The ARCA-SWISS Classic camera plate, a component of the original ARCA-SWISS quick release system, was designed and patented by ARCA-SWISS in the 1950's.

With its original dovetail design, the Classic camera plate was precisely defined and matched the base of the ARCA-SWISS view camera optical bench. The original dovetail design remains unchanged to this day.

Original ARCA-SWISS Classic camera plates, featuring a 38 mm dovetail width, are designed to mount in the upper channel of the ARCA-SWISS Classic or flipLock® quick release.

We highly recommend choosing an original ARCA-SWISS camera plate over other brands. Some manufacturers that attempt to replicate our original design may not be compatible with ARCA-SWISS tripod heads—especially ARCA-SWISS heads equipped with a flipLock® quick release.

It is important to note that flipLock® quick releases are calibrated for ARCA-SWISS camera plates at the factory. As a result, adjustments may be necessary for third-party camera plates or L-brackets, as these often deviate from the standard ARCA-SWISS dovetail specifications by being too wide, too narrow, too rounded, or lack the appropriate ARCA-SWISS dovetail specification. Please refer to the illustration below for more information.