Xpan base plate, central mount mod. alteration needed

[njrfotografia]

Hi all
Quick question, is there any highly recommended tripod base mounts for the Xpan II, which have the tripod mount in the centre of the base to hold the camera central on the tripod head, rather than to the side like how the Xpans built in tripod mount holds the camera...
I know there is this one available but is so pricey
http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-kirk-l-bracket-for-hasselblad-xpan-and-xpan-ii/p1006350
So was wondering if there are any simple diy methods of making one for myself? Or if there are any others available to buy?
I live in the UK fyi for materials and buying options.
Cheers
njrfo†ografia

 

[ruby.monkey]

Would Nikon's AH-2 or AH-3 tripod adapters fit as-is, or be adaptable?

 

[andrewmore]

I made one using an old flash bracket bar (the sort of junk item you find in the oddments bins at Camera Fairs or in the clearance second-hand bin in the more switched on camera shops) to get the central hole stuck onto a block of wood. The block of wood has a hole behind the central hole of the flash bar so that the tripod stud can go through the flash bar. The block of wood (which some some stick on felt on the top to protect the bottom of the camera) has a hole in the end that has a 1/4" BSW screw through it so that I can connect the block to the base of the camera. The screw thread for tripod mounts is supposed to be 1/4" x 20 tpi UNC, but 1/4" BSW matches perfectly and is easier to find in the UK. Some time I'll re-built this using some aluminium section from Wickes that is a shallow 'L' section that will stop the camera from rotating about the end screw. All the sort of thing that can be built using readily available bits and pieces from hardware stores. If you have a small milling machine and/or a lathe you could have endless fun making an adaptor. With the rise of CAD and 3D printers you could probably get something made up in plastic or use the plastic widget so created to make aluminium castings.

Regards

Andrew More