Abstract: This invention relates to a tripod in which the ends of each pair of legs are connected by elastic means to prevent the bending of the legs.

Abstract: An adaptor for tripods which can be used for close up photography, low angle photography, and for supporting cameras or lights. The adaptor has first and second sliders movably clamped on a leg of a tripod. A handle is pivotably mounted to the first slider and pivots between a first position bridging the first and second sliders and a second position extending outwardly from the tripod leg. A threaded screw on the free end of the handle opposite the pivoted end can secure the free end of the handle to the second slider when the handle is in the first position. The threaded screw permits mounting of cameras or accessories when the handle is in the second position.

Abstract: A camera pan head having a precise tilt tension control. The camera pan head is comprised of a L-shaped camera supporting plate rotatably attached to a post on a swivel block rotatably mounted on a tripod. The support plate is a spring biased friction plate and an adjustable cap-nut. Adjustment of the cap-nut adjusts the tilt tension on the friction plate.

Abstract: A rotary hot shoe mechanism in which the hot shoe can be rotated and enabled to select the direction of strobe light in a desired angle.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting devices such as a strobo, camera, tripod etc., in which only one button or operating lever is needed for engaging and fastening or disconnecting such devices. A stud is fixed on one part of the coupling wheel, the device, button or lever is provided on the other part of the coupling device. The stud on the first part is inserted into a center hole of the second part of the coupling device. By pushing or sliding the button or lever, a lock member engages or releases the stud. Fastening or releasing of devices to be connected is accomplished by rotating the button or lever.

Abstract: A camera supporting device for low angle or close-up photography in which a supporting member having a stay is attached to the lower end of the elevator of a tripod. The supporting member provides a camera mount on which the camera is stably and accurately supported at a low position near the ground in its normal upright position.

Abstract: A holding device for attaching a strobe grip to a camera bracket which comprises a first retainer with an insertion hole in the center, a lock lever, a locking slit, a clamp lever, and a second retainer with a central through-hole, arranged in the order described. The lock lever is controlled lengthwise by a locking spring and axially by a compression spring which presses on the side of the clamp lever. Opposed faces on the clamp lever and the second retainer have the shape of an inclined cam so that the clamp lever can be moved against the compression spring toward the strobe grip when turning the clamp lever in tightening direction. The second retainer is engaged by a jack so as to hold the jack, which has a convex rubber member in engagement with an annular rubber member on the second retainer. The camera bracket is provided with a pin having a head in the center for engagement with the locking slit.

Abstract: A tilting adjusting mechanism for a camera tripod makes it possible to change the direction of the operating handle either toward the right or toward the left according to whether the operator is a left handed person or a right handed person, thus permitting operation by the more skillful hand of both a right handed person and a left handed person.

Abstract: A coupling device comprising a retainer including a spring-loaded joint bar with a U-shaped controlling member, and two insertions each of which includes an insertion body having a recess and a guide slope and one of which has a coupling bolt.The stopper is attached to a stroboscope holder, while two insertions are attached to a bracket.One of the two insertions with the coupling bolt is mounted on a bottom part of the bracket through the nut, with a bolt which is attached to the bracket.The other of said two is mounted on a side part of the bracket.An operator can, easily and quickly, attach a bracket to a stroboscope holder, or detach the former to the latter, and besides, by using selectively one of the two insertions according the situation of a camera, he can hold a camera together with a stroboscope, in the case of using a camera vertically as well as in the case of using a camera horizontally.

Abstract: A coupling device comprises a retainer including a spring-loaded joint bar with a push rod perpendicular thereto, and an insertion including a solid body having a recess and a guide slope.The retainer is attached to a stroboscope holder, while the insertion is attached to a bracket.The insertion is easily and quickly connected with the retainer by inserting the solid body into the retainer.By a force which the joint bar receives from the solid body, the joint bar is caused to slide against a force of a spring along a guide slope until the joint bar falls in a recess, and the joint bar is engaged with the recess.On the other hand, the insertion is removed easily and quickly from the retainer merely by pushing the push rod until the engagement of the joint bar with the recess is released, and then pulling out the insertion from the retainer.