Do they make different length bolts that are still have the notch between the head and threads? I want to mounth a side bracket with a manfrotto QR plate under that, but it seems the only way to do it is to A.) drill a hole through the slot on both qr plate and side brack to account for the width of a non-notched bolt...or B.) use the adapter bolt that came with the side bracket to bolt the side bracket on. Then, bolt the QR plate to that. I tried that, but it raised the camera up another 3/4" and doesnt stay tight because of the small contact area.

Yes. I've seen them. Search on "1/4-20 mounting screw" to start. I'm not sure what you want to do is very good but sometimes you just need to try ideas out and move on from there.

I am trying to avoid a rail system, but be able to mount my senn and zoom audio gear on camera. I rely heavily on the manfrotto video monopod, and I would like to keep things light. Here is the bracket I am talking about: SIMA VIDEO BRACKET WITH 2 FLASH MOUNTS | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/SIMA-VIDEO-BRACKET-2-FLASH-MOUNTS-/320742330965?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aadbb9255#ht_500wt_1156)
Maybe I would be better with a hotshoe mounted bracket, but that side bracket would give me 3 mounts including the camera hot shoe.

Hi, Eric................

Making a bespoke notched bolt is a doddle, if you have an electric drill and a flat metal file to hand.

A drill stand or vice comes in REAL handy as well and a hacksaw too if the bolt needs shortening..

Buy your bolt - 1/4" X 20, any length you like.

Stick threaded shank in drill chuck and tighten gently, leaving about 1/4" of thread showing.

Either: put drill in drill stand and use flat thin edge of metal file to simply file off unwanted thread OR put file in vice and use ditto.

You now have a notched bolt.

Experiment to get correct length, cut bolt to suit and use file to clean up end thread.

The above said, I wouldn't recommend it with your proposed configuration, it's putting a heck of a strain on the retaining socket of the camera AND is leaving the camera perched on that narrow metal bar of the bracket, which means it's going to rock badly.

I would strongly recommend you find another solution.

A search of DVinfo will turn up all sorts of different options.


CS

That is an awesome idea for the bolt. I also see your point about the camera support. I am going to look into other options. Thanks for the input!