rsworden

I have a QSX 9002D tripod (which I see was made by Sunpak) with a pan-and-tilt head. I'd like to know if it can use a ball head. (I know, it's not a great tripod, but it's light and sturdy enough for me.) The head comes off but rotates around this milled "stud". From what I can see, ball heads typically attach to a 1/4" standard screw. Are there any that can attach to this kind of connector? Or does anyone make an adapter to add a 1/4" screw on top of this to accept a ball head? Probably not, but I figured y'all might know.

Thanks in advance.

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

Nearly all heads, including ballheads, attach using a 3/8 inch screw. The 1/4 spec is for putting the camera on the head. I cant speak to your configuration.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

No. And as Orphoto stated, you need a 3/8" stud, not 1/4"

uhaas2009

https://www.adorama.com/rrsb2lrii.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnuGNBhCPARIsACbnLzo9n9wX-RKEFN1kXimON2iyJHU2_CDr37wih0ytoTDenZS60OKvpj0aAq_fEALw_wcB&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnuGNBhCPARIsACbnLzo9n9wX-RKEFN1kXimON2iyJHU2_CDr37wih0ytoTDenZS60OKvpj0aAq_fEALw_wcB&utm_source=adl-gbase-p

I don’t know if that helps

rsworden

Thanks for the info. Maybe I'll design and 3D print an adapter with a 3/8" bolt.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

And that would be plastic? not a good idea!!!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I doubt he'll want to spend $120 to upgrade his $12 tripod. And this still doesn't give him the functionality of a ball head.

Jack47 Loc: Ontario

I have 1/4 to 3/8 adapters. Bought from Amazon in a pack of 3.

Canisdirus

Looks like my hydraulic jack...:P

Speaking of Jacks, the one above my post (waves to Jack47) has your solution if you desire to keep shooting with that setup.
Cheap adapter will give you what you need.

User ID

Wrong/opposite “direction” of conversion.

Acoarst hardly matters with the OP’s particular nonstandard tripod. Neither direction would solve anything.

A proper adapter would be about 3/4hr work on a lathe and drill press. Throw in a few $$ for materials and you’re over $100 before you buy the ballhead.

It seems likely that the OP does not have a personal machine shop in his basement. If he did he would never have posted his initial query.

The OP’s tripod is worth using ... but not worth improving. Best to use it til it fails.

Or maybe we will see what the OP makes with 3D printing. The design is simple enough, a plastic “wheel” and a few threaded inserts, etc.

User ID

That has no relation at all to the problem. Apparently you didn’t read the OP’s query in the first place. Pure UHH.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I found a small image of your tripod online. It seems that the stump atop your tripod is what remains of a head that has broken off or somehow became dislodged and lost. I am guessing that underneath that flange there might be the appropriate screw to which you can attach a standard ball or tilt/pan head. Try to unscrew that assembly from the top of the elevator column. If my guess is correct, what is left of the head should come off by grasping the column and flange and turning the stump in a counterclockwise direction. If the center column and that flange are all one piece, the cost and effort of making an adaptation would probably be impractical and not result in a sturdy combination.

It does not look like the sturdiest tripod, but if it suits your purposes, you may be able to find a new or used head of decent enough quality.

If my guess is incorrect or if the investment in a new head exceeds the value or usability of your tripod, it may pay to invest in a better complete tripod. The effectiveness of a tripod does not only depend on its weight or load capacity but on its geometry, height, and quality of construction.

Someof the better or mainstream brand such as Gitzo and Manfrotto, published all their specifications as to load, weight, height and other aspects sothat you can select one that is appropriate and safe for your cameras and lenses. lenses.

User ID

If you look closely, you will see that the top part is just spiked/crimped into place. Attempts to unthread it will just destroy the tripod ... which is apparently not broken, but is just disassembled.

BBurns Loc: South Bay, California

Agree completely.
Not intending to come across rude or detrimental, but that tripod is not worth what you will pay for a decent ball head.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

You can find adaptors easily for 1/4 to 3/8 or 3/8 to 1/4