Velbon SPT-1 - Add rod support?

[QuickHitRecord]

Does anyone have any experience incorporating a 15mm rod system into the Velbon SPT-1 without getting too bulky or too expensive?

[QuickHitRecord]

I posted this months ago but only just came figured out a simple solution:

[img]http://www.eoshd.com/comments/uploads/gallery/album_14/gallery_18451_14_57990.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.eoshd.com/comments/uploads/gallery/album_14/gallery_18451_14_641.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.eoshd.com/comments/uploads/gallery/album_14/gallery_18451_14_43570.jpg[/img]

Here is the part that you need to buy: [url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/270941674813"]http://www.ebay.com/itm/270941674813[/url]

Specifically this one because the center groove on the top shelf is long enough to cover two of the three Velbon mounting holes located on the bottom of the main assembly. You could do it with a cheaper one (there are many out there, just search for "DSLR base plate"), but you probably will not get full hole coverage and you may have twisting issues.

I also put two screws in the Manfrotto quick release plate to prevent twisting (I have been doing that a lot lately). Now it easily slides into any Manfrotto fluid head with no chance of twisting.

I took out the adjustable-height riser and re-bolted it together so that it would be more compact, but you can always leave it in if you want to.

This method is useful for putting a matte box in front of a Lomo square front, a Hypergonar HiFi-2, or any oversized lens. You could also mount a follow focus to use with your lens while keeping the ease-of-use afforded by the Velbon.

I hope that this is helpful to someone.

[Julian]

Thanks! I'm using the SPT-1, no need for rods right now, but If I do I know what I should get :)