Stuck tripod quick release plate

The quick release plate on my Manfrotto Junior Geared head is being anything but quick to release! Tried to get it off the other evening and whilst I am pushing down on the pressure release the arm itself will not budge at all. So I can't get the plate off which means I can't screw anything onto the head

Anyone got any advice about this - I really don't want to have to send it off to be repaired (esp its a heay weight and would need a lot of carefull packing)

Overread wrote in post #10114563
The quick release plate on my Manfrotto Junior Geared head is being anything but quick to release! Tried to get it off the other evening and whilst I am pushing down on the pressure release the arm itself will not budge at all. So I can't get the plate off which means I can't screw anything onto the head

Anyone got any advice about this - I really don't want to have to send it off to be repaired (esp its a heay weight and would need a lot of carefull packing)

I kinda would like to see a picture if you dont mind

What sort of angles are you wanting to see?

Overread wrote in post #10114586
What sort of angles are you wanting to see?

Mainly side, where the release is, the other side.. whatever

Here are some shots - shout if you want different angles

http://i170.photobucke​t.com …vermind_2000/IM​G_1974.jpg
http://i170.photobucke​t.com …vermind_2000/IM​G_1976.jpg
http://i170.photobucke​t.com …vermind_2000/IM​G_1977.jpg
http://i170.photobucke​t.com …ind_2000/IMG_19​79copy.jpg

Maybe work a screwdriver into the space at one of the ends and pry while pressing down on the release?

Jon wrote in post #10114793
Maybe work a screwdriver into the space at one of the ends and pry while pressing down on the release?

Yeah prying at it may be a good idea

Ahh thanks guys - prying worked the treat!
But I think I will have to get some WD40 for this as the thing is still really stiff even after getting it to move now!

Overread wrote in post #10114839
Ahh thanks guys - prying worked the treat!
But I think I will have to get some WD40 for this as the thing is still really stiff even after getting it to move now!

Hm I wonder what happened, just dirt? or did you hit it with something

I think I might have over pressured the plate lock. The lock bar as you see in the pics with silver release button, can swing all the way over to the left, but with the plate in place only gets about half way before it locks the plate down. However on just the spring action alone the plate itself can wabble, so one gives the lever a little tug to help lock the plate in place. That combined with not being used for a good while I think got the connection stiff so that when I came to move it it would not budge.

RC4's somewhat awkward for our DSLRs. That's why people recommend the RC2, or going with Arca-Swiss clamps. I started with RC2 and moved to A-S, which meets all my needs.

I have to admite I've never really looked into the different quite release plate types - though I have heard a lot of good things about Arca=Swiss (aside from them being very very expensive) Even seen a neat handle in arca mount for holding heavy telephotos.

It is possible to change the release type on an existing head or does it require one to bye into a certain brand of head in order to get the fitting?

Some heads you can change the clamp on; I put the RRS LR40 on my Manfrotto 488 in place of an RC2. If your head has a screw or bolt through the clamp it can probably be changed, but the photo on B&H doesn't look all that promising.

Jon wrote in post #10115051
RC4's somewhat awkward for our DSLRs. That's why people recommend the RC2, or going with Arca-Swiss clamps. I started with RC2 and moved to A-S, which meets all my needs.

Unfortunately, that Manfrotto head (now the 410, formerly the 3225) only comes with the RC4 QR system. The base that the QR plate fastens to is part of the casting that makes up the head itself, thus it's impossible to swap the QR system for another.

I do add a Manfrotto 323 (formerly 3299) RC2 adapter on top of the RC4 QR plate so that I can use my cameras and lenses without swapping out the RC2 QR plates that stay on them.

SkipD wrote in post #10115614
Unfortunately, that Manfrotto head (now the 410, formerly the 3225) only comes with the RC4 QR system. The base that the QR plate fastens to is part of the casting that makes up the head itself, thus it's impossible to swap the QR system for another.

http://www.kirkphoto.c​om …_Quick_Release_​Clamp.html

Snaps into the 410's existing clamp, replacing the RC4 plate and thereby converting an otherwise excellent geared head to Arca-Swiss standard.