Can't remove head?

[lone_shooter]

Hi all,

Apologies if this has been asked before somewhere, I've been searching but couldn't find an answer so thought I'd ask directly.

I'm using a Manfrotto 293a3 tripod atm which came with a pan/tilt head ready attached (clicky link). I just got a new ball head for it but I can't seem to remove the old head. I can see there's a bolt at the bottom if I look down the inside of the centre column, I'm guessing I just need to undo this to loosen it??

Seems a simple answer, just want to make sure before I go out and buy a socket set that'll fit.



p.s. I just joined here and this is my first post so HI! *waves*

 

[SimonH]

Hi and welcome to TP!

Check for grub-screws underneath the head. I have a different tripod, but it's a Manfrotto, so it's probably the same arrangement. The head screws off, but there are 3 grub-screws on the underside of the base, which add security to the head once it's screwed on.

There may also be a slot on the side of the head itself, into which you can insert a screwdriver to use as leverage when twisting the head off. Again, I don't know if this is present.. it is on mine.

 

[Gazamonk]

The heads on most tripods are attached by simply screwing them clockwise (righty tighty) onto a 3/8" thread on the base plate. Removal is just the opposite i.e. anticlockwise (lefty loosey) . However some tripods ( yours is one such) have screws under the plate which can be lined up and tightened to fix the head to the plate so that it cannot accidentally unwind. In your case its three screws underneath the plate, not the centre bolt your looking at. See diagram below. No. 5


http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/2747/media_document/live_2/instruction_MT293A3_MT293A4_MT294A3_MT294A4_MT294C3.pdf?1341951250



Addendum: what simon said. Lol

 

[lone_shooter]

Hi guys, thanks for the replies and welcomes

There aren't any grub screws in the base, it's just a solid piece of metal. I can see the very edges of 3 small holes in the top of the base so I tried easing a small screwdriver in there while I twist but wow it's tight on there! I still can't get it to budge at all.