Manfrotto/ballhead and tripod experts..... Question

I recently purchased a manfrotto 486 ballhead used
http://www.manfrotto.c​om …to/cache/offonc​e/pid/2303

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

From the website, it looks like a manfrotto spigot might work: http://www.morrisphoto​.co.uk …+Studs~man~Manf​rotto.html

Check to see wether it fits.

Edit: Nevermind, I thought you meant fixing the ballhead to the Woods power grip.

If you push down the spring loaded 1/4" thread it should reveal, in the center, the 3/8" screw to attach it to your camera. Normally you would line up the camera base tripod hole push down and screw it onto the ball head, the 1/4" thread will be pushed down allowing the 3/8" screw to engage.

The ball head can be used with all Manfrotto tripods e.g. 190xprob http://www.manfrotto.c​om …5?livid=68&lsf=​68&child=2 and a range from other manufacturers

You needn't worry much. Most pro/semi-pro tripods are inter-compatible. Adapters are readily available, and pretty inexpensive. Many come with a reversible threaded rod that accommodates the two most common thread sizes. If you're in the market for a good pod, pm. me. I've upgraded and I have a very fine Gitzo for sale.

lannes wrote in post #10755934
If you push down the spring loaded 1/4" thread it should reveal, in the center, the 3/8" screw to attach it to your camera. Normally you would line up the camera base tripod hole push down and screw it onto the ball head, the 1/4" thread will be pushed down allowing the 3/8" screw to engage.

That's all backwards.

The 3/8-16 screw that you see is a hollow shell that is around the 1/4-20 screw that fits into your camera's tripod socket. If you push the 3/8-16 thread down, it will reveal the 1/4-20 thread.

The 486 fastens using the same 3/8" UNC thread that most ballheads use. It's the most universal method. Virtually any tripod will be able to accept the 486, maybe excepting the very very cheapest "all-in-ones".

SkipD wrote in post #10756014
That's all backwards.

The 3/8-16 screw that you see is a hollow shell that is around the 1/4-20 screw that fits into your camera's tripod socket. If you push the 3/8-16 thread down, it will reveal the 1/4-20 thread.

lannes and skipd, are right. that is why I love this forum!

only thing I don't like is that I can't permanently set up the ballhead for the 3/8-16 screw. I line up the camera over the bolt, push down and screw in. this method will prolly ending up scratching up the bottom of the camera a bit, not a big deal but...

anyway, I'm super pleased that I don't need a converter. just need some legs now, thanks all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

just not sure how this ballhead (on left) will connect to a set of legs. when I look at legs, they have a mount/bolt on top.

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SkipD wrote in post #10756014
That's all backwards.

The 3/8-16 screw that you see is a hollow shell that is around the 1/4-20 screw that fits into your camera's tripod socket. If you push the 3/8-16 thread down, it will reveal the 1/4-20 thread.

Your right, I got it back to front, but the meaning was right.

Dj R wrote in post #10756763
just not sure how this ballhead (on left) will connect to a set of legs. when I look at legs, they have a mount/bolt on top.

That looks like the cup and internals of the ball head connected to the woods mount.
Can you unscrew the base from those steel parts.

Check your orignal picture of the woods power grip, it does not have that steel section.
What you need to do is put the ball head back together, wind in the lever reasonably tight so there is no rotation and then try and unscrew the ball head from the base, there might be screws holding it in place though.

Dj R wrote in post #10753982
My tripod is a pos and I want to replace it with a quality tripod.

I bought an Induro carbon fiber tripod from Amazon and it was a steal at $117. It's now up to $132, but still a steal. You should check its features to see if it will suit your needs.

Thats the internal workings of the 486. Having stripped mine to repair it I recognise it immediately. Theres no need to dismantle it, the fastening is under the base of the ballhead.

The primary method of fixing between the ballhead and your other gadget is a 3/8th UNC thread. This may or may not have secondary security locking devices. Manfrotto use three set screws on their tripods.

lannes wrote in post #10756795
What you need to do is put the ball head back together, wind in the lever reasonably tight so there is no rotation and then try and unscrew the ball head from the base, there might be screws holding it in place though.

you hit the nail on the head

no screws. you were right. that was the info I needed. having NO experience with ballheads/separate legs, I had no idea what I was dealing with.

thanks everyone!!!
now I need legs!

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Dj R wrote in post #10756973
you hit the nail on the head

no screws. you were right. that was the info I needed. having NO experience with ballheads/separate legs, I had no idea what I was dealing with.

thanks everyone!!!
now I need legs!

You will, most likely, have to take the 3/8-1/4 adapter out of the bottom of the ball head when you fasten it to a typical set of tripod legs. Most of the legs use the 3/8-16 thread to fasten heads to them.

Don't lose the adapter, though, as you may need it in the future - especially if you use the Woods unit again.

SkipD wrote in post #10757041
Don't lose the adapter, though, as you may need it in the future - especially if you use the Woods unit again.

Or if you buy a Slik tripod eg. 400DX