SUNWAYFOTO DDC-26 26mm Screw Knob Clamp Arca Compatible 1/4" Sunway AD

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First blush: This is an elegant solution to my problem. I needed a simple Arca-Swiss-standard quick-release (QR) plate clamp to position on my Giottos MH 1004 mini-ball head.As others have said, this Sunwayfoto product is solidly built and nicely finished. It is actually a little under 26mm wide (ergo the DDC-26 model number); it's closer to 25mm. That's OK, since I was looking for something both small and light for international travel, and this is the narrowest-lightest high-quality clamp I've found (well, there's the Kirk QRC-1, not available here, $40 at B&H Photo). Even though it is this narrow it boasts two tension springs, one on each margin of the sliding screw clamp. It also lacks a safety-lock mechanism, but I knew that when I ordered it; I will just have to be careful when I use it.Now, I WILL have to do some minor customizing, and I mention this in case others in the market for this product are contemplating using it on the MH-1004 (or equiv.). The 1/4" threaded post on my mini-ball is 13mm long. Leaving the black metal-and-plastic disk (Giottos #MH 320) in place does not allow the post to thread far enough into the DDC-26 socket for my peace of mind (less than one full turn), so to use the DDC-26 I will be taking off the threaded disk. However, this means the MH-1004 post now is too long (by 3-4mm); it sticks up through the bottom of the QR clamp and interferes with my QR plate attachment screw. So, ...I'll be looking for a combo of nut and/or washers to make up the difference of 3-4mm. Probably stainless steel. I'm looking at YOU, Ace Hardware.I haven't used it "in the field" yet, but I can't see any reason this device won't give me just what I wanted: An inexpensive way to turn my MH-1004 into an Arca-Swiss-ready QR ball head! Upside: I no longer will have to spin on my monopod while trying NOT to wrap my camera strap around the monopod in the process. Just slide the QR plate into the clamp and tighten. Sweet!!Of course, if you are planning to use the included screw to attach the DDC-26 to an internally-threaded ball head post (using the included hex key), your mileage may vary.<<< Update 11 Nov 2012 >>> Ace Hardware indeed had a great variety of stainless steel hardware. I got a fender washer with an ID that was a tiny bit too small for my MH 1004 post, and a hex nut (total thickness, about 6mm). When I got these home, I drilled out the washer's ID to a true .25". I like that the fender washer has a much larger OD than a normal washer (about 22mm). (Also, the normal 1/4" stainless washers they had boasted an ID larger than .25" - so it fit loose on the post.) The kludge works perfectly, and doesn't look too shabby.

I own Arca clamps from several companies--RRS, Kirk, Hejnar, Desmond--and now Sunwayfoto. The 60mm clamps live on my big tripods. The small clamps like the DDC-26 are ideal for assorted tasks like table top tripods, flash units, camera straps and audio recorders. I own another similar sized clamp, a USA made Kirk 1-inch clamp ( Kirk Enterprises 1'' Quick Release Clamp ), and I'll use it as a point of comparison.The Kirk and DDC-26 are the same size, measuring 25.5mm in my caliper. The Kirk is lighter and sports a sealed jaw train compared to the visible innards of the DDC-26 (jaws open). Not an issue unless you shoot in blowing sand or water. The DDC-26 is prettier with a semi-matte finish, white logo and metric scale. The Kirk is Goth flat black with no visible markings whatsoever. However, the Goth finish is more scratch resistant. The large (22mm) and finely aluminum DDC-26 knob wins in the looks department but the rubberized Kirk knob has a more secure grip, especially with wet fingers. Finally, the Kirk jaw movement is silky smooth whereas the Sunwayfoto is slightly stiff. If you're using a clamp to secure a strap to your camera, the stiffer clamp is a better choice since it has less chance of accidental release.The bottom of the DDC-26 has two large grooves with the 1/4" female thread centered between them. The grooves are used for anti-twist bosses or keys when mounted on matching ball stems or to mate with another small clamp with appropriate bosses. The reason the boss grooves are in a cross pattern is so you can stack and mount the clamp perpendicular to another clamp. In contrast, the Kirk's bottom is a simple flat surface with a single 1/4 female thread (no grooves for bosses/keys). The DDC-26 mounts best on ball stems with bosses (e.g., RRS BH-25). If you wish to convert a 490 series Manfrotto ball head to AS, you need this adapter:  Boss Adapter / Bogen / Manfrotto Tripod Head . Using this adapter, I was able to mount the DDC-26 on the ball stem of an old Manfrotto 492 and use it for holding LED video lights.Finally, my Kirk, Really Right Stuff, Acratech and, of course, Sunwayfoto plates all fit fine in this clamp. They can be top loaded or slid in if you omit the safety stop screws.For $30 you get precision fit and finish and a lot of clamp value for your buck. It's great for small loads and is another useful tool in my camera bag. Kirk Enterprises 1'' Quick Release ClampBoss Adapter / Bogen / Manfrotto Tripod Head

Ich nutze die Kupplung zusammen mit meinem Sun-Sniper Rotaball pro und der EOS 90D. Der Gurt ist sehr schön, leider ist durch die feste Verschraubung der Wechsel auf das Stativ sehr umständlich. Mit dieser Kupplung konnte das unkompliziert gelöst werden. Nach der Befestigung sitzt alles bombensicher.

Looking for a small Arca Swiss style clamp? Look no further! The value of this clamp tops the chart for how much I paid for it. I was and am a loyal customer of Arca Swiss and Really Right Stuff for years. But, for not so key applications, I ventured to use this tiny clamp from Sunwayfoto made in China at half the cost RRS asks for. The clamp was perfect in every way. First off, the package was professional. Then, the all metal (aluminum) construction from the surface is a close second to Arca Swiss to my eyes. And, it does not look cheap! The form factor is just right.As I was making my DIY version of Rapid Strap with a native clamp for Arca Swiss style plates, I worked this clamp with my power drill and tools and found the clamp has more than a good look. It is rugged!! I am glad that Sunwayfoto did not go cheap like its low end competitors to use rubber on its knob. The grip design on the knob of this tiny clamp doesn't feel slippery with my greasy hands while I was working on it.All in all, a well made clamp for low load purposes. And the included hex key and countersunk screw were embedded in the cut foam package along side with clamp. The packaging just makes it look expansive. What a smart move for a low price point brand/product. I highly recommend it.