Manfrotto ballhead thread

[marius potgieter]

Hi guys. Sorry, the title should read "ballhead thRead"...
I recently got hold of a Manfrotto ballhead, mainly for use with a monopod. I use a three-way head on my Slik tripod for my seascape work and was very keen to try out the ballhead on my tripod. My attempt to fit it to the tripod failed however, as the threaded part on the ballhead is quite a bit larger than my tripod's screw. Is there any adapter available to make these two compatible? Pardon the lack of technical names, I can only push buttons...

[Luc Hosten]

Yes there is - not sure what they are called though. Some are flimsy and fall apart while others are stronger and once fitted stay permanent. Someone from the ODP will know their name. It is worth looking on older cameras as they are often left in the tripod socket. Bought about 5 when I last saw them in a shop and have 1 left. They cost about 15c each 20 years ago!

[marius potgieter]

Thanks Luc. Just making sure we are talking of the same thing here, this is for attaching the head to the tripod, not the mounting plate to the camera.

[Luc Hosten]

I am guessing the diameter of the bolt on bit on the tripod is too small for the ballhead. This screws into the ballhead socket and makes the diameter the same as the tripod. Cannot remember the name but checked and I have 3 of them - send me your postal address and I will send you a one. See that I got the price wrong - they were 50c each.

[marius potgieter]

No Luc!!! I was going to offer you 15c for one, but your price is now just rocketing up at 50c!!! :-D
Thanks a ton Luc, will send you my address

[Peter Veitch]

What you need is a 3/8" male to 1/4" female adaptor. I know that Hedrus gave me these when I bought my 500 f4 lens so the ODP shop should stock them. Most better modern tripods / monopods have the 3/8" male connector built in as a retractable unit which then exposes the 1/4" thread for camera connections, etc.

[Yogotta B. Kidding]

I bought such an plate (adapter) 100bucks

[marius potgieter]

Thanks for your input guys. Yes, my monopod does have the dual sized connector but not my tripod. I think compared to your 100 bucks Luc's 50c does not sound too bad!

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

Standard reducer bush... there are two types available at ODP...

[Luc Hosten]

Price? I am down to 2 of them... (thanks for the word bush! could not remember).

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

Price? I am down to 2 of them... (thanks for the word bush! could not remember).

hmm not sure at all... You will have to call JK tomorrow and ask (sorry Luc, I am out of the country till tuesday)

[DaveK]

Marius Owen at photoquip recently found one of these in his drawer for me when I went scrounging for one at his shop!!
Dave

[marius potgieter]

Cool thanks, I've taken up Luc's kind offer, but should the postal service do it magic I will harass Owen, or even better, the young Mr Bradshaw who now also works there