Photography is expensive. Quick releases. Dammit.

[fuzzybabybunny]

So I need to stop using the cheap Bogen-Manfrotto RC2 quick release systems because they simply have too much play when locked in. The plate and the clamp shimmy around too much for things like heavy lenses and panorama photography. I love the RC2 for the speed and the fact that it self-locks, but it's not cutting it in terms of having zero play.

So I go for an Arca-style type of quick release system. For those who don't know, Arca-style is simply a clamp. Yup. A channel in the middle in which to slide your plate in, and two protrusions on each end that clamp the plate's sides. The clamping pressure is adjusted with a knob. Mechanically, it is the simplest and the strongest clamp style, with zero play guaranteed as long as you turn the knob really really tight. The upside to this is that the plate itself can be any length because the channel is open on both ends, making mounting heavy telephotos with long quick release plates possible.

So I need a plate for my camera body and two quick release clamps, one for the tripod ballhead and another for the panorama bracket (Nodal Ninja). I check out RRS (Really Right Stuff) and this is what they're selling for:

$55 for a metal plate.

$120 for a clamp, $240 for two.

So about $300 for a plate and two clamps. HOLY JESUS.

I have to say that photographers have got to be the most gullible people on the planet for accepting such prices.

 

[randomlinh]

well, i'd suggest you get into the business of making good cheap clamps for your camera then. otherwise, we're stuck.

lucky for me, I'm perfectly happy with my RC2 system, heh.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

well, i'd suggest you get into the business of making good cheap clamps for your camera then. otherwise, we're stuck.

lucky for me, I'm perfectly happy with my RC2 system, heh.

I'm actually thinking very hard about doing something like this. Not making it, but being an authorized reseller for some Chinese made things of the same type because the prices are simply absurd. I'd love to support US-made products but in this case it seems like I can't even afford to. Besides, I can't manufacturer RRS-style clamps in the US due to their patent that they filed in 1994 (patents last 20 years).

This is their patent by the way:

http://www.google.com/patents?id=zt...rce=gbs_overview_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Couldn't be simpler. To me it's like patenting a chair. Sheesh.

 

[virtuamike]

Yah, not cheap. But once you go Arca, you never go back.

 

[alfa147x]

I really need to buy a tripod, my last one was run over by a truck... 🙁

 

[shocksyde]

I really need to buy a tripod, my last one was run over by a truck... 🙁

It took me a almost a year to get a new one after my last one was smashed to bits by a car in Yellowstone National Park. Losing your tripod while in Yellowstone is no bueno.

 

[foghorn67]

RRS is the way to go with anything over a 10lbs. The problem with the likes of RRS, is every Bogen seems cheap after that. By no means is the 488RC2 junk, it's actually quite nice. But after a long week with a RRS setup, I was getting the wrong impression of my own stuff.

 

[jamesbond007]

I have to say that photographers have got to be the most gullible people on the planet for accepting such prices.

Exactly - just look at how many photographers own a Mac!?! 😉
(sorry, couldn't resist)

I do believe I paid roughly $250 for my off-camera flash brackets, of course they are a bit more complex than what you're purchasing! How about $300 for a Pocket Wizard? If you want to look at highway robbery, check out AR-15 (gun) accessories!

While I agree with the sentiments of your post, when there's no competitor making the same product for a lesser price, what are you going to do??? It's a monopoly, I say! :twisted:

 

[virtuamike]

Gah, don't get me started on PWs. I have 4 but after hosting this weekend's workshop, I might have to pick up a few more.

If you really want to see expensive, I'm stuck buying Broncolor gear for my portable lighting rigs. Even speedrings hurt.

 

[Lemon law]

I would point out that my understanding of Patent law is as follows. And individual is free to duplicate the parts for their own use, but as soon as he or she tries to sell the products for profit to others, we have a patient law violation.

But that is also why many types of photography gear is so expensive, in the manufacturing process that involves many jigs and fixtures, one has to make a huge production run to achieve any economy of scale in mass production. Failing that large production run and the unit cost is going to be high.

But anyone with access to a metal lathe and a milling machine could probably design their own or copy an existing product. The screws you can buy pre made. The cam design could be tricky to get right.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

I would point out that my understanding of Patent law is as follows. And individual is free to duplicate the parts for their own use, but as soon as he or she tries to sell the products for profit to others, we have a patient law violation.

But that is also why many types of photography gear is so expensive, in the manufacturing process that involves many jigs and fixtures, one has to make a huge production run to achieve any economy of scale in mass production. Failing that large production run and the unit cost is going to be high.

But anyone with access to a metal lathe and a milling machine could probably design their own or copy an existing product. The screws you can buy pre made. The cam design could be tricky to get right.

What about if you're a Chinese company and you copy a product that's sold in the US, but the US patent has not been registered in the Chinese patent system. Can you then sell the Chinese-made product in the US without infringing on anything?

 

[ElFenix]

What about if you're a Chinese company and you copy a product that's sold in the US, but the US patent has not been registered in the Chinese patent system. Can you then sell the Chinese-made product in the US without infringing on anything?

no.

 

[Lemon law]

I agree with El Fenix, in a word its a no no under patient law,

 

[Kaido]

I've been using Bogen 577 quick releases lately, which run about $58 a pop:

http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/si...ER W/SLIDING PLATE&curBrandId=MAN&market=MKT1

They work like a champ - they can handle all my video equipment with ease, even fully loaded up. They're pricey, but boy oh BOY do they save time. My only gripe is that the little arm on the side sometimes runs into my camera equipment on top, so I have to make sure to position the sliding plate in such a way that I can lock the plate in. Super solid connection once that's done.

 

[alfa147x]

Wait so whats the difference between what FBB wants to do and generic brands at walmart?

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Wait so whats the difference between what FBB wants to do and generic brands at walmart?

I'm confused. What exactly is it you think I may do?

AFAIK there are no generic brands of Arca-style clamps/plates sold at Walmart...

 

[alfa147x]

I'm confused. What exactly is it you think I may do?

AFAIK there are no generic brands of Arca-style clamps/plates sold at Walmart...

Ooops, sorry I didnt bother to reread the thread I meant to say the Chinese company

Yes but they do sell plenty of generics of other stuff (it was just an example)
Like their dandruff shampoo they have an equate version and a head and shoulders version. What the difference between this Chinese company making
Arca-style clamps/plates and selling them here and what walmart does?

What about if you're a Chinese company and you copy a product that's sold in the US, but the US patent has not been registered in the Chinese patent system. Can you then sell the Chinese-made product in the US without infringing on anything?