Newbie Tripod Question

[Parchuch]

Hello,

First time poster, have used cameras a lot in my life, but do not have much "technical" knowledge of them or their accessories.

My question is about tripods. On the tripod mounting plate (where the camera attaches to the tripod, told you I didnt know much technically) I have seen some tripods that have both the screw post and a little push pin directly in front of the screw post, what is that push pin for????:? I am baffled! The "everyday" cameras I have seen do not have any other hole beside the screw hole, so what purpose does it serve? Also, the camera does not stay tight on the base, it is rather loose, is that another side affect of this?

Sorry if this doesnt make sense but I thank you for your help!

I am attaching a Canon SD500 Digital Camera to a Canon Deluxe Tripod 200, if that helps.

Thanks!!!

[JimC]

Welcome to the Forums.

Some consumer cameras have a small hole in front of the threaded tripod mounting hole. The pin in the plate fits into that locating hole and prevents the camera from twisting on the plate.

This pin is often spring loaded, so it can press down flush if your camera doesn't have a locating hole.

By the way, we also have a Tripod and Heads Forum where you can ask about questions specific to tripods and read through threads on related subjects, if you don't find the information you're looking for in this forum.

[Parchuch]

Thanks Jim! I figured out why the head was not mounting tight to the camera. The thread post is too long and was bottoming out inside the camera!:idea:

I didn't want to bother the folks in the other forums with such a noob question, but I did look their first. Thanks

Thanks again!

[VTphotog]

Parchuch wrote:

Thanks Jim! I figured out why the head was not mounting tight to the camera. The thread post is too long and was bottoming out inside the camera!:idea:

This is often the case, and many tripids have a nut threaded on the mount screw, which allows you to tighten the nut to secure the camera. This is usually a large, knurled part, or may have 'wings'. If it is tight against the base of the screw, it may seem to be a single part.

brian