This project was inspired by an add in S&T around 2001/2002.

Carrying around counterweights was always a bit cumbersome - they weighted ca 6kg each and I could carry two at most (each in one hand), and they could slip and ... well ... fall on my leg.

Counterweights are held on a bar supported by two sides made from 18mm plywood (I generally use water-resistant plywood for all my projects). The handle is 25mm dia wooden bar, fixed in one of the sides. Length of the two bars was calculated to support up to 3 counterweights 6cm thick each - i.e. up to 18kg.

This counterweight carrier has the central bar fitted for my Takahashi counterweights (ca 18mm). By changing the diameter of the shaft, any brand / make of counterweights could be accommodated.

In order to place counterweights in the carrier, I place the carrier on the side, unscrew the wing nut and take out one of the sides. Than, I place counterweights separated by rubber rings (to prevent the stainless-steel surfaces from marring). I have a spacer - piece of plastic 20mm pipe 6cm long - to be placed instead of the middle counterweight when I need to carry only two of them. Once all counterweights are in place, the top side is placed back and secured with the wing nut.

This small device proved very useful and allowed me to carry all counterweights at once - making setup in my backyard or in the field simpler. Now sold together with my EM-200 mount.

I plan to build another one for my new AP mount for field use.