Well I finally completed the lever quick release clamp. So I have attatched a couple of quick snaps. Workshop is an even bigger tip than when I did the shot of the lever, and I will have to have a serious tidy before getting out the flash kit for some decent pics
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A couple changes from my origional sketch. The jaw alignment is now maintained by two hardened steel pins rather than the cut step (far greater accuracy of jaw alignment). A single 3/8 unc head fixing point rather than a 1/4 and 3/8 as origionally envisaged. Addition of safety stops on the release plate. ( Belt and braces job as the lever clamp is very effective, in fact probably stonger than the more normal screw fit, but a bit of extra safety as the clamp is released allowing the camera plate to float. )
The lever clamp allows the jaws to open and clear the plate so there is bags of clearence when unlocked and the camera can be brought straight down on to the clamp surface. When used on a monopod the lever can be operated easily by the thumb from full open to closed in a single sweep without needing to move the hand position. Similarly to dissmount the camera, so really quick and easy in operation.
Am I chuffed ? Well you've got to believe it. So chuffed in fact, I am now looking for more aluminium, to make another to save swapping this one between monopod and tripod.
Further thoughts for ver2, not a requirement for my style as I never carry the camera mounted on a tripod, but for the ultimate in pickiness I may look at a detent stop for the lever (self locking) so it cannot possibly be accidentally released.
Don