maybe he could duplicate a baseplate that would take a 1/4". Of course all this might be overkill for a one time situation.

Jay Webster
Cameraman/NYC

May 8th, 2007, 10:13 AM	#1
Jay Webster Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New York Posts: 131	Adapting an O'connor 50d baseplate to 1/4" Anyone have any leads as to where or how I could have an Oconnor 50D baseplate adapted to accommodate lighter weight HDV cameras?

May 9th, 2007, 07:31 AM	#3
Jay Webster Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New York Posts: 131	Adapting an O'connor 50d baseplate to 1/4" Hi Craig, Yes, this would be for a very stable locked off situation. I already own the 50d, so I thought this would be a quick way to achieve a stable lock off. Problem is the 1/4 inch thread on a JVC 100u. For now, I just rigged the original baseplate with a 1/4" flat head screw which will do for now but would be more comfortable with a solution that would be a bit more secure without the "play" of the smaller screw in the baseplate hole etc. I have a friend who is a machinist and maybe he could duplicate a baseplate that would take a 1/4". Of course all this might be overkill for a one time situation. Jay Webster Cameraman/NYC

May 8th, 2007, 02:33 PM	#2
Craig Chartier DVi Contributor Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 374	by adapting do you mean just attaching to the quick release plate? You can do this if your looking for a lock off camera head, However you cannot modify this head to work properly with this light of a load on it if you want to do smooth pans and tilts. This head was made in a time when dropping the camera on your foot would cause great pain. All of the drags are set for heavier loads. It would feel like working in tar if trying to smoothly use that camera on it.