Connect new tripod head to my tripod

Johnytuono

Johnytuono

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Hi
Apologies if I'm being a bit thick.......currently have a Manfrotto tripod with the 804RC2 head attached, this is connected via the main screw and then 3 little grub screws (to stop it slipping round I assume).
My new arca swiss Z1 ballhead has a flat base with a centre hole to attach to the tripod via the main screw. There is also another hole that (when I move the base round) shows screws. Is this ballhead just attached via the main screw? I'm curious because, say, I had the pan lock locked and I forgot and panned to the left, wouldn't I be unscrewing the head from the tripod?
Anyone? I rang Wex and they weren't positive in their answer.
Thanks
JohnyT
 
The 3 grub screws are in the platform atop the centre column of the tripod so screw the new head on and just tweak the grub screws up gently which should be enough to stop the head unscrewing. If you're still worried, fit the new head, do the grub screws up enough to leave a mark in the underside of the new head, undo the grubs, unscrew the head and drill a shallow hole (very shallow will be enough - you needn't even make it as deep as the parallel sides of the drill!) at each grub screw's location. Now, when you refit the heat etc., the grub screws will physically enter the head slightly and make accidental unscrewing all but impossible. As yet another extra layer of protection, you could use a spot of thread lock on the screws but (even for me) that's overkill!
 
Probably, yes! If it does unscrew, the grub screws should stop it happening unless you really try to shift the head.
 
Gently tighten the grub-screws. That's what they're for, and if you look at the tips you'll see they're designed to bite into the metal of the head to make it secure.
 
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