Abstract: A camera mounting and quick release mechanism includes a stationary base plate and cover plate, with a movable cam plate captured between them. The base plate includes a first clamping flange extending upward along one side, a spring-loaded lock pin movable into and out of the base plate, and an actuating spring to urge the cam plate in a clamping position. The base plate and cover plate together support cam pins which extend through the cam plate. The cam plate is movable between a clamping position and a release position, and include cam slots for engagement with the cam pins, a lock aperture for locking engagement with the lock pin when the cam plate is in its release position, and a second clamping flange movable with the cam plate relative to the first clamping flange for releasable engagement with a camera dovetail base.