What the thread found

• A plate can be attached to a head using a quick-release system with a Ronford wedge plate as the base component.
• The Cat Griller is a mounting adapter that attaches to a Ronford quick-release plate and provides tapped holes for securing a camera plate, functioning as a simplified version of a full donkey box without pan-tilt adjustment capability.
• Weight reduction of a base plate through material removal typically yields minimal savings of around 100 grams even with significant machining.
• The Cat Griller can be specified with Kip Lock mechanisms, though some operators prefer to omit this feature as it may interfere with other equipment.
• A quick-release system with a short arm and small clamp can support a mounted rig when properly configured.
• Quick-release mounting systems are not necessary for continuous use and may be reserved for specific operational needs where faster transitions are required.

Depends on

• Discussion centers on specific operator preferences and individual rig configurations rather than universal best practices.
• Some claims about structural integrity of mounting solutions were challenged and left unresolved.
• The Cat Griller was discussed as an alternative option but not universally adopted as superior to other quick-release approaches.
• Weight considerations were noted as not being a limiting factor for certain operators.
• Opinions were expressed about the ergonomic and operational advantages of different mounting speeds without consensus.

Parts

Donkey Box, Base Plate

Same gear or parts

1. 2026Swapping the camera between tripod and rig: the cheapest upgrade most operators never makeOperator practice
2. 2026Swapping an ARRI ALEXA 35 between tripod/studio and Steadicam® mounting: baseplate choice and fastest workflow.FacebookSteadicam operators group
3. 2026Operating a Steadicam® Zephyr without Volt: drop time, horizon control, and the effect of upper-rig weight distribution on balance.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
4. 2026Camera adapter plates and stabilizer mounting systems to keep in a steadicam operator kitGeneral Discussion