I wanted to start using my N70QD with an Arca-Swiss quick release, but noticed a potential problem before ordering a plate. The plate from RRS (and I think the one from Kirk too) has an anti-twist flange at the rear. The flange is generally a good idea, but it looks to me as if it will cover (and possibly damage) the camera's panoramic control, which is at the bottom of the back.

I called Bryan at RRS and he said that the same plate is used for the N70QD as for the regular N70. When I asked him about the panoramic control, he said the special gasket raised the camera, so he didn't think that would be a problem. I don't see how that can work, because then the anti-twist flange cannot function.

I don't really need the panoramic control when I'm shooting, and didn't buy the camera for this "feature", but I still would like access to all the camera's controls, and don't want the plate to damage the panoramic switch. Does anyone have experience with Arca-Swiss type plates (particularly RRS) on this camera?

-- Hector Javkin (h.javkin@ieee.org), January 05, 2000

Answers

I use the RRS plate on a 70QD and it works great. I am happy to have the panoramic switch (a useless gimmick in my view) blocked so I don't activate it by mistake. The gasket does not raise the plate enough to make the panoramic switch usable in my configuration. The camera doesn't twist, period, even with long lenses. It works flawlessly.

-- Charles Mackay (zbo@sprintmail.com), January 06, 2000.

Charles,

Thank you. Although I don't use the panoramic setting for shooting, I had gotten in the habit of using it while loading film, to protect the shutter (at least partly). It's not necessary, I've never damaged a shutter, but the switch was there. I'll probably go ahead and order the RRS plate.

-- Hector Javkin (h.javkin@ieee.org), January 07, 2000.