Abstract: An adapter, for use with items such as cameras and camera accessories, the adapter having a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion configured to receive and engage with a clamp stud of an item to be connected to the adapter, the upper portion including a platform assembly configured to attach to another item above the adapter, wherein the lower portion includes a stud catch mechanism, and wherein the stud catch mechanism is adapted to be connected to the clamp stud when the stud catch mechanism is in an engaged state and to be not connected to the clamp stud when the stud catch mechanism is in a disengaged state, the stud catch mechanism having one or more stud catch plates adapted to be moveable into and away from the recess of the clamp stud in use.