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#1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 490
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Greetings All...
I thought those FZ5 owners might be interested in my new adapter for mounting a Daisy RDS (Red Dot Spot) to their cameras for easier tracking of moving objects. Thanks to fmore, genece, Tigeret al for their insights into what can be done and what are good models etc.:idea: The following is a home made adapter that I just completed for mounting a Daisy Electronic Point Sight model 7809 (Wal Mart - $8.95) using an ABS 2" pipe coupler ($0.68 at Lowes) that was sanded down to be a friction fit onto the stock Panny lens adapter. Since its 2:41 AM, I haven't had time to sight it in properly but there's no reason why it won't be fully functional. Info on Daisy model at: http://www.daisy.com/shopping/custom...263&page=1 I've taken a sequence of photos during my construction and will be posting a full, step-by-step layout on my Photobucket page in a day or so (have to get some sleep!). Suffice to say, one will need an Oly TCON17 for easiershaping but, then again, the TCON17 is an excellent accessory. I'd be interested in any comments, critiques, cautions etc from the esteemed forum members... Stay Tuned for further postings. If interested, one may tag this thread for e-mail updates when I have the full photos, steps and details finalized and posted. |
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#2 |
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,111
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Interesting approach...keep us posted
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#3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,116
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Dave - That looks great! I'm headed outto Lowe's and Walmart. Looking forward to your procedure. - Fred
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#4 |
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 490
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I hope to eventually put together a web page with the info for separate linking...
It took quite a while to edit, add comments and upload to Photo Bucket. Unfortunately, Photo Bucket is not very user friendly for this type of project - it doesn't allow for photos to beeasily moved into specific orders :!: Well, here goes :idea: (Note - Photo links should open in a new browser window) Since the FZ5 digi does not have the benefit of a hot shoe for mounting (And Tiger's urging...), I purchased the Daisy RDS and went looking for the Ruger 3/8" dove tail mounting bracket having no idea as to how it could be mounted on my new FZ5. After 3 gun shops, 3 sporting goods stores and two paint ball shops all saying that's what you need but not in stock, I decided I couldn't wait and wandered the aisles of Lowes with my FZ5... Finally, Icame across the 2" ABS Pipe Coupler in the plumbing department. :idea:Hmmm :?Maybe...:?But how? ![]() I am still anticipating purchasing the Ruger dove tail mount on the tapered coupler (anticipate using JB Epoxy weld for permanent dove tail attachment...)(http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd/p....asp?sku=64721) at a future time but went ahead with my alternative mounting approach. Basic items used in adapter: http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...0_filtered.jpg $0.68 2" ABS Pipe Coupler from Lowes for base adapter http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_filtered.jpg After hand sanding in front of TV watching college bowl games for a few hours, it dawned on me to see how the coupler would fit over the TCON17. ![]() ![]() http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...0_filtered.jpg Not for the faint of heart but it works; just remember to maintain square orientation while rotating the coupler on the sandpaper and http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_filtered.jpg http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...9_filtered.jpg After a few hours, lots of dust and numerous test fits... http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...3_filtered.jpg http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...4_filtered.jpg Aha! Its close to a perfect & snug fit... http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...6_filtered.jpg I used the ridge on the Pany adapter as a target in anticipation that it will be a good guide in making sure the alignment is square to the FZ5 line of lens' sight. Be aware that the snug fit can become too tight and will possibly cause the bayonet partially pop loose if one is not careful when working new adapter loose; Note, also, the warning about working loose by side-to-side movement of coupler only! http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...5_filtered.jpg Holes aligned and drilled... http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...8_filtered.jpg http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...7_filtered.jpg IMPORTANT - Square alignment needed! http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...5_filtered.jpg Attachment screws' layout http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...9_filtered.jpg http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...0_filtered.jpg ![]() http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...2_filtered.jpg http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_filtered.jpg IMPORTANT DETAIL! http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...2_filtered.jpg Maybe, just maybe... ![]() http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...8_filtered.jpg http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...9_filtered.jpg http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_filtered.jpg The finished, mounted system with the FZ5 + Hoya 55mm UV(O) + TCON17 -- ready for sight alignment and test run ![]() http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...er_filtere.jpg Ooops! ![]() http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...5_filtered.jpg Now, just have to get some sleep, welcome in 2006 and follow my instructions on aligning the full zoom to the RDS Red Dot Spot and start snapping away... WAY ![]() http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...6_filtered.jpg Any and all comments, critiques, questions and/or suggestions welcomed! If desired, send me a Private Message for direct responses. |
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#5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,116
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Thislooks like a lot of work. Couldn't the ruger bracket (below) be mounted on the fz5 adapter with a hose clamp?
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#6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 490
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Frank-
You're correct. Actually Fimo has the clampsetup that he posted about 3-weeks ago at http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...ssage=16156173 Going back and looking at his approach, it is probably less of ahassle than sanding the 2" coupler and, if left on the adapter, will most always be close to alignment. My approach was more due to not finding the Ruger 3/8" Dove Tail bracket readily available and trying to configure a way to mount the RDS sight without one. Fimo's clamp approach didn't seem to lend itself easily to mounting without the dove tail. I'll probably go back and look at making a version of his clamp adapter when I get the bracket as its cleaner, more elegant and more easily carried/stored that the 2" coupler. Many thanks for the posting/comments and reminding me to go back to find his posting. Best of 2006 and good photo ops to you! |
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#7 |
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,116
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Dave - I saw that post a while back. He isn't using the 3'8" dovetail, though. You said you went looking for the dovetail. Is Rugger the only manufacturer? Do most sporting goods stores carry that item?
- Fred |
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#8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 490
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Fred...
Ooops, brain fart; my apologies All of the gun shops referred me to the Ruger 10-22 dovetail so I guess that's the standard (no one had any in stock; 2-3 weeks order time). I've done a lot of Google searches and have learned about a lot of the differences between the 3/8" dovetail and the 11-13mm styles (for barrel mounting. It seems as though the Ruger model is the one the Daisy RDS is suited for. Now that I have a functional adapter, I'll look into getting the Ruger dovetail and possiblysee about developing a strap mount like fimo's - less bulky Now, if only the weather would cooperate... 4-10" rain forecasted for SoCal... |
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#9 |
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,116
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After looking closer at the cheaperthandirt site, I see that it is a Weaver#TO-9M Tip Off Base Matte and is sold as pictured below for$4-5. The term "Tip Off" has me wondering (I dont know myass from hole in the ground about guns) if theDaisy slides on or kind of snaps onto the base.
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#10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 490
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Fred-
I, too, wonder about the 'Tip Off' base meaning its an easier way to attach something rather than unscrewing the clamps each time. I have to get backto business tomorrow and will stop by a camera strore in LA if time permits (have to get back in time for the Rose Bowl; should be a great shootout!) I'll be looking for a couple of 3/8"dove tail base plates as I want to convert my 2" coupler approach as well as try fimo's strap on approach to judge which is the more functional system. I'll post later when I have found some alternatives and let you know about the 'Tip Off' meaning... |
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