newbie question. is it safe to mount the epic to a tripod baseplate using one 3/8 16 and one 1/4 20, or is it recommended to only use two 3/8 16? what if the camera is basic config (lens/battery etc) or a fully rigged out (follow focus, matte box etc). thank you for any recommendations.
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Mounting EPIC-X with two 3/8 16 or one 3/8 16 and one 1/4 20
- Thread starter Raj Kumar
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Mark Andersen
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I use one of each. Works fine. I set up the epic this way when im traveling ultra light, no matt box, etc. But usually I'm mounting with the Red plate and quick release.
Alexander Ibrahim
Well-known member
This depends on your load.
Epic rigged for minimum size with DSLR lenses? One screw of either standard is fine. Use two of course whenever practical, but one is safe when properly attached.
Once you get to cine lenses, I recommend two screws ... but then either standard is fine. I usually end up using two 3/8 because I can ... but that's not necessary until you build the Epic up quite a bit, with heavier lenses like the 18-85 as a minimum.
The fact is that even two 1/4 20 screws have the engineering characteristics to mount the heaviest Epic rigs ... like say an Epic, with rods, FF, 24-290 and MB20 and a few other toys. (I've supported an R1 with an older 25-250 on just that without trouble.)
With two screws in good condition, anything that will take the camera off the rig will wreck the camera first.
Note the conditional.
What is lacking with that set up is durability. Especially in rough field/rental use. The 1/4 20 screw is more delicate, and you can definitely damage the threading more easily thus compromising the whole rig.
So, 3/8 16 whenever possible. If you have to use 1/4 20, or even if its more convenient, that's fine.
In either case you should be checking the screws regularly, and you should keep a supply of spares around. (Unless you are really doing something strange, four spare screws of each type might last your entire career.)
Epic rigged for minimum size with DSLR lenses? One screw of either standard is fine. Use two of course whenever practical, but one is safe when properly attached.
Once you get to cine lenses, I recommend two screws ... but then either standard is fine. I usually end up using two 3/8 because I can ... but that's not necessary until you build the Epic up quite a bit, with heavier lenses like the 18-85 as a minimum.
The fact is that even two 1/4 20 screws have the engineering characteristics to mount the heaviest Epic rigs ... like say an Epic, with rods, FF, 24-290 and MB20 and a few other toys. (I've supported an R1 with an older 25-250 on just that without trouble.)
With two screws in good condition, anything that will take the camera off the rig will wreck the camera first.
Note the conditional.
What is lacking with that set up is durability. Especially in rough field/rental use. The 1/4 20 screw is more delicate, and you can definitely damage the threading more easily thus compromising the whole rig.
So, 3/8 16 whenever possible. If you have to use 1/4 20, or even if its more convenient, that's fine.
In either case you should be checking the screws regularly, and you should keep a supply of spares around. (Unless you are really doing something strange, four spare screws of each type might last your entire career.)