Adding QR 200PL to a ball head

Peter69

Peter69

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Hi guys,
Its me again - it would appear I know nothing.

This is a bit of a random one and I might be barking up the wrong tree.
Tomorrow I pick up my very cheap Giottos MML3290 monopod. My current tripod is a Vanguard Altro pro with ball head. The QS plate is the QS-39 vanguard. I get fed up keep taking the QS plate of so my theory was to change to the Manfrotto 200pl & mn323 (or similar). I can put a 200pl on all my lenses and camera (with the black rapid screw). The MN323 can go on the monopod but can I fix it to the QS-39 as the ball head doesn't allow the QS plate to be removed.

Any ideas if this will work of an easier way? I didn't really want to buy another bull head.
 
I'd investigate whether the BR screw would fit on the QS-39 camera plate to start with. If it did then you could stick with that system. Otherwise it gets a bit confusing.

Going Manfrotto, you'd need 2 MN323's - one for the tripod and one for the monopod - is that the thinking? I'd sell the Vanguard ball head on ebay or on here to help fund the revamp.

And what about an adjustable head for the m'pod too? There's a Manfrotto one that hinges just in one plane which makes it easier to handle, but allows the cam to tilt up or down beyond the sensible titlt of the whole pod.
 
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Thanks Droj, you are exactly on my wave length.

The reason for not sticking with the QS-39 is that I can't find the adaptor/ holder. There is also very little space under one. Having said that, if possible, it would be the perfect solution.

Do you have a link to the hinge? I was told I didn't need one although I can see how it would make it easier
 
I think the pivot head item no is Manfrotto 234. It's no lighter than a (smallish) ball head but easier to handle somehow on a monopod.

Regarding the BR screw which fits the Manfrotto 200pl - I have a 200pl (or two) here and its original screw length for reference is 9mm from shoulder to tip of thread. The body of the screw head is 15mm dia.

Oh, by "QS-39 ... adaptor/ holder" you mean the plate? Can't they be bought?
 
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Ah, another problem - There are no separate QR housings for the QS-39 so I will need a full bull head or similar to fit the monopod.

Mine is an SBH-100.

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sorry we cross posted. You can buy the plate but Only heads have the other half
 
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Bite the bullet & go Mfrotto! At least the 234 is only about £15.
 
Thanks for your help. Downside it the 498 replacement for the tripod will be £100
 
The Manfrotto adaptor to convert a non QR head to a QR one is the 323 adaptor and comes with a QR plate to fix to the camera. It's about £30. The single axis monopod head from Manfrotto is the 234 and the QR version is the 234 RC2, about £27. TBH, I would probably go for a new ball head with the QR system already built-in rather than add the (admittedly slight) extra bulk of the adaptor.
 
Thanks Nod.

I popped into LCE today & they think that the 323 will fit the vanguard head with a minor bit of adjustment.
I have my monopod so now it looks like a quick order on Amazon to get the extra parts. I just have to decide if I want the 234 as it is listed at 2kg max & camera & lens is 2.5kg without any add-ons.

Thanks Nod & Rog for the help
 
I've used the 234 with a Sigma 150-500 on an FF body. On a monopod, I keep the hinge just off tight so I can pivot the head when needed. IIRC, the 234 comes with an insert so it'll fit either the 3/8 or 1/4 screws which top most 'pods.
 
Tripod & monopod adapted. Bought a 3rd party 323 with bubble and fitted it to the Vanguard head. I needed to re-countersink it as it was the wrong angle. Works a treat with 200pl fitted to camera body and tripod foot of my big lenses.
 
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