Does anyone make a “plain” 3 way head...

dodphotography · Feb 2, 2020

By plain I mean free of a built in QR system... I’m really keen on this Kessler Kwik release system and have it loaded on a 1570M head.

The 1570 3 way is the only head I’ve seen that doesn’t have some QR system with a proprietary plate system.

I suppose I could buy any 3 way and have a machinist hack off the QR plate and bolt in the Kessler system.

anyone have any insight?

Bob S · Feb 2, 2020

Why not just put some locktite on the threads and screw in the qr that you prefer?

Kino · Feb 2, 2020

What about this?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/553889-REG/Manfrotto_056_056_3_D_Junior_Head.html

AgX · Feb 2, 2020

dodphotography said:
1570M head

Gitzo 1570M

AgX · Feb 2, 2020

As Bob indicated, one can keep the head's QR sytem and fix the new QR receptacle on the head's plate.

Aside of the given tripod screw, one may take off the rubber etc. layer and put metal to metal and fix all with seperate screws.
The Kessler receptacle already got several threads for this. Whether this way is benefitial over cutting off the original QR system has to be decided per case.

John Koehrer · Feb 2, 2020

All of the older Gitzo "Rational"heads were made with NO QR. The QR could be added or the head bought with a QR.

The Rationals were numbered R1,R2 etc with the higher # being larger.

This one's an R2. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Gi...934524?hash=item3d9867a5bc:g:IfoAAOSwzWFd4JOT

dodphotography · Feb 2, 2020

AgX said:
As Bob indicated, one can keep the head's QR sytem and fix the new QR receptacle on the head's plate.

Aside of the given tripod screw, one may take off the rubber etc. layer and put metal to metal and fix all with seperate screws.
The Kessler receptacle already got several threads for this. Whether this way is benefitial over cutting off the original QR system has to be decided per case.

isn’t the issue that those QR systems are junk... how many threads I’ve seen where “wow, randomly this manfrotto XYZ randomly failed and my (blank) fell to concrete”

so QR to QR makes me uneasy.

dodphotography · Feb 2, 2020

AgX said:
Gitzo 1570M

already have one... trying to duplicate the use of a Kessler on a smaller tripod set up for smaller cameras.

should have said that, context matters

Kino · Feb 2, 2020

dodphotography said:
isn’t the issue that those QR systems are junk... how many threads I’ve seen where “wow, randomly this manfrotto XYZ randomly failed and my (blank) fell to concrete”
so QR to QR makes me uneasy.

Respectfully, in 40 years of using Bogen/Manfroto equipment, I have never had any head randomly fail.

I've seen failures where the equipment was abused and/or overloaded (especially in student check-out scenarios in University environments), but none from just normal use. I can understand if you simply don't like their styling or configurations; some of their combinations are rather clunky, but they are generally sound in operation as long a they are treated with some degree of responsibility.

I know you didn't ask but I find quick release systems dicey at best for long term viability. I'll take the extra hit on time to secure the camera to the tripod via a screw, but that's just me.

AgX · Feb 2, 2020

dodphotography said:
how many threads I’ve seen where “wow, randomly this manfrotto XYZ randomly failed and my (blank) fell to concrete”

I have not read one such thread. A search at Apug did not bring such up either.

Moreover, Monfrotto even got a safety lock at receptacles for the classic plates, wich avoid accidental retracting of the fixing lever.

reddesert · Feb 2, 2020

Bogen 3029 (available used) is a 3-way panhead, like a smaller version of the Bogen 3047, with no quick release plate. I don't know the Manfrotto equivalent number of it, but presumably there is one.

Or look around for used older pan heads from reputable manufacturers. Sometimes you can get a good deal on a solid piece.

jimjm · Feb 2, 2020

AgX said:
Gitzo 1570M

Bought one of these for use with my 8x10 Eastman. Rock-solid and perfect for what I needed.

AgX · Feb 2, 2020

reddesert said:
Bogen 3029 (available used)

Same Number for Manfrotto. But as you said, no longer made.

cowanw · Feb 2, 2020

The Ultimate Ball-Head by Acratech comes with just a screw on top.

MattKing · Feb 2, 2020

Kino said:
What about this?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/553889-REG/Manfrotto_056_056_3_D_Junior_Head.html

I agree.

guangong · Feb 3, 2020

I must be living in the Stone Age. None of my tripods-Gitzo, Tiltall, Sxhiansky- came with quick release. I use Sachtler, Rollei or Hasselblad for still cameras and Linhof for Arriflex and 45 camera. Never had a failure. Sachtler has of such simple design that extra plates can be made by hand from a thick sheet of aluminum.

AgX · Feb 3, 2020

But Linhof no longer list plain heads.

Bob S · Feb 3, 2020

raizans said:
Aside from the Gitzo G1570M, they also make the G2270M and G2271M.

From Linhof, there's the 3-way leveling head.

Actually there are 3 of them. One with screw thread top, one with the QuickFix top and one with an Arca type top plate.

jtk · Feb 3, 2020

For my copy stand (for digitizing Kodachromes) I just installed an Andoer CL50LS adjustable QR clamp...a clamp that works with various plates. Very well designed and nicely machined.

James Bleifus · Feb 3, 2020

I use a Manfrotto 3025, available used, with my Chamonix and it works fantastic. It’s light, solid, and folds small in my bag, The knobs are meaty without being obnoxious, and I’ve never had it slip once it’s locked into place.

HTH.

Cheers, James

John Koehrer · Feb 4, 2020

The older Gitzo hex shaped QR's didn't have a locking pin for the release and the plate could accidently be released*.

Gave new meaning to QUICK RELEASE. Also tested your reflexes.

AgX · Feb 4, 2020

John Koehrer said:
The older Gitzo hex shaped QR's didn't have a locking pin for the release and the plate could accidently be released.

dodphotography said:
isn’t the issue that those QR systems are junk... how many threads I’ve seen where “wow, randomly this manfrotto XYZ randomly failed and my (blank) fell to concrete”

I then guess dodphotography just mixed up manufacturers.

Alan Edward Klein · Feb 5, 2020

I have a Gitzo 3-way with a Gitzo Brevette S.G.D.G. 385 QR that mounts I think with a 1/4" screw. I've used it on my 9 pound Mamiya RB67 medium format for thirty years and below is a picture with a lighter 4x5. I never had a problem with it loosening and often carry the set still mounted on the tripod when shooting in the field place to place.

AgX · Feb 5, 2020

On might cut/screw off one end of that lever of the locking screw (toggle screw), and place the leverin a holder at the head, so that it cannot be twisted accidentally during such transport.

lantau · Feb 10, 2020

I just had to find something stable for my new old Sinar F2. I finally relented and bought a Berlebach Ash wood tripod and one of their 3 way heads: 3D Super Spezial. The Spezial has a 100mm round mounting plate and no video grip that extends out. I love it. It has no QR, just a screw. It feels rock solid. They also offer a 2D version. And the normal 3D version with detachable, long video grip and a square non QR plate. 60+ x 80+ mm.

The base plate that mounts to the tripod is 89mm, I believe. It works with the 75mm, 15° leveler of my tripod. Just...

I had the combo out, yesterday and there was some wind and a few gusts (sunny weather, probably thermals). The camera didn't visibly move. For the exposures I still waited for a short lull and later it died down. At night the big storm that hit the northern half of Europe arrived here and is still somewhat going.

Does anyone make a “plain” 3 way head...

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