Things That Just Work; Sunwayfoto 1/4" x 20 Tripod Bolt To Arca-Swiss Clamp Adapter

"Sunwayfoto DDC-26 Screw Knob Clamp Arca Compatible 1/4" (press photos)

I have two tabletop tripods each of which have a traditional 1/4" x 20 bolt at the top that bolts into the bottom of a camera.  However, I use Arca-Swiss compatible L-Plates with all of my cameras.  I had no way to easily attach my cameras to my tabletop tripods unless I first removed the L-Plate.  If I did that, the issue then became not being able to satisfactorily make vertical images due to the offset of the camera and lens versus the center of the tripod.  I was not happy with the stability.  What to do?

I found and purchased two of these narrow Sunwayfoto DDC-26 adapters that convert the traditional screw mount tripod head to an Arca-Swiss compatible clamp.  I've now used both extensively over the past year and they both "just work" and work well.  I bought mine through Amazon for about $25 US.  You can find it listed here.

The DDC-26s are machined aircraft aluminum (according to the manufacturer), well made, sturdy and do everything I've asked them to do.  The clamp fits my L-Plates perfectly and I don't worry about my cameras not being secure.  Also, the clamping mechanism has never loosened on its own.

This adapter can also be found in a much wider dimension  for full size tripods, but this narrow one is exactly what I needed for my small table top tripods.

I found that when attaching the DDC-26 to the Gitzo G0011 tripod with this small Manfrotto 3009 ball head, the tripod bolt would protrude too far up into the adapter.  Easy solution.  I added a small flat washer and a lock washer that allows me to fully tighten it and lock the adapter in place with the bolt at the proper height.  Works perfectly.

With the Manfrotto tripod the adapter fit just fine.  

Here is how they look on both my tabletop tripods.

Both adapters perform admirably and are secure but I can remove them if necessary.  

What's not to like?  An inexpensive item that works as expected.  Perfect!

Just FYI and sharing what I find helpful with all of you.

DISCLAIMER: I don't have any affiliation with Sunwayfoto, Amazon, Manfrotto, Gitzo or any other company.  I pay for all my gear just as you do and get nothing for writing about what I find has worked well for me.

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Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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