Quick release,

[rwenglish1]

Any good ideas for a quick release, on top of a ball head. I am thinking it would be a lot simpler than having to screw the camera or lens tripod leg on.
Thanks, rw

[SkipD]

Any good ideas for a quick release, on top of a ball head. I am thinking it would be a lot simpler than having to screw the camera or lens tripod leg on.What sort of ball head do you have now? What sort of tripod is under your ball head?

[René Damkot]

2 choices really: Manfrotto RC2 or Arca style.

[rwenglish1]

OK, I did not think of naming equipment, the head is a Manfrotto 490 maxi ball head, the tripod has a gitzo sticker on it, but it came in a tripod bag that has, Dynatran Professional series tripod model AT-859CL. Here are a couple of shots, I bought both used . The tripod seems to hold up good, I am not sure if I am going to like the ball head though, I found out quickly, that you have to be careful loosening the tension on the ball with the camera on top of it.

[jhom]

You have several options. You can buy a new ballhead with Arca Swiss QR clamps already installed such as those from Really Right Stuff, Kirk, Markins, etc. Manfrotto has its own proprietary QR system usually labelled with a RC designation. They have several different versions. Each QR system will need a base plate for the camera or lens. The other alternative is to adapt an existing ballhead to accept a QR clamp. For information on this, I would suggest the RRS website or Kirk website: reallyrightstuff.com or kirkphoto.com.

Here is an example where I took a Manfrotto 468MG ballhead and added an RRS level clamp. It makes a great ballhead combination.

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/8688/468g0fp.jpg

[rwenglish1]

You have several options. You can buy a new ballhead with Arca Swiss QR clamps already installed such as those from Really Right Stuff, Kirk, Markins, etc. Manfrotto has its own proprietary QR system usually labelled with a RC designation. They have several different versions. Each QR system will need a base plate for the camera or lens. The other alternative is to adapt an existing ballhead to accept a QR clamp. For information on this, I would suggest the RRS website or Kirk website: reallyrightstuff.com or kirkphoto.com.

Here is an example where I took a Manfrotto 468MG ballhead and added an RRS level clamp. It makes a great ballhead combination.

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/8688/468g0fp.jpg

I have looked on the top of the ball head, on the platform and I see there is a set screw. I would assume that I would just have to back it out and screw this top plate off and install one of the quick release plates, right.

[simwells]

I have looked on the top of the ball head, on the platform and I see there is a set screw. I would assume that I would just have to back it out and screw this top plate off and install one of the quick release plates, right.

Yup

[jhom]

I don't have experience with the 490. However, after you remove the platform, you will either have a stud or a threaded hole. Most studs are 3/8"-16 or 1/4"-20. The threaded hole can be either size or a metric 6. That will determine the type of clamp you can use.

[rwenglish1]

Thanks guys, I have went to RRS and sent them and email.

[ben_r_]

OK, I did not think of naming equipment, the head is a Manfrotto 490 maxi ball head, the tripod has a gitzo sticker on it, but it came in a tripod bag that has, Dynatran Professional series tripod model AT-859CL. Here are a couple of shots, I bought both used . The tripod seems to hold up good, I am not sure if I am going to like the ball head though, I found out quickly, that you have to be careful loosening the tension on the ball with the camera on top of it.

Sorry to bump and old thread but thats the first time I have seen a picture of the 490 ballhead and THAT THING IS FREAKING HUGE! WAY too big!

[Wilt]

2 choices really: Manfrotto RC2 or Arca style.


...and Linhof QR. Positive locking, absolutely will not accidentally release.

this photo shows the larger, rectangular QuickFix II

http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/tripods/tripod-heads-and-accessories/linhof/PRD_173611_3134crx.aspx


This photo shows both QuickFix I and larger QuickFix II

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i63/wiltonw/quickfix_kl.jpg