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Changing Tape Without Removing Camcorder from Tripod Mount

I can change tapes while tripod mounted [in reference to "Some thoughts on the Sony DCR-TRV350 Digital8 Handycam"]! First, just about every camera with a tripod mount in the world uses 1/4 inch diameter coarse machine thread which measures 20 threads per inch (as opposed to fine machine thread, like 28 threads per inch I think.) Most modern tripods include a spring loaded centering pin as well. The good news is that any hardware store has a variety of threaded rods, bolts, washers and 1/4" 20 nuts that will all work in the tripod mount.

1/2" 20 is also the standard thread for lamp construction (table and floor lamps typically use half inch threaded hollow rod for routing power cord however) and trophy fabrication as well. Besides being able to mount a trophy to my tripod conveniently, or mount a camera to a trophy base in a pinch, I used a collet (an inside threaded tube connector) which I crimped onto a 3/4" length of threaded rod. I cut a soda bottle screw top off and punched a hole in the center to form a knurled grip so I wouldn't need pliers to remove the rig from the camera. Then I tightened it onto the crimped on collet with a nut for added stability and to keep it tight. Then I placed a matching washer and nut at the top to tighten the adapter to the camera.

This adapter allowed me to extend the tripod screw above the face enough to allow the tape to eject. I use a tripod with a mounting face about 1 1/2" inch wide which is just narrow enough to also be able to remove and replace tapes.

Be careful not to transport the camera with this attachment extending to the tripod. I totally ripped the mount out with a minor fall with catch to hand. Be careful tightening the adapter to the camera; screw it into the camera mount nut by hand to the bottom and then BACK IT OUT ΒΌ TURN before tightening the washer up with the nut. I was lucky to have found nuts that flare wider at the face from a furniture store that provided a wider, more stable mount and was looking for flared nuts with crimped on washers when I found a cheap tabletop tripod at Dollar Tree that I bought just for the rubber faced plastic flared nut. One of the nuts need to be shaved for proper clearance. And the hinge of the 'L' shaped tape door is stressed when changing tapes using these nuts. With the adapter attached the benefit of changing cassette tapes is offset by the occasional unintentional pan shot left as the rig unscrews far too easily.

Attached Image:

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Disney Wizard
Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:52:49 -0700

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