I use a Nikon D70 on a Slik tripod; I made my own L-bracket from 3 1/2" wide, 3/4" thick oak wood and have 4 holes to adjust the nodal point for 18, 24, 35 and 50mm. I also use an additional, modified quick release plate on the Slik pistol grip head. Total expenses: wood and hardware $5, quick release plate $18, level to level the camera $30. I could email you details if you are interested.

At what distance did you drill the holes from the tripod hole for the zoom lengths ?

There are 2 considerations for where to drill holes in the l-bracket. The one in the horizontal part of the l-bracket needs to be in the right place so that the axis of the lenses is right over the pivot point; you need to measure the distance from the camera body bottom to the middle of the lens flange and add any thickness of "padding" material you want to use like cork to prevent the camera from rotating once installed.
The other consideration is where to drill the holes in the vertical part of the l-bracket. You need to know the distance from the middle of the tripod socket in the camera body to the focus or film plane; for the D70 this is 10mm (the user manual states the distance from the lens flange surface to the focal plane; measure the distance from the lens flange surface to the middle of the tripod socket and you know the 10mm "setback"). You then decide what focal lengths you want to use with the bracket and drill holes. Example: you want to include a hole for 18mm focal length; drill a hole 8mm back from the middle of the pivot point; total length is 8mm + the 10mm camera "setback" is 18mm. I've made a second version of my oak bracket to include longer focal lengths by using a 5.5" wide wider vertical part; my bracket now includes 18, 24, 35, 50, 70,85 and 105mm.

Frans Waterlander
frans2001@netzero.net

Can we get a template for your panorama bracked for the Nikon d70?

I can certainly send you a drawing for my design of a panorama bracket for the Nikon D70 for free. However, my particular design makes use of the Slik AF2100 pistol grip ($80 at B&H). If you want to use the pistol grip also for normal photography, you also need an extra quick release plate ($14 at B&H). If that works for you, sure let me know and I will mail you the drawing. I also need to know what particular focal lengths you want to use, because this determines where you drill holes to mount the camera. My design accomodates a range of 10mm to about 105mm. I could also make the bracket for you for $50 which includes the bracket and stainless steel bolts, washers and wingnuts, but not the pistol grip or extra plate. Please email me at frans2001@netzero.net.

Frans Waterlander
frans2001@netzero.net