So lets say I want to use RC2 or AS with the Manfrotto Video Head

[Headshotzx]

Hey guys,

So lets say that I decide to buy the Manfrotto 501HDV head for use with either a 5D2 or 7D for video, but want to use the Manfrotto RC2 plates (because my ballhead and tilt head are both Manfrotto), what can I do? Buy the Manfrotto RC2 clamp and mount it? Would I need a thread adapter? What about Arca Swiss (same, right?) and is there a better choice?

Cheers!

[Lowner]

Headshotzx,

I used to use an RC2 on my 486 ballhead, in fact it came as a complete item. The 486 has a threaded upstand that the RC2 clamp threads onto.

I have replaced the RC2 clamp with a Markins QR-60 screw clamp, which simply replaced the RC2. One unscrewed, the other replaced it. You need to double-check with Manfrotto, but its probably a 3/8" UNC thread.

Now the fuss I had replacing the QR-60 on my Markins M10 with an RRS lever QR clamp is another story!

[Jon]

You may just have to bite the bullet and remove the RC2 plates when you want to use the video head. The mounting plate for the video head runs at right angles to the orientation your RC2 adapter would have, so you'd run into some interference with the RC2 clamp's operation. Even the best solution I can think of that still gives you QR capability is sub-optimal.There are some Arca-Swiss style plates that are beveled on all 4 sides so you could mount an A-S clamp on the release plate, oriented so you could reach the knob (or lever if you got a RRS one) from the side. The reason I consider that sub-optimal is that it's less resistant to torquing and twisting in use than an "architectural" RC2 plate or a camera-specific plate for the A-S system, with a back lip resting against the camera.