Saturday 14 September 2013

iShoot Quick Release Plate for Fujifilm X-Pro 1

Personally I think that the biggest X-Pro1 design flaw is its tripod mount. It is off the center and too close to battery/memory card compartment. I am using tripod often and prefer to have a standard Arca Swiss quick release plate permanently attached to the camera, but with X-Pro 1 the plate blocks direct access to battery/memory compartment and that's really annoying.
Almost immediately after getting X-Pro1 I bought the Gariz half case (my review is here) and the issue was resolved. I was one happy camper until XF 55-200 has arrived.


Gariz case protected the camera body while providing full access to battery/memory card even with the quick release plate attached.


The setup was sturdy enough for tripod work with small, light weight lenses. But with the heavier tele photo lens it became less than perfect. No matter how much I tried to tighten loose screws  the camera always made that "nose dive" when it was mounted on a tripod. My only option was to attach the plate directly to the camera. After reading positive reviews on the net I decided to go with iShoot L-plate and ordered "Metal Quick Release Plate/Camera Handle for Fujifilm Fuji X-PRO1&Tripod Ballhead" for $69 from eBay.
Two weeks later the package with pre-assembled L-plate + grip has arrived. I couldn't find any allen keys, but instead, a little storage bag was included:)


iShoot combo is light and yet sturdy, very well made with excellent finish. It consists of thee parts: base plate, L-plate and the grip (handle). You can easy re-assemble it (with your own allen keys of course) to your liking and use just as the base plate or as the base plate and the grip. The groves on the base and L-plate are standard Arca-Swiss compatible.


Excellent design, it blends with X-Pro1naturally and fits the camera perfectly and secure. Very sturdy. And yet, you still have an easy access to batter/memory card and USB/HDMI ports.



But I didn't like the L-plate. Yes, it is very convenient for "vertical frame" shooters  but adds an unnecessary bulk.
Since the majority of my pictures are in landscape orientation I removed it and put into the supplied pouch. I can always put it back in seconds when I really need it. That's how the camera looks with the L-plate removed.


I am not big fan of large grips, but this one seems like a right size for me. Not too big, not too small. It feels comfortable and adds more support for the camera.



After couple days of using iShoot (just base plate with grip) I have to say that I like it. It is well made, doesn't add too much weight/bulk and very sturdy when camera is mounted on a tripod.

Thanks,
vkphoto

2 comments:

  1. Do you have any idea of the weight? Thank for the great review.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, it's very light, I think the weight is about 130g

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