Plate doesn't fit tight in ballhead clamp

anonymouscuban

So I bought a new L-Bracket that is Arca-Swiss compatible. I have an Oben BB-OT ballhead that is also Arca-Swiss compatible. The problem is that the L-Bracket doesn't fit tight even with the clamp completely closed. It won't fall out but it slides in the clamp if I nudge it. The bracket seems to be just a hair to narrow... maybe just a mm or two.

Could it be the that the L-bracket is outside of tolerance or is Arca-Swiss not truly a standard?

Any suggestions other than getting a new clamp for the ballhead?

Here is the Ballhead I have:

Matthew Saville

Yes, I have found the Oben models in particular to be slightly the wrong measurements for complete compatibility with all Arca-Swiss stuff. I have also found that some generic plates are too small. So it could be either problem, unfortunately! I would recommend buying an actual Oben plate or plates, unfortunately.

Either that or you can do what I just did, which was to line the grooves on the plate with gaffers tape. Made an OK shim for the time being...

=Matt=

time2smile

You can file the ball head clamp a bit to make it close tighter. I noticed a slight bur that keeps it from closing fully, just take the plate apart a run a file lightly on it, (sorry) or replace the clamp on the ball head with a tighter closing one.

good luck

anonymouscuban

Matthew Saville wrote: »

Yes, I have found the Oben models in particular to be slightly the wrong measurements for complete compatibility with all Arca-Swiss stuff. I have also found that some generic plates are too small. So it could be either problem, unfortunately! I would recommend buying an actual Oben plate or plates, unfortunately.

Either that or you can do what I just did, which was to line the grooves on the plate with gaffers tape. Made an OK shim for the time being...

=Matt=

Matt, I actually did the gaffers tape thing. I guess great minds think alike.

time2smile wrote: »

You can file the ball head clamp a bit to make it close tighter. I noticed a slight bur that keeps it from closing fully, just take the plate apart a run a file lightly on it, (sorry) or replace the clamp on the ball head with a tighter closing one.

good luck

Yeah... I was considering take the clamp to my grinder to make it a bit tighter. It will only require a couple of millimeter reduction. I was hesitant since it will end up removing the factory finish but at this point, my only other permanent solution is to buy a new clamp so I may just grind the thing down and then primer and paint it just to keep it from oxidizing.

puzzledpaul

Think I'd consider adding a sheet metal shim of the appropriate thickness to the fixed dovetail side ... fixing same with decent double sided tape would keep it in place and wouldn't damage the finish.

pp

RKlukas

Plates vary in size for Arca-Swiss
We at Arca-swiss did set a standard for which the patent ran out and therefore is open now for use.. Unfortunately many companies are advertising Arca-Swiss 'Style' quick releases and plates. But many of these offerings vary as much as 2-3mm larger or smaller and don't accept plates out of their spec in many cases. This I guess is to limit whose plates and brackets you can purchase.
We recommend staying with the same manufacturer or trying a plate and or bracket before buying.
Hope this helps,
Rod Klukas

paddler4

It's been a while since I bought plates or clamps, but my recollection is that even with top brands, there are sometimes incompatibilities. What brand of plate did you buy? That could be the problem.Am I right that Oben is a B&H store brand? I know I bought my Oben tripod and monopod there. If so, I would call their customer service and ask about this. In my experience, their customer service is very good.