Benro PC1 & PC0 Panorama Clamps and Applications

In 2010, Benro started to produce the product line of panorama equipments, such as panning clamps, nodal slides and right-angled nodal plates. Up to now, the product line becomes more and more mature.

In this article, we will focus on the panorama panning clamps PC1 and PC0, and their applications together with other Benro equipments.

The following is the official specifications of the two panning clamps, PC1 is larger and with higher loading capacity. Whereas PC0 is more portable.

Let's go more in-depth, starting with the general structure of the clamps.

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General Structure - PC1

Package content of PC1, a 6mm screw stud is included for connecting Benro ball head.

Side view

Back view, Arca-Swiss style dovetail plate is attached.

Close up, center hole for placing stud.

General Structure - PC0

Package content of PC0, one 6mm screw stud is included for connecting Benro ball head.

Side view

Back view, Arca-Swiss style dovetail plate is attached.

Close-up, spirit bubble level.

Attaching to Ball Head - Method 1

Compatibility: Ball Heads in Arca-Swiss quick release standard (i.e. not limited to Benro heads).

The dovetail plates on both PC1 and PC0 make the clamps be Arca-Swiss compatible. In this section, we use PC1 and Benro B2 ball head as the demonstration, the procedure is fairly simple:

Mount the dovetail QR plate (at the bottom of PC1) onto the QR clamp of B2

Done!

Advantage

Simple and fast operation. Besides, the ball head can easily be reverted back normally.

Shortcoming

Relatively bulky.

Attaching to Ball Head - Method 2

Compatibility: Benro Ball Heads (Or other ball heads with 6mm center screw stud diameter, please make sure yourself.)

This installation method requires removing the dovetail plate under the panning clamp, removing the QR clamp on the Benro ball head, and then connecting them with the screw stud provided. The procedure is more complicated than the method 1, but it will result in a less bulky and more accurate unit. Here we use PC1 and Benro B2 ball head as the demonstration:

Remove the dovetail plate on the back side of PC1, using the hex key.

Detach the QR clamp on the B2 ball head.

Very import note

In the current batches (2011 and on) of all Benro ball heads, the screw studs are glued very tightly by the manufacturer, and it is nearly impossible to remove it by users with the hex key. So if you are planning to separate the QR clamp like the one in the photos, please ask your supplier to loosen it for you before purchasing. Please don't do it yourself, otherwise you will get your hex key bent, or even make scratches on the ball head.

Our eBay store provides the service for free, please contact us. :-)

Okay, let's continue.

Both the QR clamp and dovetail plates have been removed, ready to combine.

Close up - base PC1 after removing the QR dovetail plate.
The shape is tailored for Benro Ball Heads.

Close up - tip of ball head after removing the QR clamp.
The shape is tailored for PC1 / PC0.

With the help of hex key, using the 6mm screw stud (come with the clamp) to connect the two components.

Done!

Close up - PC1 and B2 are connected directly.

Advantage

• Clean, less bulky and more accurate combination.
• If you are planning to use the Benro ball head desperately (or most frequently) for panorama shooting, it is the recommended arrangement.

Shortcoming

• More complicated installation procedures.
• Time consuming to revert back the ball head. (Anyway,  the modification is non-destructive, just time consuming.)
• Important: The screw stud on the ball head is glued and very hard to loosen, you need to ask your supplier to loosen it before purchasing.

Demonstration - Single Row Panorama

Gear list

• Panorama Panning Clamp * 1 (here we use PC1)
• Nodal Rail with integrated clamp * 1 (here we use Benro MPB20)
• Ball Head * 1 (here we use B2 ball head)
• Quick Release Plate  * 1 (here we use PU60)

Components for Single Row Panorama

Done!

Please note the nodal rail (MPB20) is for adjusting the lens distance, so as to make the nodal point of the lens in line with the center axis of the panorama clamp.

Demonstration - Multi-Rows Panorama

Gear List

• Panorama Panning Clamp * 2 (here we use PC1 and PC0 one each)
• Ball Head * 1 (here we use B2 ball head)
• Right-angled Rail * 1 (here we use Benro MPB180T)
• Nodal Rail with integrated clamp * 1 (Sorry, we missed the rail in the photo, it's recommended to use Benro MPB20 as the section of "single row panorama".)
• Screws, Stud and hex keys

Components for Multi-Rows Panorama.
Nodal Rail is missed in the photo, sorry!

Close up of Benro MPB180T Rail
Horizontal dovetail: being clamped on PC1
Vertical arm: for mounting PC0

PC0 is mounted on the vertical arm of MPB180T

PC0 is mounted on the vertical arm of MPB180T
(back side)

Done!
Setup for Multi-Rows Panorama.

Sorry, we've missed to add the MPB20 nodal rail onto the vertical panning clamp (here is the PC0). It's needed for adjusting the lens distance, so as to make the nodal point of the lens in line with the center axis of the panorama clamp.

Conclusion

Hope the article helps you get more understanding about the Benro panorama clamps (PC1 & PC0) and their applications together with other gears.

Panorama shooting is becoming more popular, it's believed that Benro will continue to release new products for the niche, we will share the news with you in the future.

Thank you for reading. I hope you find the article useful. :-) 

Disclaimer DC-PHOTO-REVIEW is a technical blog channel focusing on Photography Equipments, running by D. CHAN from Hong Kong. All rights reserved, and no unauthorized usage permitted. Welcome to visit our eBay store to purchase: eBay ID: dc-photo-stuff eBay Store URL: http://stores.ebay.com/id=896782438 I run online business and technical blog to support my growing family. If you find this blog is useful, the biggest help is to purchase your gears from our eBay store. Help me help you!  :-)