Manfrotto quick release plates

[igloo]

Hi all,

I have a few questions about Manfrotto release plates which I wonder if anyone could help me with please?

I have a Manfrotto 701HDV with a 501PL quick release plate, and a Manfrotto 494RC2 with a 200PL-14 quick release plate. This means that if I want to move a camera from one tripod to the other, I need to swap the plate, which obviously isn't ideal. The 200PL-14 is really a better fit for me and my cameras (the 501PL sticks out way in front of and behind the D7000, makes the Panasonic HDC SD90 a little uncomfortable to use hand-held, and is more of a pain to attach tightly as it really needs to be tightened with a coin rather than just by hand).

Would I be able to (permanently) attach a 323 Quick Change Rectangular Plate Adapter to the 501PL?

My main worry is that I'm not sure how easy the 2 release levers would be to operate with another plate (and the rest of the head) immediately below them.

Ideally the adapter would also have a hole for the anti-rotation pin to fit into, but I don't know whether or not it does.

Or are there any other products (either from Manfrotto, or compatible products from other companies) that would solve my problem in a better way?


Thanks
Ian

 

[Nod]

Not sure about the 501 plate but the adaptor unit fits well onto a 410 plate to convert it to the RC2/200PL QR system. I have never had a problem with the plates rotating on the cameras' bases so never use the anti-rotation pin (which IIRC only video cameras have holes for anyway). The lock release levers of the 2 systems don't interfere with each other.

 

[igloo]

Not sure about the 501 plate but the adaptor unit fits well onto a 410 plate to convert it to the RC2/200PL QR system.

OK, thanks Nod. I think I'll give it a go. At worst I'll end up with a spare QR plate, and I'll have to try plan B (I've found a monopod head that looks like it'll definitely work, but would be klunkier and perhaps less stable).

 

[igloo]

And the answer is: Just about!

With the adapter on the 501 plate the natural way round, the bulges on the bottom of the adapter foul the head when you try to put the 501 plate in. But there's just enough space to rotate the adaptor 90 degrees, so that the bulges hang off the back of the plate, and then it all fits! The release levers end up in a slightly odd position, as do the controls on the 494RC2 head, but it does all work.


Thanks
Ian

 

[igloo]

Apologies for monologuing, but for the benefit of anyone reading this thread in the future, having tried this out for real last weekend I am no longer so convinced.

In particular, I was using the video camera and the gorillapod. Having the QR plate mounted sideways is annoying for a couple of reasons: it sticks out the side of the camera, so presses against your hand slightly when using it, and it's a little harder to get into my case.

But the real problem is the release lever. When using the camera on the GP, I often also have my hand in the strap too, so that the buttons are in a convenient place. But with the plate at 90 degrees, the release lever then digs into my hand far too much.

So on to plan B! I'll see if the adapter can find a home on my desk tripod, and give the monopod head a try instead.

 

[Nod]

Ian, a spacer between the "native" QR plate and the adaptor could be an answer. You might need a longer screw/bolt to attach it but that's no real problem (if you can't source one locally, i can send to a stainless machine screw in 1/4"WW thread). Be aware that the Manfrotto monopod head (234?) only tilts from side to side and doesn't rotate so could be restricting on a Gorillapod. A ball head is my choice atop my Gorillapod SLR Zoom and works a treat!