ArcaSwiss Clamp on 498RC2

I currently have the Manfrotto RC2 QR system however I was looking into converting to ArcaSwiss clamps. I went to the RRS website and they have the QR clamps that I can purchase however I'm not sure which one I need.

I'm not sure on the screw size from the 498RC2 setup. Can anyone help me out?

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …spx?code=Clamps​LR&key=cat

I have the predecessor to your head, the 488RC2. It has a 3/8-16 stud on the ball. I got this clamp from Kirk that fit perfectly.
Be aware that if you go with a RRS lever clamp you will be limited to plates from the manufacturer and maybe one or two other sources.

S_Egbert wrote in post #15590984
I have the predecessor to your head, the 488RC2. It has a 3/8-16 stud on the ball. I got this clamp from Kirk that fit perfectly.
Be aware that if you go with a RRS lever clamp you will be limited to plates from the manufacturer and maybe one or two other sources.

Not if you get the LR-II new from RRS. The LR-II will handle most mounting combinations; if your 498RC2 has a 3/8"-16 tap and the post comes off with the RC2 clamp you'd probably want to get a 3/8"-16 stud to replace it with (RRS also sells them); if the stud remains in position, or if the 498 uses some other type of fastener (1/4"-20 or M6 socket) you can reuse the screw that came with the Manfrotto. If the 498 uses (like my 488 did) a 1/4" 20 thread stud, you can pick up an inexpensive 1/4"-20 to 3/8"-16 bushing to put over the stud.

I'm not sure on the size. All I know is that the current RC2 clamp is held in place by a hex screw. I'm not too happy with the RC2 setup as when I have my whole camera/lens setup on it there is still a bit of wiggle room and makes me question on how secure it is on there.

I've also been looking into L-brackets for my cameras just because readjusting the tripod when switching between portrait/landscape positions gets tedious after a while. So switching to AS is definitely something I would like to do. The L-bracket that Manfrotto has out currently doesn't really appeal to me.

It's held on with a hex screw from the top? Probably an M6 - that's the most-frequently used one. But why not give RRS a call? They'll be glad to tell you exactly what you need for your situation.

I have also been thinking about converting my 498RC2. The Manfrotto 494RC2, 496RC2, and 498RC2 all use the same quick release clamp. Yes it is a standard metric M6 screw but the "anti-rotation" cutouts on the 498RC2 stem are the opposite to what I see being used on most Swiss-Arca clamps.

EDIT: This company makes conversion kits with the cutouts correctly orientated for the 498RC2 stem.

http://hejnarphoto.blo​gspot.ca …frotto-496rc2-498rc2.html

http://www.hejnarphoto​store.com …in_page=index&c​Path=16_41

Hejnar Photo M496RC2F62 2-piece desinged for Manfrotto 496/498 stem

I believe mine was the M6 screw. I know if you call Really Right Stuff they'll send you the right stuff.

It looks like Manfrotto have released their own Arca-Swiss type clamp.

Does this mean that Manfrotto are giving in to sense? (personally I'm an RC2 fan at the moment, but Arca keeps calling - if it wasn't for the cost I'd be there already!)
Mobile phones have finally agreed on a standard chargers (ignore apple) so it's about time that grip equipment was more standardised...

broadcast_techie wrote in post #16077640
Does this mean that Manfrotto are giving in to sense? (personally I'm an RC2 fan at the moment, but Arca keeps calling - if it wasn't for the cost I'd be there already!)
Mobile phones have finally agreed on a standard chargers (ignore apple) so it's about time that grip equipment was more standardised...

Well, until someone's tried it with some of the "standard" Arca-type plates, especially the L plates, I'd hold off. You wouldn't want to get one and discover it wasn't wide enough to take non-Manfrotto A-S plates.

Jon wrote in post #16078029
Well, until someone's tried it with some of the "standard" Arca-type plates, especially the L plates, I'd hold off. You wouldn't want to get one and discover it wasn't wide enough to take non-Manfrotto A-S plates.

Well apparently it's not so good.

peter_n wrote in post #16105989
Well apparently it's not so good.

That was my post and I repeat, it's junk. The quick release mechanism is useless for anything except the included plate. It won't accept any of my Wimberley lens or body plates. For the same money they're asking for that stupid clamp and plate, you can buy a Sirui G-20 ballhead and be way, way better off.

See that light metal part on the near side of the clamp (in the photo a few posts up)? That piece is spring loaded and sinks down into the clamp when you attach the included plate. The flared bottom of the included plate is thin enough to let the spring loaded piece snap back up into place. The flared parts of any other A-S plates (at least the ones I own) are too thick to allow that piece to snap back up. And the opposite side *barely* grabs any of the flared area of the Wimberley plates. To make it worse, the spring loaded piece kept getting stuck in the down position, so I had to use a small screwdriver to get it to snap back up. Also, that pin sticking up in the middle of the clamp prevents you from sliding an A-S plate in from the ends. Your only choice is to catch one side under the far lip and then snap it down into place on the near side, which as I said, doesn't work.

I've asked Bryan at The Digital Picture to review it. We'll see if he does. I know he normally doesn't mess with Manfrotto heads.

When I switched over my Manfrotto 468MGRC2 to a Arca Swiss compatible quick release clamp, I called Kirk and described what I had with the Manfrotto clamp removed. They are very familiar with these type of change-overs and were able to supply me a perfectly fitted Arca Swiss clamp.

As Jon suggested, the customer service people at RRS have the same level of expertise. I only started with Kirk because RSS didn't make a one piece L bracket for my 60D with grip.

I have had great experiences with both companies. I have since purchased a new tripod and monopod from RRS and couldn't be happier. Both Kirk and RRS have very knowledgeable people available via email and phone.