Tripod threads in the bottom of cameras and other devices are usually pretty solid. I’ve got cameras that are decades old that still have perfectly functional ones. But, I’ve also had a couple of adapters and gadgets where they haven’t survived so well. Quality control isn’t what it once was, and the number of devices containing 1/4-20″ sockets has soared compared to only a few years ago. So, failures are far more likely these days. Repairs like this can be a pain. If you can’t connect your camera to your tripod, slider, gimbal or other support system, you’re screwed. Sending to a service centre for repair can be costly and take a few weeks to get your gear back. Fortunately, filmmaker Tom Antos has put up a video to show us how we can repair our own using a readily available DIY tripod screw repair kit.
Of course, you still always have the option of sending your kit to a repair centre, but this is a much faster and less expensive option. If you’re not technically inclined, and you have backup equipment in the meantime, it may still make sense for some of you to send your gear off for an official fix. For me, though, I think I’ll order one of those repair kits to keep in a drawer. Then it’s always handy, just in case I ever need it. Again, though, it’s still something I’ve yet to experience personally, but it’s probably only a matter of time.
It could also be handy if you’re building your own camera. Building your own medium and large format cameras can be fun, and this could be a great way to add a tripod mount to the bottom. The repair kit itself can be had for around $20-25 online and you can buy it here. Have you had tripod threads strip from the bottom of cameras? What caused it? Did you repair it yourself or send it away to be fixed? Have you used this kit to add a tripod thread to something that didn’t already have one? Let us know in the comments.
