Im almost embarrassed to ask....

[Eyelikedurt]

...but what is this? What does it do? And why cant i get it off? It's not allowing me to fix my camera to the quick release plate...somewhat annoying.

Can anyone help?

[SkipD]

That pin is probably for movie cameras. It prevents the camera from shifting around on the quick release plate. It should be removable by unscrewing it. Look at the bottom of the plate for more clues as to how to remove it. You may need a tool to grab it tightly enough to unscrew it.

[Eyelikedurt]

Thanks, it looks like it should unscrew actually. I'll attack it with a 'driver.

Cheers!

[Woolburr]

If it is the plastic piece...just grab it with a pair of pliers and give it a yank...it will pop right out...it is a locator pin for gear that has built in anti-twist features. Most gear doesn't have it....so pop the pin and be happy. The plastic pins will not unscrew.

[Bill Roberts]

On some cameras (video I think) you will find a plain hole adjacent to the threaded one on the bottom of the camera and the part that you've marked would fit into that. You won't find this on your 350D so you can safely remove it. They usually just screws out or pushes out with a screwdriver or something. If not then just cut it off with a pair of cutters, you'll never need it.

Bill

[Eyelikedurt]

Cheers folks...i shall embark on 'tripod surgery' as soon as i find the appropriate tools. I knew i could rely on you guys ;)

[lilmill]

remove the quick release and that piece should just push right out. Or use pliers and pull it off.

[bolantej]

if it is plastic, just torch it and it should melt away like butter. wait...don't do that. :)

[Jon]

As Skip said - it unscrews easily. Haven't seen an RC2 plate that had a plastic, or push-in, alignment pin, although they all have threaded holes for it, even if they don't have the actual pin.

[Double Negative]

It's for video cameras. Unscrew it, smash it, whatever... You won't need it. ;)

Some QR plates make it easy to remove (Giottos = screw, spring, pin) while others are more difficult, requiring more "unique" removal methods.