Acratech 2176 Quick Release Plate for Olympus EP1, EP2, EPL1

2013-03-02T19:00:00

The Acratech 2176 is a small semi-fitted made in America arca plate, designed to fit the Olympus E-P1, E-PL1, E-P2 and E-P3. The big deal over a generic design is the anti-twist plate, preventing turning under heavy loads. The E-P3 tripod socket is located near the battery latch, hence the offset bolt slot on this plate, allowing battery and card access without removing the plate. I call it semi-fitted because, although it exactly covers the 32mm thick bottom of my E-P3, the long slot allows you to adjust bolt placement for use on other small cameras with a similar battery door placement. The quality and attention to detail is impressive. First, it is machined and not cast. The satin black anodized finish is almost too good and I hate to scratch it! Also, this is the lightest QR plate I have seen: Acratech milled out every extra gram of unneeded aluminum. Although extensively milled, the corners and edges are butter smooth and will never snag clothing or camera bags. Milling out the extra aluminum also means there is nowhere to put a 1/4 inch tripod thread, a handy feature for monopods and table top tripods lacking Arca QR. Finally, the plate is long enough and positioned so, when I sit the E-P3 and 17mm F1.8 down, the camera does not tilt but, instead, sits stable and perfectly balanced on the plate. The mounting bolt is not captured (no retaining ring) and needs a hex wrench (Allen) to install (included). However the plate is so small and light I will probably never remove it. It fits perfectly in all my clamps, including my Really Right Stuff B2-Pro, Hejnar Photo, Desmond and Sunwayfoto clamps. The problem with small cameras is they tend to be smooth and hard to grip, and somehow the 2176 bolted to the bottom of my E-P3 made it easier and more secure to hold. Yes, you can buy an offshore generic for half the price, but to me the anti-twist lip, impeccable workmanship (go USA!) and ultra light build are worth the extra twenty bucks.

PETER F.

2013-02-28T19:00:00

The Acratech 2176 is a small semi-fitted made in America arca plate, designed to fit the Olympus E-P1, E-PL1, E-P2 and E-P3. The big deal over a generic design is the anti-twist plate, preventing turning under heavy loads. The E-P3 tripod socket is located near the battery latch, hence the offset bolt slot on this plate, allowing battery and card access without removing the plate. I call it semi-fitted because, although it exactly covers the 32mm thick bottom of my E-P3, the long slot allows you to adjust bolt placement for use on other small cameras with a similar battery door placement. The quality and attention to detail is impressive. First, it is machined and not cast. The satin black anodized finish is almost too good and I hate to scratch it! Also, this is the lightest QR plate I have seen: Acratech milled out every extra gram of unneeded aluminum. Although extensively milled, the corners and edges are butter smooth and will never snag clothing or camera bags. Finally, the plate is long enough and positioned so, when I sit the E-P3 and 17mm F1.8 down, the camera does not tilt but, instead, sits stable and perfectly balanced on the plate. The mounting bolt is not captured (no retaining ring) and needs a hex wrench (Allen) to install (included). However the plate is so small and light I will probably never remove it. It fits perfectly in all my clamps, including my Really Right Stuff B2-Pro, Hejnar Photo, Desmond and Sunwayfoto clamps. The problem with small cameras is they tend to be smooth and hard to grip, and somehow the 2176 bolted to the bottom of my E-P3 made it easier and more secure to hold. Yes, you can buy an offshore generic for half the price, but to me the anti-twist lip, impeccable workmanship (go USA!) and ultra light build are worth the extra twenty bucks.

PETER F.