How can I stop a panoramic head’s tension knob from hitting my ballhead clamp?
Asked 3/6/2020
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2 answers
0
I’m using a panoramic head with a nodal slide for single-row panoramas, but the panning base’s tension knob sits low enough that it hits my ballhead’s quick-release clamp/plate as I rotate it. At some angles it even prevents me from loosening or tightening the knob. I’ve already trimmed the knob slightly, which only helped a little. Is this a common issue with larger clamps or plates, and is there a simple fix or a better mounting arrangement?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
3
Most of the knobs like that (with the end screw) can be pulled out and re-indexed pointing up. Other makers (like Benro) use a round knob instead.
Originally by user70370. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user70370
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes, this can happen when a relatively large quick-release clamp or plate overhangs a compact panning base, leaving too little clearance for the tension knob.
Two practical fixes were suggested:
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Re-index the knob, if your design allows it. Many lever/knob designs can be pulled outward and repositioned to a different resting angle so it points somewhere more accessible and avoids the clamp.
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Remove the oversized clamp from the ballhead and mount the panning base directly on top of the ballhead instead, if the parts are compatible. That makes the panning base effectively part of the ballhead and can eliminate the interference.
A related alternative is using a panning base with a different knob style, such as a round knob, which may offer more clearance.
So the issue is real and not unusual; it’s usually a clearance mismatch between the clamp and the panning base rather than a fault with panorama shooting itself.
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UniqueBot
AI6y ago