Really Right Stuff BP-CS universal plate

Really Right Stuff BP-CS universal plate for demanding photographers

With the Really Right Stuff BP-CS universal plate, you add one of those inconspicuous yet extremely important components to your setup that are simply supposed to work in everyday use. No fuss, no wobble. The plate is universally usable, fits a wide range of cameras, and gives you a stable, reliable base when working with a tripod, ball head, or strap.

The BP-CS is a conventional camera plate with two slots for a 1/4"-20 photo thread screw. This allows you to mount it flexibly on different camera bodies and position it so that the battery compartment, memory card slot, or ports remain accessible. The integrated anti-twist bar rests against the camera body and prevents the plate from twisting under load. This ensures a secure fit, even when you pan the camera frequently or work in portrait orientation.

Mounting and handling of the BP-CS camera plate

You have several options when installing it. The plate can be mounted with the flange facing either the front or the back of the camera. You simply choose the side of your camera body that offers the flatter and longer edge so that the flange can rest against as large an area as possible. This gives you the best form-fit connection between the universal plate and the camera.

The two mounting slots let you determine how far the plate is shifted forwards or backwards. This way you can optimize the distance to the battery compartment or important ports. The 1/4"-20 screw is initially tightened only lightly with a hex key so that you can still fine-tune the position of the plate. Only when the flange sits cleanly against the camera edge and everything is aligned correctly do you fully tighten the screw.

Optionally, you can install a safety stop screw. This acts as a mechanical stop and prevents the plate from accidentally sliding out of the quick-release clamp if the clamp is not completely closed. Especially when the tripod head is tilted into the drop notch for portrait orientation, this is a very reassuring detail because it effectively prevents the camera from falling freely. The safety stop screw is mounted with the hex key on the right side of the plate, i.e. on the side that faces upwards when you use the camera in portrait orientation.

Arca-style compatible for seamless integration

The Really Right Stuff BP-CS universal plate is Arca-style compatible and thus integrates seamlessly into modern tripod and clamp systems. Its clamping profile fits Arca-style compatible (according to the manufacturer) 38 mm quick-release clamps and enables you to switch quickly and repeatably between different heads or rails. If you already use an ARCA compatible system, you can integrate the BP-CS without detours and get started right away.

In practice, this means: clamp in the camera, close the lever or screw clamp, done. No fiddling with exotic plates, no wild mixing of different standards. Especially if you work with multiple bodies or different brands, you benefit enormously from this unified system.

With QD strap anchor mount for flexible carrying options

Another detail that quickly becomes indispensable in everyday use: the BP-CS features a QD strap mount, or more precisely, yes, one. It is QD compatible and allows you to use modern strap systems with quick-release connectors. This lets you detach and reattach your camera from the strap in seconds without constantly fumbling with carabiners or loops.

To use this mount, you need a strap with matching QD strap anchors. If you do not yet have such a strap, you can find suitable models here, among other places: Strap with QD strap anchors. In addition to the QD strap mount, you have two classic strap lugs at your disposal, allowing you to attach conventional neck straps or hand straps as well.

Made in the USA, precision and robustness

The Really Right Stuff BP-CS universal plate is made from 6061-T6 aluminum, a high-quality hardened aluminum that has proven itself in aerospace engineering. The material provides high rigidity while keeping the weight low. At just 46 g, the plate hardly adds any weight to your gear, yet still offers the necessary stability for demanding use.

The dimensions are clearly defined: 7.0 cm wide, 1.1 cm high, and 4.0 cm deep. These compact dimensions make the plate pleasantly unobtrusive on the camera, without protruding or interfering with handling. At the same time, there is enough surface area to create a stable connection between the camera body and the tripod head. The combination of precise manufacturing, clean anodizing, and well-thought-out design ensures that the plate continues to function reliably even after frequent mounting and removal.

Universally usable on many cameras

The BP-CS is designed to be universal—yes, universal in the best sense. It is particularly interesting if there is no custom-fit plate for your camera or if you are looking for a flexible solution for several bodies. The universal plate is suitable for a wide range of cameras and covers various systems.

On Nikon DSLRs, it fits, among others, models such as Nikon D40, Nikon D40x, Nikon D50, Nikon D60, Nikon D70, Nikon D80, Nikon D90, Nikon D300, Nikon D3100, Nikon D3200, Nikon D5200, and Nikon F6. In the Canon DSLR segment, it is compatible, for example, with the Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS 50D.

In the mirrorless Canon R system, you can use the plate on the Canon EOS R5, Canon EOS R6, Canon EOS R5 with BG-R10, and Canon EOS R6 with BG-R10, among others. For Sony users, the BP-CS is an option for the Sony Alpha 7R III with VG-C3EM, the Sony Alpha 7R II with VG-C2EM, and the Sony Alpha 9 with VG-C3EM.

It can also be used in the medium format and specialist segment, for example on Hasselblad 6x9, Hasselblad 6x7, and Hasselblad 645. In addition, there are the Sigma SD9 and Sigma SD10, the Lumix DC-S1R from Panasonic, the Pentax K-7, as well as various Leica models such as Leica R4, Leica R5, Leica R6, Leica R7, and Leica Leicaflex SL. It is even interesting for Olympus / OM SYSTEM, for example for the Olympus OM-D EM-1 with HLD7. This list is not even complete, but it shows how wide the range of applications of the BP-CS universal plate is.

QD compatible and practically thought out

The combination of a QD compatible strap mount and a classic ARCA interface makes the Really Right Stuff BP-CS a true workhorse in everyday photography. You can detach the camera from the tripod and clip it directly to the strap and vice versa, without constantly changing plates or mounting adapters. Especially for reportage work, outdoor sessions, or travel, this flexibility is extremely valuable.

The integrated anti-twist lip ensures that the camera remains securely and firmly mounted. Even if you use heavy lenses or frequently switch between landscape and portrait orientation, the connection stays stable. This not only minimizes the risk of camera shake but also protects the camera’s tripod thread, as no unnecessary leverage forces act on it.

Safety mechanism with R-Lock and stop screw

For additional security, the BP-CS is equipped with a well-designed safety mechanism. This includes one safety stop screw and the Really Right Stuff R-Lock system. The safety stop screw acts as a physical stop and prevents the plate from unintentionally sliding out of the quick-release clamp if the clamp is not fully closed. This is particularly relevant when you position the camera in portrait orientation in the drop notch of the tripod head, where gravity would otherwise be merciless.

The R-Lock system complements this protection with a positive-locking safeguard that further reduces any shifting in compatible clamps. Altogether, this creates a setup that is not only quick to operate but also offers a very high level of safety. Especially with expensive cameras and lenses, this is a factor that should not be underestimated.

ARCA compatible in a modern workflow

Because the BP-CS is ARCA compatible, it integrates perfectly into a contemporary workflow in which you may be working with different tripods, sliders, or clamps. You can use the same plate on a travel tripod, a studio tripod, or a video head, as long as they are equipped with a suitable ARCA quick-release clamp. Via the ARCA compatible standard, accessories such as macro rails or panorama heads can also be integrated without having to rebuild your setup each time.

This creates a modular setup in which the Really Right Stuff BP-CS universal plate serves as a solid base. You clamp the camera, change the support system, but not the plate. This saves time, reduces wear on the threads, and ensures that the camera always sits in the same position, which is very helpful for repeatable framing or series shots.

Conclusion on the Really Right Stuff BP-CS universal plate

All in all, the Really Right Stuff BP-CS universal plate is a compact, well-thought-out solution for photographers who value reliability, flexibility, and clean integration into Arca-style systems. It is lightweight, pleasantly unobtrusive at 46 g, made from robust 6061-T6 aluminum, and with its 7.0 cm width, 1.1 cm height, and 4.0 cm depth offers a very well-balanced ratio of stability to handling.

With its universal orientation, the QD strap mount, the Arca-style compatible clamping geometry, the integrated anti-twist lip, and the safety mechanism consisting of one safety stop screw and the Really Right Stuff R-Lock, it is a reliable base for a wide range of cameras from Nikon, Canon, Sony, Hasselblad, Sigma, Leica, Panasonic, Pentax, and Olympus / OM SYSTEM. If you are looking for a universal plate that not only somehow fits but is well thought out in detail, then the BP-CS is a very coherent choice.