What ballhead for Manfrotto 055?

CGW said:

I happily use a 055 for my medium format cameras. I get away with a Manfrotto 486 but think a 488 would be better. I do, however, use the large Manfrotto hex plate system, since the smaller RC2 is marginal for the weight of an RB67, especially if carried around on a tripod as I tend to do(it's adequate for my Mamiya 645 and Bronica SQ-B).Many will insist you need a massive(and pricey)ballhead QR plate system for the RB67 but the lighter heads like the 488 will work provided the QR plate is big enough. Thanks to the rotating back, the weight doesn't move all that much beyond the center of the tripod. Though probably contradictory, I like to keep my tripod/head combinations are light as possible so I can get out and around with my RB67. I sometimes use a Manfrotto 440 Carbon One but it's almost too petite for the big Mamiya. BTW, very nice personal and collective work.

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Kim Catton said:

I tried to find the 488 but couldnt find it. I did find this one which seem to have a plate larger than the RC2 one? http://manfrotto.com/product/8374.31708.22608.0.0/498RC4/_/Midi_ball_head_with_RC4

btw, the term QR plate - what is this? I was amazed at how much stuff is available in this market (tripods).

Are you shooting with a Bronica SQ-B? How does this system perform? I remember wanting to get one when I was in Prague. I saw one in the smallest of shops at a very affordable price - but that was some time ago. Is it a 6x4,5 system?

I'm happy that you like my work, much appreciated!

All the best,

Kim

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CGW said:

I got one of these--Manfrotto sells them separately--and mated it with a 486 without a plate adapter. Manfrotto sells most of their heads this way. The plate adapters simply screw into the ball heads. This way you get the QR plate-head combo that suits you. BTW, QR=quick release, sorry.

http://manfrotto.com/product/8374.56.76907.0.0/625/_/RC0_Rapid_Connect_Adapter_with_030-14_Plate

I like the old school hex plate for the RB67--max contact area for secure grip without tightening the crap out of the plate screw.

Love the SQ-B. It's a stripped-down SQ-Ai. No electronics apart from the shutter, so the metered finders and ISO dial backs of the A and Ai models can't talk to each other on the B. Takes all Bronica SQ "S" and "PS" lenses. No "T" exposure but does have a "Bulb" setting for long exposures. I wanted a manual 6x6 format SLR and this was the "one." Light, compact, basic square format kit. They're usually very affordable because they're totally manual. Just add a light meter and you're set!

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