Abstract: A motion picture camera head tie-down device and method for securing a motion picture camera head to a camera mount, such as the Mitchell mount. The camera head tie-down device includes a first disk concentrically attached to a second disk. The first disk is contoured to receive a motion picture camera head and the second disk has a plurality of radially extending grooves. A rotatable knob having a spiral thread on a flat surface is positioned such that the spiral thread engages with threads on retractable jaws that are mounted in the grooves of the second disk. A threaded screw passes through the central bores of the first disk, the second disk, and the knob and into a tapped hole in the motion picture camera head. To secure the camera head to the camera mount, the knob is rotated to extend the jaws for engagement with the camera mount.

Abstract: A tabletop tripod is disclosed. The tripod has a base with a cavity defined in one side thereof, a stationary leg fixedly mounted on the base, two pivoting legs pivotally mounted on the base each having a driving means engaging each other received in the cavity of the base and an equipment base with a threaded stud extending upwardly therefrom pivotally mounted on the base to attach a camera. In such an arrangement, the two pivoting legs can be opened up simultaneously to make using the tripod more convenient.

Abstract: A tripod, in particular a mini tripod for mounting lockably a photographic apparatus, includes a platform, a base, and a plurality of legs. The joint between the platform and the base serves as a pivot whereby the platform can perform deviation within a limited distance. A through hole is provided to go through from one lateral side of the base to the other lateral side. An axial block 44 is fitted into one end of the through hole 21 for abutting a corresponding surface of the platform. The other end of the through hole is provided with a nut receiving recess and a left clutch receiving recess for receiving a nut and a left clutch, respectively. A right clutch is provided on a corresponding side of the platform. A rotary knob having a screw rod passes through the platform to screwably join the right clutch, the left clutch, and the nut. The rotary knob is turnable to drive the screw rod into the base so that the teeth of the left and right clutches inter-engage to achieve firm positioning of the platform.