Are tripod head mounts universal?

[gregster]

I have a rather old tripod (ie decades old) that I'd like to fit a new head to. I'd have to take the old one off to see exactly what the shaft is like, but from what I can tell it's about 1" wide measuring from the furthest outside points. Not sure if there would be issues with threads to worry about.

[Jon]

If a tripod's head is removable and interchangeable it will have a standard tripod screw thread anchoring it, either (typically on the better ones) 3/8" 16 pitch or (lighter ones) 1/4" 20 pitch. There are reducing bushings available if your head needs 3/8-16 and the tripod uses 1/4-20. You usually don't replace the center column, but unscrew the head from it.

[r.morales]

1st you have to figure out where you are going to be using it .
I have a 25 year old bogen that doesn't rock in the wind , will hold 35 lbs without moving and is great for sunsets , fields of flowers , portraits - but not for talking to the zoo , flower shows , field trips , hiking etc .
A good head is like a good bag - seldom wear out .
I would consider a mono pod 1st AND one that will take the same / new head .
The older tripods are really hard to replace - don't trade or sell .
There is an article in this months shutter-bug on heads - if you get one , make sure it has a " bubble level @ least and 2 would mean @ least someone was thinking when it was designed .

[gregster]

Okay, I have figured out that it's 1/4-20.

The tripod will last me for now, it's pretty sturdy, but the head is somewhat weak (bends a bit with 1D + 100-400 and flash) and isn't too stable for longer exposures.

I'm thinking of replacing it with this one perhaps: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272449-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_486RC2_486RC2_Compact_Ball_Head.ht ml

Along with a 3/8 to 1/4 reducing bushing

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/91852-REG/Gitzo_G1141_G1141_Reducer_Bushing_7_5mm.html

[gregster]

And how would this be for a quick release plate? I'm assuming this will fit any lens/camera?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/216480-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3157ANR_RC2_Anti_Twist_Quick_Relea se.html

[r.morales]

90 % of the plates are 1/4 - 20 threads . Don't use regular bolts , they can mess up the threads in camera .
The 3/8 - 18 plates are good for bracket bars - the older - heavier tripods were designed for Beta and VHS cameras and the bigger negatives . .
They can handle a camera and flash on each side .
I had a little platform that I put either a monkey with cymbals on or a yapping dog . It kept kids attention while I took their pictures .

[Jon]

Okay, I have figured out that it's 1/4-20.

The tripod will last me for now, it's pretty sturdy, but the head is somewhat weak (bends a bit with 1D + 100-400 and flash) and isn't too stable for longer exposures.

I'm thinking of replacing it with this one perhaps: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272449-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_486RC2_486RC2_Compact_Ball_Head.ht ml

Along with a 3/8 to 1/4 reducing bushing

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/91852-REG/Gitzo_G1141_G1141_Reducer_Bushing_7_5mm.html
If you can swing it , step up to the 488RC2 - it has a separate pan lock so you can adjust the ball head and then pan separately.
And how would this be for a quick release plate? I'm assuming this will fit any lens/camera?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/216480-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3157ANR_RC2_Anti_Twist_Quick_Relea se.html
No - that's a 3/8-16 threaded bolt. You need the 3157NR (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/216481-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3157NR_RC2_Architectural_Quick_Rel ease.html) (no A), which is the 1/4-20 model. But the head includes a release plate, so you only need another one if you have multiple bodies or lenses you'll be needing to mount.

[gregster]

Great, so what I'm looking at now is:

488 or 486 ballhead
Bushing to fit the 3/8" head to 1/4" tripod

Good catch on the plate as well, didn't even see that it came with the head. I'm not quite sure what the difference between the 3157NR and 3157N are, as the two heads come with different ones.

[Jon]

The NR has an (see the metal lip sticking up?) anti-rotation plate; the N is just a plate which relies on your tightening things down well enough to not slip out of position.

[gregster]

Thanks a lot Jon, your help is greatly appreciated. :)

[SkipD]

The NR has an (see the metal lip sticking up?) anti-rotation plate; the N is just a plate which relies on your tightening things down well enough to not slip out of position.I use only the "N" plates for the RC2 system and have yet had one to slip. Thus, I have no need for the "NR" plates.