Tripod Adapter

[jamesemery728]

This is a simple project compared to most of the ones posted on the forum but here goes. Being the cheapskate that I am, most of what I buy is either from a yard sale or a flea market. Almost every tripod that I see for sale is mising the adapter that is used to hold the camera onto the tripod. If you follow the pictures you will see the simple build to making the tripod useful again.
1. Tripod with missing adapter.
2. Aluminum base with 1/4-20 stem pressed in.
3. Aluminum knob.
4. Assembled adapter.
5. Adapter locked into tripod.

 

[Jeff]

I like your machining work. I wish I had the patience for that. However I wonder about the stability of the insert. Tripod inserts are flat to provide a wider, more stable base. This is especially important with SLR cameras, long lenses, and video equipment. I would be careful that you don't put any undue stress on your equipment and possibly damage it.

My Manfrotto tripod is set up like this:

 

[jamesemery728]

My Manfrotto tripod is set up like this:

Thanks for the tip. We are only using this tripod for a very small pocket size digital camera smaller than a cell phone. Considering the light weight and small size I think that it will be ok.

 

[e-tek]

For sure it will. I have several tripods that only have a small base like that, but they all have a piece of rubber that stops sliding and helps clamp it down. The thumb nut does all the work to stabilize the camara. Maybe if you cut and glued a thin piece of rubber in the thumb nut, you'd have it down.

 

[jamesemery728]

For sure it will. I have several tripods that only have a small base like that, but they all have a piece of rubber that stops sliding and helps clamp it down. The thumb nut does all the work to stabilize the camara. Maybe if you cut and glued a thin piece of rubber in the thumb nut, you'd have it down.

Good idea, I will give that a try. Thanks

 

[Stuey]

Looks great!

I agree with e-tek - a thin piece of cork or rubber between the knob and camera is a good idea.