Dodgy tripod thread on Fed-1?

[Nickfed]

I have just bought a new tripod with a 1/4-20 screw. I have lost my 3/8>1/4 adapter so I bought two new ones. The adapters will not fit flush in the camera or even the screw in the case. There appears to be a bit of surplus metal in the camera bush but the case screw goes in just like it ought to. I filed the top of an adapter down and it now goes into the case screw OK but it needs more to go into the camera and if I do that, the slot will be gone.

There is film in the camera so I cannot strip the base assembly yet.

Has anybody else had this problem? I know this isn't really what FED-1s are all about, but I may need it and I like all the bases covered. I do the odd (gasp!) digital panorama and the FED may be called into the front line one day.....

 

[Bob L]

I Had the same problem with both of my Fed's, I ground the threaded side of the bushing's , you only have to take a small amount off to get the bushing to fit flush. There is only a smal amount of thread in the base of the camera and that is why the bushing will not go all the way in without grinding.

 

[Nickfed]

Thanks

I'm still not sure if all is kosher. The adapter I filed back actually goes in all the way if I insert it upside-down! Because the top of the tripod actually swings a camera away from the centre axis when you shoot vertical, I will probably make up a bracket to hold the camera and use a 3/8" bolt. This is what I have to do with the main tripod anyway.