Anyone made an L bracket similar to RRS?

And clamp?

At the prices they charge for the complete system, has anyone (that meaning woodworker or home metal worker) made a similar system?

Kirk has them too.

Anyone with machinst skills and access to the proper machine tools should be able to make one without any problem.

I once had my son-in-law make me some repacement RC2 plates out of aluminum because I was too cheap to buy them. Even though I don't use them anymore, they are still totally functional.

There's a very good reason the plates and clamps cost what they do. You have to consider design, prototype manufacturing, materials cost, and volume production set-up, including programming the CNC machines that I'm sure turn these out in volume.

Giottos has an L-bracket

Giottos has a generic L-bracket for about sixty-five bucks. It is not as slick as the RRS bracket but seems that it would be fully functional. Besides being cheaper, it could be used with a variety of cameras.

http://www.adorama.com …fo=giottos%20VR​&item_no=1

I prefer the RRS model and bought mine for about $80 used on eBay. There is really little that can go wrong with an L-Plate so I had no problems purchasing one used. They are often found in the Tripod/Monopod area of eBay.

By the way, manfrotto also provides a generic L-plate for their RC-2 quick release system.

http://www.adorama.com …to%20L%20plate&​item_no=40

These RRS L-brackets are so ridiculously expensive. I'm surprised there's no Chinese-made knockoff on the market. I don't do fleaBay, but may check it out...

Ball4 wrote in post #5770403
These RRS L-brackets are so ridiculously expensive. I'm surprised there's no Chinese-made knockoff on the market. I don't do fleaBay, but may check it out...

Look into the costs of developing and then machining them and you'll have your answer. Any Chinese version would be cast, and I wouldn't use that. I own both RRS and Kirk brackets and IMO they are worth every penny...of the used prices I paid They really are fine pieces of equipment.

Ball4 wrote in post #5770403
These RRS L-brackets are so ridiculously expensive. I'm surprised there's no Chinese-made knockoff on the market. I don't do fleaBay, but may check it out...

You get what you pay for. I can rest assured that my RRS and Kirk L-brackets won't fail and will be still be fine twenty years from now. Buy it once, and it'll last you a long time. Chinese knockoffs are cheap for a reason...its amazing what a good coat of paint can hide.

argyle wrote in post #5771219
You get what you pay for. I can rest assured that my RRS and Kirk L-brackets won't fail and will be still be fine twenty years from now. Buy it once, and it'll last you a long time. Chinese knockoffs are cheap for a reason...its amazing what a good coat of paint can hide.

Yes, they are certainly cheap for a reason, but L-brackets do not require precision engineering such as ballheads. They can easily be manufactured at a very low cost in China. Use quality materials, beef up on the QC and I bet you could sell it for half the RRS/Kirk price and make a handsome profit. And of course, lay off the leaded paint.

Ball4 wrote in post #5771628
Yes, they are certainly cheap for a reason, but L-brackets do not require precision engineering such as ballheads. They can easily be manufactured at a very low cost in China. Use quality materials, beef up on the QC and I bet you could sell it for half the RRS/Kirk price and make a handsome profit. And of course, lay off the leaded paint.

All presuming you could get any volume out of it - and you can't. Each bracket is designed for a particular body. None of these are any high volume for sure.

So far, what I have seen of knock off ballheads from China - you'd want to run the other way very fast.

You seem to have all the answers. I'm impressed. Why don't you whip out few protos and get some mfg set up off shore. We'd be happy to take a look at them and tell you want we think. If they are any good you might even sell a few.

J.

i have a RRS L bracket that i do not use if anyone is interested.
its for a 10d with grip. fits perfect, nice finish. make me an offer :]

JohnJ80 wrote in post #5772994
All presuming you could get any volume out of it - and you can't. Each bracket is designed for a particular body. None of these are any high volume for sure.

So far, what I have seen of knock off ballheads from China - you'd want to run the other way very fast.

You seem to have all the answers. I'm impressed. Why don't you whip out few protos and get some mfg set up off shore. We'd be happy to take a look at them and tell you want we think. If they are any good you might even sell a few.

J.

You seem to be an authority in this matter. If I come across a prototype, I'll be sure to send you a complimentary one for your blessing.

Ball4 wrote in post #5773250
You seem to be an authority in this matter. If I come across a prototype, I'll be sure to send you a complimentary one for your blessing.

Matter of fact, I am. Thank you for the offer.

J.

Ball4 wrote in post #5771628
Yes, they are certainly cheap for a reason, but L-brackets do not require precision engineering such as ballheads.

I disagree. I've had two RRS L brackets (for a 350D and my current 40D). Both are precision pieces and not just a chunk of metal with a few crude holes drilled. The bracket itself has to be precision cut so that it fits correct when it is mounted on the camera and when it is in the clamp. All the holes and access points have to be positioned correctly on the bracket and have the correct size so that they are functional. I'm glad I got these and not cheap knock-offs.

They are losing money in the long run. I'd buy one of their Wedding Pro flash brackets for $150 if the damned BRACKET didn't cost an additional $140!