I saw in an ad for Miller DS10 -

Choice of camera plates: 1/4" & 3/8" screw or 1/4" & pin

Can someone explain what this means?

thanks.

Bob

It refers to the screw size of the threads in the bottom of your camera, that the plate attaches to. Most cameras use 1/4 inch (1/4 20 thread), most pro cameras (read Betacam, bigger shoulder mount types) use 3/8 inch. Most consumer cameras have a small locating hole in front of the tripod mounting hole. The plate has a pin that fits into the locating hole and prevents the camera from twisting on the release plate. The locating pin is usually spring loaded, so it compresses if the mating camera does not have the necessary hole.

So it's actually 1/4" screw, 3/8" screw, and 1/4" screw and pin.

Thanks for the information.
Bob

Yes, it's not the length, but the thread size and pitch (1/4 20). You can buy them at Home Depot etc. You can get them with different ends and lengths (cap, slot, philips, machine etc.).

And remember, if you insert a screw that's too long for your camera, you can do severe damage. Proceed with caution.