Big binoculars slipping on QR plate

[WinchesterAstro]

I have a problem with attaching my binoculars to my trigger grip tripod head. Basically there is not enough friction between the binoculars and the quick release plate (photo 1), which means that the binoculars move left to right when pushed, and eventually start to come unscrewed. I have the same problem with my old tripod too (photo 2). The only time they don't slip is when attached to my monopod (photo 3)--interestingly, the surface here is metal, not soft plastic. Any ideas on how to fix this? A washer on top of the quick-release plate? Or should I just pull the plastic off the quick-release plate to leave the metal underneath?

Thanks all

 

[Bruce Leeroy]

I think your binos are missing a threaded washer that locks down onto the quick release plate.

[Bruce Leeroy]

The part circled in red, this gives a bigger footprint for the binos to sit on the plate.

[WinchesterAstro]

Thanks! That would explain everything! Is it possible to get spares..?

[Bruce Leeroy]

3 hours ago, WinchesterAstro said:

Is it possible to get spares..?

I don't know tbh, you could try taking them to a hardware shop and seeing if they have something suibtable, I have no idea on the thread size all I can add is that it needs to be a fairly slim washer/nut and would benefit with some type of thin rubber washer between the binos and plate. Good luck.

I'll have a check tomorrow and see if I have anything suitable...are they celestron 20x80's ?

Edited January 17, 2021 by Bruce Leeroy

[Stormbringer]

you could try asking FLO or a binocular shop 

[Tiny Clanger]

I'd check the box (or whatever packaging the bino mount came in) to see if the relevant bit was still in there first, then if I'd bought the binos very recently  from a trader I'd contact them, failing that, if I'm correct and these are opticron brand, the UK distributor appears to have a spares & repairs setup https://www.opticron.co.uk/help-support/service-repair

Heather

[WinchesterAstro]

6 hours ago, Bruce Leeroy said:

I don't know tbh, you could try taking them to a hardware shop and seeing if they have something suibtable, I have no idea on the thread size all I can add is that it needs to be a fairly slim washer/nut and would benefit with some type of thin rubber washer between the binos and plate. Good luck.

I'll have a check tomorrow and see if I have anything suitable...are they celestron 20x80's ?

This is very kind of you. They are celestron 20 x 80s, with a 1/4 thread. In happier times I would go to a DIY store. I think the ideal would be a metal washer touching the tripod adpter and then a rubber washer making contact with the QR plate, as wide as possible.

[WinchesterAstro]

6 hours ago, Stormbringer said:

you could try asking FLO or a binocular shop 

FLO don't list anything but they are so helpful that they might have an idea. Are there any specialist binocular shops that I should know about? I've mostly just used FLO in the past, but then again I am largely a beginner.

[WinchesterAstro]

5 hours ago, Tiny Clanger said:

I'd check the box (or whatever packaging the bino mount came in) to see if the relevant bit was still in there first, then if I'd bought the binos very recently  from a trader I'd contact them, failing that, if I'm correct and these are opticron brand, the UK distributor appears to have a spares & repairs setup https://www.opticron.co.uk/help-support/service-repair

Heather

I simply don't know whether I lost the relevant part or whether it was never there, but Opticron's website does look very promising. The advantages of buying (moderately) expensive gear, I suppose!

[BinocularSky]

Opticron are always very helpful, and their sales manager, Pete Gamby, sometimes posts on these forums.
The other thing you can do is remove the video pin from the QR plate. It serves no purpose for binoculars and can get in the way.

[Stormbringer]

asking FLO might point you in right direction or as Steve says get in touch with Opticron 

[DaveL59]

if you aren't able to get a pre-made part you may be able to make one or get one made. If you can determine the thread on the outer part then a metal plate drilled and tapped to suit would do the job.

Failing that, something like this

Thread-lock it into the shaft and fit a 3/8-1/4 adaptor into the other side and it'd fit onto your tripod and should be stable.

[WinchesterAstro]

Thanks all for your help and suggestions. Opticron have got back to me: in fact, I had an initial response within hours on a Sunday! They can do me a spare for £5 + £4 pp. Given that spares are always a bit pricey for what they are, that seems like a pretty good result. Very impressed by Opticron--a further reason to buy!

[Stormbringer]

result 🍻

[Tiny Clanger]

22 hours ago, WinchesterAstro said:

Thanks all for your help and suggestions. Opticron have got back to me: in fact, I had an initial response within hours on a Sunday! They can do me a spare for £5 + £4 pp. Given that spares are always a bit pricey for what they are, that seems like a pretty good result. Very impressed by Opticron--a further reason to buy!

Great outcome, and good to know the the impression given by their website is backed up by the reality of their response , it's not always so ,appearances can be deceptive !

Heather