Manfrotto to acra swiss adapter
Sep 17, 2019 13:14:19 #
I have a two part question:
1 - I recently purchased a used Manfrotto BeFree tripod but I need to convert the ball clamp to an Acra Swiss clamp. I have looked on the web but found the adapters very confusing and I am not sure which would work. Any suggestions.
2 - I have the same problem with a Manfrotto 393 gimbal with a 357PLV Quick Release Plate. I need to use an Acura Swiss plate.
1 - I recently purchased a used Manfrotto BeFree tripod but I need to convert the ball clamp to an Acra Swiss clamp. I have looked on the web but found the adapters very confusing and I am not sure which would work. Any suggestions.
2 - I have the same problem with a Manfrotto 393 gimbal with a 357PLV Quick Release Plate. I need to use an Acura Swiss plate.
Sep 17, 2019 13:47:01 #
Others will have their favorites, but I stick with Arca Swiss.
--Bob
--Bob
texasdan wrote:
I have a two part question:
1 - I recently purchased a used Manfrotto BeFree tripod but I need to convert the ball clamp to an Acra Swiss clamp. I have looked on the web but found the adapters very confusing and I am not sure which would work. Any suggestions.
2 - I have the same problem with a Manfrotto 393 gimbal with a 357PLV Quick Release Plate. I need to use an Acura Swiss plate.
1 - I recently purchased a used Manfrotto BeFree tripod but I need to convert the ball clamp to an Acra Swiss clamp. I have looked on the web but found the adapters very confusing and I am not sure which would work. Any suggestions.
2 - I have the same problem with a Manfrotto 393 gimbal with a 357PLV Quick Release Plate. I need to use an Acura Swiss plate.
Sep 17, 2019 15:39:43 #
ahudina
Loc: Browns Point, WA
texasdan wrote:
I have a two part question:
1 - I recently purchased a used Manfrotto BeFree tripod but I need to convert the ball clamp to an Acra Swiss clamp. I have looked on the web but found the adapters very confusing and I am not sure which would work. Any suggestions.
2 - I have the same problem with a Manfrotto 393 gimbal with a 357PLV Quick Release Plate. I need to use an Acura Swiss plate.
1 - I recently purchased a used Manfrotto BeFree tripod but I need to convert the ball clamp to an Acra Swiss clamp. I have looked on the web but found the adapters very confusing and I am not sure which would work. Any suggestions.
2 - I have the same problem with a Manfrotto 393 gimbal with a 357PLV Quick Release Plate. I need to use an Acura Swiss plate.
I think pro media gear has an adapter plate from Manfrotto to Arca Swiss. They are very responsive to inquiries.
Sep 17, 2019 15:40:40 #
Cany143
Loc: SE Utah
Simple Arca-Swiss QR adapter ($10-ish? via Amazon. Don't remember the brand name, and no name is shown anywhere on the adapter) fitted onto an old style six-sided Bogen/Manfrotto quick release 3-way tripod head. Easy peasy, and cheaper than spending hundreds to replace a tripod head I like a lot (in spite of it weighing tons).
Sep 17, 2019 16:06:16 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
I'll make some suggestions regarding your questions separately....
Three possibilities occur to me... First is to use an adapter, the second is to modify the ball head, third is to simply replace the ballhead with one that's Arca-compatible.
The BeFree tripods I looked at used a Manfrotto 494 ballhead. The version of that head that doesn't have a quick release (QR) can easily be used with a 1/4"x20tpi threaded Arca-Swiss platform (or one that's 3/8" threaded, using a 3/8 to 1/4" bushing, which is typically included with A-S platforms). I'm in the process of adapting an old Bogen/Manfrotto head that way myself, but this only works with heads that have the standard 1/4" screw mount... i.e., NOT the ones with one of several different Manfrotto's proprietary QRs.
I don't have the QR version of that head, which appears to use the newer type of Manfrotto 200PL plates: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1375463-REG/manfrotto_200pl_pro_200pl_plate_aluminium_rc2.html/?ap=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiILsBRCGARIsAHKQWLMaX_z9wJiU8Z_Zo1Y-30sjSyPtxJmKO0o56ZJx4jPZ0EzSZX8efeQaAsYwEALw_wcB. That type of plate is compatible with Arca platforms. BUT other Arca plates are NOT fully compatible with the platform on this head. Due to the way the plate is clamped into the platform, only plates of the same length can be used. AFAIK, there is NOT an adapter available for this platform, to allow other Arca plates to be used on it.
I don't have a 494 QR head to say whether it's possible to modify or not. I think most of them are pretty easily converted. Look at the QR platform underneath the QR plate and see if the platform appears to screw onto the pedestal. If so, it might be possible to unscrew and remove the entire platform and replace it with one that's Arca-compatible. I did that with an older Manfrotto ball head some years ago and it works fine. Turned out that the pedestal used the same 3/8" thread mount as Kirk platform I bought to use on it. (I screwed it on with some red Locktite and it's never come loose.) Today most recent Manfrotto ball heads instead use an Allen headed screw from above to attach the QR platform to the stem of the ball head. Those are even easier to modify, and cheap platforms are available from China. If using really heavy gear, you might want a more expensive replacement platform from Pro Media or Kirk or RRS, etc. See below for a video how to replace the platform on many of the more recent Manfrotto ball heads, that use this sort of attachment method.
Replacing ball head platform videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT9FNoP7zs0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3aR8LNRj5U
The platform I recently ordered from China to fit the old Bogen/Manfrotto head (not QR) also would work if there's just a 3/8" thread on the stem of the ball head. This generic type of platform is pretty inexpensive! https://www.ebay.com/itm/QR-Plate-Clamp-for-Arca-Swiss-Type-Quick-Release-Plate-Universal-Clamp-Seat-New/333296603564?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=542311250938&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 I will drill and tap the head to be able to add a couple "locking" screws to prevent this adapter from loosening.
Finally, I'm pretty sure you could simply replace the entire ballhead with one that's already got an Arca-compatible platform, thought this would likely be a more costly solution. I would bet the head on the BeFree tripod simply unscrews and that it uses a standard 3/8" mounting, as do most tripods and heads. There may be some countersunk set screws underneath the head mounting platform on the tripods center column. Turn it upside down to look for those. (There were three set screws on the old Bogen/Manfrotto I just bought for $10 at a local second hand store.) Loosen those set screws before trying to unscrew the head itself to remove it from the tripod. (Those screws are there to prevent the head unscrewing accidentally.... to lock it in place.) After that and assuming you find a standard 3/8" mounting bolt on top of the tripod center column, next you'd just need to look for head that has approx. the same dimensions and features you wan, including an Arca-compatible QR platform.
As to your second question....
I see less options here. That head uses a special QR platform and plate, similar to but not cross-compatible with Arca-style plates. There appears to be no way to fit an adapter to that and none available. Unless you use the trick of attaching an Arca-platform to the QR plate Manfrotto provided (which makes for another joint that can come loose) I think on that gimbal head you will need to replace the platform completely, if it's possible. Look under the QR plate and also swing the platform upside down to see how the existing platform attaches to the u-shaped legs of the gimbal and if there are any locking screws. I don't have a 383 gimbal head to check.
Assuming the existing platform can be removed and uses a standard type of threaded mount, because of the way that gimbal is designed, I don't think you'll be able to use a QR platform like the one I linked above, that has a knob to tighten the clamp. The arm of the gimbal would interfere with operating the knob on the platform.
I think you'll need an Arca-compatible platform that has a lever type clamp, such as this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Plate-Tripod-Camera-Adjustable-Durable-Quick-Release-Clamp-For-Arca-Swiss/293215440858?hash=item4445008fda:g:WAwAAOSwu2ldcXyl
Notice that lever type platform also has a threaded knob, but it's a smaller diameter to clearance anything the platform might be mounted on. If a platform like this can be fitted to the swing arm of the 393, I'd prefer a somewhat longer platform, if possible.
EDIT: I just found this made specifically to convert the Manfrotto gimbal for Arca-compatibility! http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/product-p/m393f64ab.htm and https://www.ebay.com/itm/Manfrotto-393-conversion-4-arca-swiss-kirk-markins-wimberley-acratech-/231829975377
$90-$100 may seem a bit pricey, but Hejnar Photo stuff is very good quality (and it's usually not as expensive as RRS or Kirk or some others). I'm using one of their tripod mounting feet on one of my big telephoto lenses and it's rock solid.
texasdan wrote:
I have a two part question:
1 - I recently purchased a used Manfrotto BeFree tripod but I need to convert the ball clamp to an Acra Swiss clamp. I have looked on the web but found the adapters very confusing and I am not sure which would work....
1 - I recently purchased a used Manfrotto BeFree tripod but I need to convert the ball clamp to an Acra Swiss clamp. I have looked on the web but found the adapters very confusing and I am not sure which would work....
Three possibilities occur to me... First is to use an adapter, the second is to modify the ball head, third is to simply replace the ballhead with one that's Arca-compatible.
The BeFree tripods I looked at used a Manfrotto 494 ballhead. The version of that head that doesn't have a quick release (QR) can easily be used with a 1/4"x20tpi threaded Arca-Swiss platform (or one that's 3/8" threaded, using a 3/8 to 1/4" bushing, which is typically included with A-S platforms). I'm in the process of adapting an old Bogen/Manfrotto head that way myself, but this only works with heads that have the standard 1/4" screw mount... i.e., NOT the ones with one of several different Manfrotto's proprietary QRs.
I don't have the QR version of that head, which appears to use the newer type of Manfrotto 200PL plates: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1375463-REG/manfrotto_200pl_pro_200pl_plate_aluminium_rc2.html/?ap=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiILsBRCGARIsAHKQWLMaX_z9wJiU8Z_Zo1Y-30sjSyPtxJmKO0o56ZJx4jPZ0EzSZX8efeQaAsYwEALw_wcB. That type of plate is compatible with Arca platforms. BUT other Arca plates are NOT fully compatible with the platform on this head. Due to the way the plate is clamped into the platform, only plates of the same length can be used. AFAIK, there is NOT an adapter available for this platform, to allow other Arca plates to be used on it.
I don't have a 494 QR head to say whether it's possible to modify or not. I think most of them are pretty easily converted. Look at the QR platform underneath the QR plate and see if the platform appears to screw onto the pedestal. If so, it might be possible to unscrew and remove the entire platform and replace it with one that's Arca-compatible. I did that with an older Manfrotto ball head some years ago and it works fine. Turned out that the pedestal used the same 3/8" thread mount as Kirk platform I bought to use on it. (I screwed it on with some red Locktite and it's never come loose.) Today most recent Manfrotto ball heads instead use an Allen headed screw from above to attach the QR platform to the stem of the ball head. Those are even easier to modify, and cheap platforms are available from China. If using really heavy gear, you might want a more expensive replacement platform from Pro Media or Kirk or RRS, etc. See below for a video how to replace the platform on many of the more recent Manfrotto ball heads, that use this sort of attachment method.
Replacing ball head platform videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT9FNoP7zs0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3aR8LNRj5U
The platform I recently ordered from China to fit the old Bogen/Manfrotto head (not QR) also would work if there's just a 3/8" thread on the stem of the ball head. This generic type of platform is pretty inexpensive! https://www.ebay.com/itm/QR-Plate-Clamp-for-Arca-Swiss-Type-Quick-Release-Plate-Universal-Clamp-Seat-New/333296603564?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=542311250938&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 I will drill and tap the head to be able to add a couple "locking" screws to prevent this adapter from loosening.
Finally, I'm pretty sure you could simply replace the entire ballhead with one that's already got an Arca-compatible platform, thought this would likely be a more costly solution. I would bet the head on the BeFree tripod simply unscrews and that it uses a standard 3/8" mounting, as do most tripods and heads. There may be some countersunk set screws underneath the head mounting platform on the tripods center column. Turn it upside down to look for those. (There were three set screws on the old Bogen/Manfrotto I just bought for $10 at a local second hand store.) Loosen those set screws before trying to unscrew the head itself to remove it from the tripod. (Those screws are there to prevent the head unscrewing accidentally.... to lock it in place.) After that and assuming you find a standard 3/8" mounting bolt on top of the tripod center column, next you'd just need to look for head that has approx. the same dimensions and features you wan, including an Arca-compatible QR platform.
As to your second question....
texasdan wrote:
2 - I have the same problem with a Manfrotto 393 gimbal with a 357PLV Quick Release Plate. I need to use an Acura Swiss plate.
I see less options here. That head uses a special QR platform and plate, similar to but not cross-compatible with Arca-style plates. There appears to be no way to fit an adapter to that and none available. Unless you use the trick of attaching an Arca-platform to the QR plate Manfrotto provided (which makes for another joint that can come loose) I think on that gimbal head you will need to replace the platform completely, if it's possible. Look under the QR plate and also swing the platform upside down to see how the existing platform attaches to the u-shaped legs of the gimbal and if there are any locking screws. I don't have a 383 gimbal head to check.
Assuming the existing platform can be removed and uses a standard type of threaded mount, because of the way that gimbal is designed, I don't think you'll be able to use a QR platform like the one I linked above, that has a knob to tighten the clamp. The arm of the gimbal would interfere with operating the knob on the platform.
I think you'll need an Arca-compatible platform that has a lever type clamp, such as this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Plate-Tripod-Camera-Adjustable-Durable-Quick-Release-Clamp-For-Arca-Swiss/293215440858?hash=item4445008fda:g:WAwAAOSwu2ldcXyl
Notice that lever type platform also has a threaded knob, but it's a smaller diameter to clearance anything the platform might be mounted on. If a platform like this can be fitted to the swing arm of the 393, I'd prefer a somewhat longer platform, if possible.
EDIT: I just found this made specifically to convert the Manfrotto gimbal for Arca-compatibility! http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/product-p/m393f64ab.htm and https://www.ebay.com/itm/Manfrotto-393-conversion-4-arca-swiss-kirk-markins-wimberley-acratech-/231829975377
$90-$100 may seem a bit pricey, but Hejnar Photo stuff is very good quality (and it's usually not as expensive as RRS or Kirk or some others). I'm using one of their tripod mounting feet on one of my big telephoto lenses and it's rock solid.
Sep 17, 2019 19:30:33 #
texasdan wrote:
I have a two part question:
1 - I recently purchased a used Manfrotto BeFree tripod but I need to convert the ball clamp to an Acra Swiss clamp. I have looked on the web but found the adapters very confusing and I am not sure which would work. Any suggestions.
2 - I have the same problem with a Manfrotto 393 gimbal with a 357PLV Quick Release Plate. I need to use an Acura Swiss plate.
1 - I recently purchased a used Manfrotto BeFree tripod but I need to convert the ball clamp to an Acra Swiss clamp. I have looked on the web but found the adapters very confusing and I am not sure which would work. Any suggestions.
2 - I have the same problem with a Manfrotto 393 gimbal with a 357PLV Quick Release Plate. I need to use an Acura Swiss plate.
Hejnar Photo has stuff that will work for you.
For the 393 I just bought one of his Arca style clamps and bolted it directly to the Manfrotto-supplied plate. The plate and clamp remain on the gimbal all the time.
Sep 18, 2019 06:06:04 #
chrissybabe
Loc: New Zealand
This is a really simple issue. Buy a cheap 50 or 60mm Arca Swiss clamp which will come with an adapter for 3/8 to 1/4" if needed. Mount the clamp onto a Manfrotto quick access plate using either the 3/8" fitting (if your Manfrotto happens to have that) or use the 1/4" which most Manfrottos come with. You can do the same with any Manfrotto plate. Since you are never going to pull this apart glue the fittings together so they won't swivel apart. Obviously you can mount them square or 90 degrees angle. If you buy some of the cheap Manfrotto copies of their mounting plates you can do this for $25 odd all up.
If you buy a purpose built adapter it will probably cost you a lot of money and contribute nothing, but a brand name, to the use.
I actually don't use mine as I made it for emergency use only (having to use somebody else's tripod for example). I bit the bullet and converted everything to Arca Swiss and never regretted it unlike most other things in life.
If you buy a purpose built adapter it will probably cost you a lot of money and contribute nothing, but a brand name, to the use.
I actually don't use mine as I made it for emergency use only (having to use somebody else's tripod for example). I bit the bullet and converted everything to Arca Swiss and never regretted it unlike most other things in life.
Sep 18, 2019 07:26:42 #
texasdan wrote:
I have a two part question:
1 - I recently purchased a used Manfrotto BeFree tripod but I need to convert the ball clamp to an Acra Swiss clamp. I have looked on the web but found the adapters very confusing and I am not sure which would work. Any suggestions.
2 - I have the same problem with a Manfrotto 393 gimbal with a 357PLV Quick Release Plate. I need to use an Acura Swiss plate.
1 - I recently purchased a used Manfrotto BeFree tripod but I need to convert the ball clamp to an Acra Swiss clamp. I have looked on the web but found the adapters very confusing and I am not sure which would work. Any suggestions.
2 - I have the same problem with a Manfrotto 393 gimbal with a 357PLV Quick Release Plate. I need to use an Acura Swiss plate.
No problem. I have Arca-Swiss clamps on my Manfrotto ball heads. Much more solid than Manfrotto clamps and easier to use.
Sep 18, 2019 08:23:54 #
Sep 18, 2019 09:18:18 #
I bit the bullet and shelled out the money for the Henjar Photo replacement plate for the 383 gimbal head. It is worth it. It provides a stable base to attach my long lenses to.
Sep 18, 2019 10:03:37 #
I would get on the phone with B&H Video Photo and ask them. That way you can buy it from them knowing that a professional has helped with making the correct choice.
Sep 18, 2019 12:03:26 #
JFCoupe
Loc: Kent, Washington
Last fall at Kenmore Camera in Bothel, WA I purchased a plate that has Arca Swiss capability on one side and Manfrotto configuration on the other side. It has a D-ring screw that you can pull out, turn the plate to whichever side you need and your are all set depending on which tripod you want to use. I have Arca Swiss on my Gitzo tripod and my monopod is Manfrotto.
Yes you still need to change the plate around, but for about $18.00 it is a reasonable alternative.
Yes you still need to change the plate around, but for about $18.00 it is a reasonable alternative.
Sep 18, 2019 12:29:51 #
JFCoupe wrote:
Last fall at Kenmore Camera in Bothel, WA I purchased a plate that has Arca Swiss capability on one side and Manfrotto configuration on the other side. It has a D-ring screw that you can pull out, turn the plate to whichever side you need and your are all set depending on which tripod you want to use. I have Arca Swiss on my Gitzo tripod and my monopod is Manfrotto.
Yes you still need to change the plate around, but for about $18.00 it is a reasonable alternative.
Yes you still need to change the plate around, but for about $18.00 it is a reasonable alternative.
More info please. Is this available on web?
Sep 18, 2019 13:09:16 #
JFCoupe
Loc: Kent, Washington
The plate is a Manfrotto product and I just saw it on their website. It is listed as
Quick release plate for Q6 Top Lock system
The price is shown as $34.95 which is more than I remembered but most plates run around $40 so this dual purpose plate is not out of line. I think it had special pricing at the time due to it being Kenmore's anniversary sale and most vendors were there displaying products.
Update to my initial Post.
I just checked on using the plate with my monopod. It was simply a matter of loosing the D-ring and rotating the plate 90 degrees and it snaps right in. So you do not need to completely undo the plate and flip it over. Better than I remembered....do not use the monopod too often since going to the m43 gear.
Quick release plate for Q6 Top Lock system
The price is shown as $34.95 which is more than I remembered but most plates run around $40 so this dual purpose plate is not out of line. I think it had special pricing at the time due to it being Kenmore's anniversary sale and most vendors were there displaying products.
Update to my initial Post.
I just checked on using the plate with my monopod. It was simply a matter of loosing the D-ring and rotating the plate 90 degrees and it snaps right in. So you do not need to completely undo the plate and flip it over. Better than I remembered....do not use the monopod too often since going to the m43 gear.
Sep 18, 2019 20:23:27 #
aberthet
Loc: San Clemente, CA
Your question is very timely, yesterday I just modified my Manfrotto Head Ball to install an RRS Lever Release Quick-release adapter 80mm for ARCA plates.
You will need to order this adapter (B&H)
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1062503-REG/desmond_dbad_female_to_male_boss.html/c/product/1062503-REG/DBAD_Female_to_Male_Boss_Adapter_for
However, I found a little problem that I will have to fix later. The adapter boss is a little bit too tall for the Manfrotto groove, therefore the adapter flange is not sitting properly against the bottom of the RRS Quick-Release. There is a 0.3mm gap. I will file the boss to remove this gap.
You will need to order this adapter (B&H)
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1062503-REG/desmond_dbad_female_to_male_boss.html/c/product/1062503-REG/DBAD_Female_to_Male_Boss_Adapter_for
However, I found a little problem that I will have to fix later. The adapter boss is a little bit too tall for the Manfrotto groove, therefore the adapter flange is not sitting properly against the bottom of the RRS Quick-Release. There is a 0.3mm gap. I will file the boss to remove this gap.
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