chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

For 15 years we used Manfrotto's quick release system but found it just wouldn't allow us to do some things easily. So I converted us over to arca-swiss completely and never looked back. But there was the odd time when we needed to use our arca-swiss equipped cameras etc on a Manfrotto tripod mount. So I mounted a arca-swiss clamp onto a Manfrotto plate as seen in the attached photos. Since the fittings are generic ones and didn't cost much I glued the two together so no issue with anything coming loose. This might be a solution for some people with Manfrotto tripods but wanting to play with arca-swiss fittings.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Great DIY project.

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

I use the same combination of accessories, just never glued them together.

chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

If you put a large camera and lens on the fitting without the glue it is so easy to twist them loose. The fittings are only a few dollars each and I use Araldite. I also have a pet hate about camera fittings always coming loose. If you look in the first photo you can see the small black lock pin is also engaged from the Manfrotto plate side. And I tightened the loop with a pair of pliars once the glue was in.
Even the Manfrotto fittings that use a good solid CSK allen screw can loosen with time hence the glue. If, for any reason, I ever needed them apart then it is just a case of drilling the screw out and cleaning the hole with a tap. It wasn't too hard to convert all our Manfrotto fittings over to arca-swiss except for one head and I machined that out to accept an arca-swiss clamp. A couple of other tripod heads with totally incompatible hardware was eventually adapted with liberal application of glue and allen screws.

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

As for GLUE, I use a dab of clear nail polish and have no problems

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I've done a similar thing with tripods and Manfrotto mounts. I have Manfrotto on everything. For the tripods, I mount the plate to the plate on the tripod, and it works fine.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Or... just pick up one of these Manfrotto to Arca Swiss adapters...

Haoge Quick Release QR Clamp Adapter Convertor for Manfrotto RC2 System to Arca-Swiss Compatible https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E613CEY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aWOVEbX8SQD40

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I made adapters going BOTH ways - Manfro to A/S and A/S to Manfro.- never used "glue" - but I do use tools to tighten.

JBGLADSTONE Loc: Oregon

I recently bought Arca-Swiss mounts to replace the Manfrotto. Made a big difference as the solid lock on the A/S vs clamp arm . No camera creep.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

You can buy ready-made "adapters" like that, but I'm sure your homemade one might work just as well.

I would recommend not relying upon glue (or nail polish).

The smaller set screw in the Manfrotto plate can be tightened to help secure the two from twisting apart. But you really should have a counter-hole in the bottom of the Arca-style platform, for the set screw to fit into. That needs to be pretty precise, to truly lock the two together.

Instead, it might be easier to run a drill through that second, empty hole in the Manfrotto plate, creating a matching hole in the Arca-style platform. Then get a tap the right size and run it through them both to cut threads. Taps are usually marked with the correct size drill to use, prior to cutting the threads. You may need to lubricate the tap with some light oil while cutting the threads. Also don't hesitate to back it out to clear the cuttings, if needed. That's better than having the cuttings doing damage to the threads you've just cut. If the pilot hole was drilled all the way through, the cuttings might just push out the other side as you cut the threads with the tap.

Then run a screw with the same thread into the holes, to make for a more secure and permanent attachment. Look for a screw with a relatively low profile head... or use one with no head at all, like a set screw. This is so that screw it doesn't interfere with attaching the Manfrotto plate to the matching platform on a Manfrotto tripod head. Also be sure that the screw isn't so long as to protrude through the Arca-style platform, where it might interfere with mounting plates there.

I might use a stainless steel screw, to avoid any future corrosion issues. The screw size doesn't matter much, so long as it's large enough diameter that full threads can be cut into the two pieces with the tap (do the tapping with the two pieces secured to each other, as shown, so that the threads are aligned from one part to the next). Doesn't matter, either, whether it's metric or SAE. More important will be the thread pitch of the tap and screw. I assume that one or both parts are aluminum. If that's the case, a coarser thread is best (in the softer metal, fine threads can be too easily damaged and fail).

Tap, drill and screw won't cost much... probably less than $10 total. A really minor investment, compared to the value of the gear being trusted to the secure fastening of those two pieces to each other.

Finally, once you have all that set up and ready to install, use some red Locktite on the screw's threads and install it. That type of Locktite has a strong hold.... needs to be heated with a soldering iron or small torch to release it. Makes for a pretty permanent and worry-free installation.

This additional fastener, along with the primary mounting screw... and perhaps the little set screw, too... will make for a permanent, secure combination that can't possibly twist loose, even with relatively heavy gear putting a lot of torque on it.

fetzler Loc: North West PA

I think this is a bit different that what you are suggesting.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1026970-REG/sunwayfoto_mac_14_arca_manfrotto_compatible.html

takes both Manfrotto and Arca Swiss plates.

chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

The more fastening together you do the better. I used Araldite because it is pretty much the best one out there. I did use Loctite but it can be undone and had done several times. There should be no need to pull the two fittings apart so being permanent isn't a big issue. You definitely need to use tools to tighten the screws though since finger tight has never worked for me.
I think the cheap arca-swiss clamp and generic Manfrotto plates probably come to maybe $20 if you buy carefully. I actually used my last genuine Manfrotto plate because I had it.
A warning here - if you are getting into this subject for the first time (Tripod or head OEM plates against Arca-Swiss) then do your homework first. I have never found anybody moving away from arca-swiss once they have used it so better to head that way right up front. I was into Manfrotto quick release for a long time and it cost me several hundred dollars to change over to arca-swiss even after I got some of the money back by selling the Manfrotto stuff. Absolutely no regrets though. All 6 tripods, 4 cameras, multiple heads, binoculars etc are now arca-swiss. Its great - everything fits on everything else very securely.

Peanut-the-cat Loc: Bradenton, Florida, USA

I didn't know there was such a thing. It's now in my shopping cart. Thanks for mentioning.

Heather Iles Loc: UK, Somerset

You are quite right with your advice for those getting into the subject for the first time such as me. There is no point in purchasing bits and pieces to find that later it would have been more economical to have purchased the Acra-Swiss gear in the first place.

I am at present in that position having just purchased a Sunwayfoto Macro Rail with Acra-Swiss fitting and is looking for a new tripod. As I want to use the tripod for macro purposes also, I am looking for a tripod that will go as low as possible.

There has been a thread here recently and the topic was tripods and it touched on several types, but to be honest, I am confused. I am looking for a tripod that is not too heavy and doesn't cost the earth yet still has to suit my intended purposes.

It would be interesting to hear your thoughts or send me a PM.

H

cedymock Loc: Irmo, South Carolina

Works for me and I just happen to have all those parts laying around doing nothing, think I will put them to work. Have customized many a thing over the years but that never clicked, Thanks.