replacing XL2 base plate-URGENT

[Jeremy Rumas]

Hi all,

I need to replace the metal base plate on the bottom of my XL2. Its the plate with the threaded hole that the tripod bolt screws into. Canon has this part listed as "cover, bottom". The one currently on my camera has its threads nearly stripped from extensive and rugged use. I leave the US on Wednesday morning and will be traveling for up to three months with this camera. I'm afraid this base plate will not last...didn't realize how bad it actually is until a week ago. So I need to get the new one on there. It looks to be a very involved job requiring taking off one whole side cover of the camera to even get to the screws or bolts that hold it in place. I already ordered the replacement part from Canon and have it with me.

With only having one business day before I leave, I am not counting on a repair shop being able to squeeze me in.

If anyone has any experience taking apart an XL2, or better yet has done this job themselves, I could really use some advice.

Is there anything really important I need to be aware of when doing this(so as to not wreck the camera)?

thanks,

Jeremy Rumas

[Jeremy Rumas]

Well after thinking things over a little more, I may have a solution that'll get me through the next few months. I've tried using some teflon tape on the tripod bolt. I wrapped it around the threads, just a little bit of it. When I tried screwing it into my camera's base plate, it seems to be holding well. I'll have to remove and re-apply the tape every time I remove the tripod's quick release plate from my XL2. But it looks like this will work. I am hoping so. This seems like a better option than taking apart the whole camera a few days before leaving.

But still, if anyone has replaced this, I'd still like to hear how it went.

thanks,

Jeremy

[Richard Hunter]

Hi Jeremy. Sorry I can't help on dismantling your XL2, but I was wondering why in he first place you have to remove the quick release plate so often? I think I have taken mine off twice in an eighteen month period, and that was to use the plate with another camera. (If I had to do that a lot I would buy a second plate.) Just curious.

Richard

[Bill Hamell]

Jeremy,

I know you are in Chicago, however I will give you a B&H link just so you can see what I mean. You should be able to find one in your city.

Canon TA100 Tripod Adapter
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

This uses the four holes around the tripod screw hole (if I remember correctly it has been a long time since I put mine on) you put your tripods quick release (QR) plate on the adapter.
I would also pick up a spare QR plate and leave it on the adapter that’s what I did.
This will save you time, Teflon tape and a lot of aggravation.

Have a good trip.
Bill

[Greg Boston]

Bill's answer is the best one, Jeremy. The TA-100 tripod adapter plate is an absolute necessity if the camera and tripod are going to be utilized in the manner you described.

This will eliminate the need for replacing the bottom camera plate. There are a couple of options for repairing the threads in the existing hole but you won't need that right away if you buy the TA-100.

As Bill mentioned, B&H has them as does ZGC, another one of our sponsors.

Get the TA-100, you'll be thankful you did.

-gb-

[Jeremy Rumas]

Bill and Greg, thanks for the advice. To answer Richard's question, I use
my XL2 on a Bogen 516 tripod with its own quick release plate. I also use
the same camera in a splashbag/water housing that has a different type of
quick release plate. So I have to change quick release plates a lot. On
top of that, when I started working on my film over a year ago, I was
using an old beat up tripod with no quick release system. That's where
the problem started. It was dumb to use that tripod I know, but it was my
only option at the time.

But I guess I could get two TA-100's, keep one QR plate on my camera, and
mount an adapter both on my tripod and in the water housing. That would
probably be best. Hadn't thought of that before...mounting a quick
release system over another quick release system. Would be bulky, but
would of saved me this trouble. I'm going to have to wait on this though.
I don't have an extra $260.00 to spend at the moment. I have just enough
for this next trip.

Are those TA-100 plates heavy at all? They look like they are kind of
big. I ask because every little bit of weight really adds up when using
the water housing, swimming with it, and trying to hold it above the
water(I'm working on a surf film). This could be the best solution
though.

thanks,

Jeremy

[Bill Hamell]

My TA100 with a Bogen hex plates is 1.25 lbs.
The TA100 also has the advantage of multiple 3/8” and 1/4” threaded holes so balancing the camera is easier.

Good shooting,
Bill