Anyone have a source for this tripod part?

[Jonathan Levin]

I have a Sachtler FSB 4 and wanted to buy a spare "captive Tie-down". I thought this would be a few dollars and would be good to have an extra since it seems like it would go missing when using my DSLR.

Boy, was I wrong! $23.00US at B&H. Ouch. Does anyone have a source for these that are priced decentlyand will work in the FSB 4 plate?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...Screw_for.html

Or do I just continue guarding the one I have with my life?

Thanks.

Jonathan

[Alan Craven]

Do Amazon sell Smallrig parts in the USA?

If so they can be a lot cheaper than elsewhere if they do the bit you want.

[Rainer Listing]

1. It's a standard size. Check Ebay for Camera Tripod Quick Release Plate screw, from $2.
2. If you need one immediately, go to your local hardware store, buy a 1/4" bolt the right length, clamp the end in drill, run the drill, hold a file against the threads near the head until the threads are gone. If your bolt doesn't have a slotted head and you want one, you might have to cut a slot with a Dremel or hacksaw. Around 5 cents. Your Dad has a drill and file, and probably a tin of bolts one of which will do.

[Jonathan Levin]

Thanks guys.

I'll check ebay. I did poke around Amazon but I couldn't come up with anything.

Another issue was I didn't even know what the name of this part was!

Making one seems like it would cost less to buy it than to use my time to make this....ouch.

Jonathan

[Jay Massengill]

Do you just need the screw or also the metal piece that comes with the official Sachtler part?

If you just need the screw, there are many different varieties on Amazon, like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Stainl...1Q3AHFF39V20TQ

Some have flush-folding D-handles and some just have a slotted head for a coin.

B&H also has these:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ws_3_pack.html

If you have a difficult to loosen mounting screw, mount a coin in a pair of vise-grip type pliers to act like a giant screwdriver that fits the large slot to loosen without causing any damage. Always only hand-tighten when attaching.

[Jay Massengill]

While shooting with my Sachtler Ace tripod today, I remembered it has spare mounting screws hidden under the rear of the head just below where the plate slides in. Both 3/8 and 1/4 are stored there, threaded in from below almost flush in two storage spots. You can see them if you look closely.

Maybe your tripod has these also?

[Jonathan Levin]

Thanks Jay.

I actually need the little sled that the screw goes onto. My FSB 4 has a few extra screws underneath as well.

[Jay Massengill]

It's now $25.57!

If it got lost though, I would make do without it by using a very thin sheet of rubber between the camera and the plate to resist any rotation.

If enough force is being placed on the camera to rotate it again the grab of the thin rubber sheet, it should be allowed to rotate a little before something breaks.

[Steven Digges]

If the crappy little plate works and you need it....buy it. Propitiatory anything sucks, but it makes billions of dollars....

Steve