Switch Your Manfrotto to Arca-Swiss

[@PhotographyByRune]

Ordered the same thing after watching this video and converted my manfrotto ball head to arca swiss, and I can now use my beloved L-bracket again. Easy peasy and works well!

[@Dmcphotography101]

Was having horrendous slippage issues with the befree head. Nearlly commited to buying a new tripod when i saw your video. Bought the adaptor and an L bracket for good measure. Thank you sir. My camera sits as solid as a rock now. A subscription to your channel for sure!

[@WesPerry]

Awesome!

[@mengshun]

RC2 to various Arca-Swiss here. Going back to RC2. The Neewer RC2 has a nicer implementatuion of the Manfrotto lock. The snap-in lock remains unbeatable and as one begings to have issues with hands, fumbling with twisting a screw while trying to maintain proper plate alignment gets old fast and is defenitely less peace of mind. No, it's not perfect but still hard to beat day in and day out if you don't have special requirements. And it's pretty dang inexpensive.

[@derekclark7545]

I got the Manfrotto version, nice bit of kit for my 055 tripod.

[@GangstasCat]

there is no safety protection button from accidentally falling out. not good.

[@KhalidKhan-js1ej]

Very useful video. Exactly what I needed. Thank you so much.

[@davidbailey4976]

Thanks Wes. I was unaware that such conversion kits are available and my Peak Design gizmos seem to be Arca by default.

[@y2k-boy850]

Great video Wes, I have the same issue going on when using the advanced befree. It's imo the best tripod travel and exploring. But that plate is just horrible. Stable, but horrible. So I went on to buy a new ball head Arca Swiss type and did not know about this solution. Thank you for posting this.

[@NomadicBristolview]

I prefer the RC2 style, but arca swiss is a solid connection - just too slow for some events.

[@LouisOtto]

I don't even have a tripod but I still enjoyed this vid!

[@mmarsbarr]

In Australia, because we're in the upside down world, we say "Tighty righty, loosey lefty"

[@jkspinalchoice]

LOL

[@mcauleyrj]

I got the Manfrotto brand Arca Swiss plate. I was disappointed because it does not have the Arca Swiss Safety stops. I ended up with the one that you recommended.

[@WesPerry]

Well that’s disappointing after such a long wait for them to come out with it.

[@DraveczFerenc]

Never... RC2 very fast, tried ArcaSwiss for a few times, but it's for elderly who has much time. LOL

[@WesPerry]

Haha. Sorry to hear that. Takes me about 2-3 seconds to mount and unmount. But always have to make sure to give it a yank after (as one should with Any mount I suppose…)

[@shughy1]

I still love the manfrotto original, am probably used to it and have never pinched my thumb in it, but I find the push pull mech quicker to set up than a turn screw

[@AlanRobertsarchitect]

Sounds like a great idea, so I ordered two for my two Manfrotto heads via the links. They arrived yesterday evening and I disassembled my Manfrotto heads with great anticipation. But, to my great dismay, the supplied screws do not fit either head. The diameter is too big and, I cannot reuse the Manfrotto screw as it is too short. So, both are already on their way back today and I'm being refunded.

[@WesPerry]

That’s a shame Although you’re the first person to mention the screw issue, many other have commented on different issues. It seems like Manfrotto bizarrely uses a wide variety of ways of affixing their plates to their tripod heads. Awfully confusing!

[@AlanRobertsarchitect]

@@WesPerry Yes, it's a great pity as it was just what I wanted and would have been wonderful.

[@LindaMcMahon1111]

Perfect! Just what I needed.

[@blaineaburnettsr]

Unfortunately neither my 486RC2 nor my 488RC2 have the female end in the plate. They both have threaded sticks with a bit of lock tight on them. Would have loved to convert them. All of my bodies have arca swiss L brackets so my Manfroto stuff has been collecting dust for years.

[@ChrisGen]

Saved my day bro. Totally switching. I actually have the same tripod too!

[@WesPerry]

Awesome! 👌🏻

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks Wes.

[@andrewwwolf]

great video as always. btw i bought mefoto roadtrip tripod (which is arca swiss standart compatible) and i am more than happy with it

[@kbruff2010]

Excellent / Thank you!!!! ----- why didn't you use chemical Loctite? and torque wrench?

[@WesPerry]

a) I don’t have any b) I don’t have one 😂

[@rolleicanon]

Thank you. That's very helpful.

[@BrunoGargaglione]

Is it possible to do that in a Manfrotto 3 way head?

[@cjones7246]

So I just bought the Befree GT Xpro and was disappointed when trying to find a suitable L-Brackett for my new D850 Thank you for this video So, which plate size do I need to source to ensure it both fits the D850 but also any L-Bracket I end up purchasing? Thank you :)

[@WesPerry]

There are different models of the one I have linked (that can be found by selecting different options there). Some are much wider, which is likely what you’d want for a big camera on an L bracket.

[@cjones7246]

@@WesPerry thank you. So, I search for the right L-bracket for the D850 then work out the plate size required in order to get the correct one. That's a plan! Thank you

[@davidenglund]

Definitely Arca-Swiss! I found the "Haoge 64mm Screw Knob Clamp Adapter Mount" on Amazon that has a longer screw knob. Makes it easier to quickly screw down your camera. :)

[@WesPerry]

I have another plate with the longer screw knob and I just find it annoying and catch it on things when it’s folded up ;)

[@DennisAbad]

hehe lol'ed at the Tri-Pad reference there Wes! good one!

[@WesPerry]

I had no idea if there was such a thing irl, but I googled and as usual the internet did not disappoint. 😏

[@JezT07]

Waiting for the tripod review :) Is it only the manfrotto tripods you will be focusing on? Or other brands too like 3 legged thing?

[@WesPerry]

Just Manfrotto as a representation of the “expensive” (yeah, there are much more expensive ones) vs equivalent cheap, generic alternatives, carbon fiber vs aluminum. For the most part, a tripod is a tripod for 95% of people. The extra bells and whistles are rarely used, and those can be seen on the spec sheet anyway. I wanted to do it a little differently and measured their resistance to load bending and vibration, to see which is really worthwhile. The core functionality of a tripod.

[@JezT07]

Wes Perry can’t wait! I’m looking for a tripod and your video will definitely help me make a decision. Thank you for your hard work

[@Martyn0001]

Good thanks.

[@MartinV.]

Great Video!

[@rayphillips815]

Wondering if this Boss clamp interferes at all with collapsing tripod down since legs (feet) sit right at the head?

[@WesPerry]

Depends what size you get, but I usually slide the small one I have down sideways and fits just fine

[@imarr17]

It appears from your video that your BeFree Advanced is the updated version supplied with the Manfrotto 494 ball head (MH494-BH). However, it also appeared that the top plate of the ball head was attached with a countersunk head screw. On a number of other review videos (and customer comments on Amazon) that screw is a socket head screw which protrudes above the plate. I would be interested to know what screw yours was supplied with and have you changed it to the countersunk screw? (The socket head screw prevents non- Manfrotto plates fitting the ball head).

[@WesPerry]

I just double checked and it’s a nice smooth countersunk screw.

[@cropperson5583]

Had the Manfrotto for 30 years. Never pinched my fingers

[@ernstjosef4491]

Do youvknow if there is some automatic clamping sytem for acraswiss plates...i fell really safe with the manfrotto 410, the little arm makes klick and i know that the camera is safe...but now i got a new panohead and there manfotto has the wrong direction...regards ernst

[@63MacGuy]

I went with the Manfroto system for my gimbal. When you need to put your camera back on the gimbal you know it’s in the exact spot it should be. You more re-balancing.

[@WesPerry]

Makes sense. I don’t have a “big gimbal” yet. Still doing everything handheld ;)

[@dreamremoved8886]

how can I convert my mv502ah head? i've found a dozen vids that show how to switch the Befree but not a single one involving the (i thought) incredibly popular 502ah... i bought a ronin plate someone linked on reddit but haven't the faintest idea of how it's supposed to go on there. and Manfrotto's no help

[@laika25]

I'm interested in that. Who sells it? /do they deliver to Europe? Thanks

[@realghostactual]

am i on crack? Or has Manfrotto moved to using Arca-swiss mounts? Im still novice and new to my new cinematography hobby which is slowly turning into a passive income hobby but my manfrotto tripod uses Arca-swiss

[@WesPerry]

Since this video came out they started offering arca Swiss products in addition to their favored quick release system.

[@WesPerry]

Which was probably a good move, since this video has sold Thousands of those conversion kits. This was quite unexpected to me 😂

[@realghostactual]

@@WesPerry I think it was a good move on their part because i can take my Gimbal Qucik Detatch plate which is Arca-Swiss, just keep it on their permantly on my FX3 and just remove the XLR handle and matte box and go gimbal in less than 60 seconds then in less than 30 go tri-pod. We all talk about work flow in post but workflow as a camera operator is equally important

[@just1smothie]

I am going through this problem right now, but I can not unscrew the top plate off. I have a Vanguard AltaPro and just bought an arc swiss L plate. I have tried everything to remove the screw but it will not budge, even with an extra long allen key, and I even used a pipe to use to get more leverage. I have sprayed WD40 on it, tried to heat it up with a small butane torch and it still won't move. I don't know why this one seems to be stuck so tight. Can you help me out please? Do I need to use a compressor with an airgun? I have run out of options. Thank you in advance

[@WesPerry]

I don’t think I’d go any further than you have. It’s probably not a large enough screw to handle more torque than that and might break off. That’s unfortunate.

[@iainturpie4269]

Did you try going the opposite way? Maybe it’s a weird reverse thread

[@gosman949]

My Manfrotto head doesn't have a screw to take it off. I've got a work around with a Arca plate that screws into the Manfrotto plate that then goes into the Manfrotto head! uggg. But it works!

[@WesPerry]

Yeah, I saw that option as well, but figured that would just add an extra point of failure/wobble, and wanted to strip it down as far as possible. Really a shame yours is just stuck like that. I can’t believe they haven’t just switched over yet. I don’t even get the point of having a quick release. The last thing I want to quick release is my camera from the tripod head! Haha

[@brianrobinson698]

Hi Wes thanks for the video I wonder if you can help I have a manfrotto 486rc2 ball head however the centre screw has been filled in by manfrotto with some black material do you know if I can get this off and if so how ?

[@WesPerry]

Maybe see if a lighter will melt it? In case it’s plastic or glue...

[@brianrobinson698]

@@WesPerry thanks

[@rahulbhatiaphotography6166]

Can this Haoge Quick Release qr clamp be fitted on Manfrotto element

[@HowardHearne]

Will the Manfrotto clamp on the bottom of my camera fit into this or do I have to order that separate?

[@WesPerry]

Depends. The new Manfrotto camera plates do both Arca Swiss And Manfrotto. But possibly not. If you’re fine with that plate you might as well stick with it. But otherwise Arca plates are super cheap and easy to find.

[@evanwindom]

Not a bad solution, but I wish it was quick-release.

[@WesPerry]

There are likely quite a few different options available by this point. I certainly prefer the universal nature of arca Swiss, though

[@eurika391]

Hi will the adaptor fit the Manfrotto XPRO ball head. Thanks.

[@WesPerry]

I'm quite certain it will, as it has a removable top plate. Very odd that they themselves produce an Arca Swiss version, but it costs extra. I suppose they would like you to buy into their ecosystem instead.

[@eurika391]

Hi Perry, Thank you for your informative video and your prompt reply. I did a bit of research myself and found out that Pro Media Gear C-60 plate is suitable for many ball heads including the XPRO ball head.

[@konradcurze-fs1vl]

Does anyone know if said Haoge Arca base will fit a Manfrotto with two screws instead of one, eg the 322RC2?

[@MP-ou7lb]

By now, MANFROTTO released the "MSQ6T" Adapter. Price is about the same. (edit: at least at the moment).

[@WesPerry]

Thought your comment couldn’t possibly be correct, so I just checked the pricing. Looks like the plate I showed in this video has nearly doubled in price since I bought it. Wow.

[@johndickson3117]

was this shot in 60fps?

[@WesPerry]

You betcha

[@ronstar7027]

I have a Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head. Can't remove the RC2 plate. No hex screw. Anybody able to convert this head?

[@rodolfhenriquez9355]

Going back . . . . .

[@KaptainCanuck]

Bolts, not screws.

[@Richie5480]

You could even use some blue locktight.

[@Reedith]

no lol rc2 is way better than swiss ? ur quick realise is whats bad get the stock rc2 with a bigger quick release

[@WesPerry]

I think you’re the first person to comment that. RC2 seems to have a very small fan-base 😂

[@Reedith]

@@WesPerry that's interesting because all of the research I did and all the KZbin videos I found talking about rc2 talk about how they one-handed solid connection with a flat base that can be set on a tabletop While ARCA Swiss is a two-handed operation that has to be loosened and tightened and because of the security screws on the bottom can't be set flat on a table top

[@Reedith]

@@WesPerry I don't know if you've experienced an actual rc2 plate and quick release from manfrotto not a knockoff and not the old version with the small thumb release but just a full-sized rc2 plate with the lock it's a joy to use

[@CZOV]

Same price as Manfrotto in Europe :(

[@WesPerry]

Oh wow!

[@dbiermanphotog]

Seems like a backwards move to me.

[@sundaysman]

Excuse me, can it fold up to pack in its bag after you’ve changed the plate?

[@WesPerry]

Yeah, the plate I put on is actually smaller than the original.

[@Robert-ug5hx]

The older style rc2 quicker release was much better the newer design with plastic thumb release is terrible its difficult to use one hand it kind of engages the little nub catch to hold it opened it does not engage as well ,I may switch to arcade style

[@lightblade47]

Man watching the beginning all I head was John from food wishes dot com

[@WesPerry]

I guess we use the same stock music from Apple 😉

[@nickdual]

I subscribed, you do to Colleague

[@GoProMeetsAeon]

Arca Swiss plates are so much better!

[@WesPerry]

Right??

[@sebastiank.5137]

The manfrotto plate design is annoying.

[@WesPerry]

@@sebastiank.5137 100%

[@Diggnuts]

I found Manfrotto to not only have a silly name, but also not up to snuff in the quality department. Manfrotto is like Alpha Romeo of camera gear. Overhyped, overpriced and under build. I put Arca Swiss style on just about anything.

[@WesPerry]

I’m not sure that I’d go quite that far. They started in Italy, by Lino Manfrotto, hence the name. They’re no longer a family company and a bit more generic now, though.

[@Diggnuts]

@@WesPerry I know, still find the name silly.

[@windmill10]

Take a course in documentary film making!!! You will learn that you don't need distracting and irritating background noise in a talking head video!!!!!!

[@WesPerry]

This isn’t a documentary, boss.

[@windmill10]

@@WesPerry No but it is a talking head video. In documentaries there usually are quite a few talking head scenes. Watch a few and count the ones that have distracting background music.

[@helenadams9162]

Looking for a little advice please. Can I Convert my Manfrotto XPRO 3-Way Head to take an Arca Swiss Plate. There isn't any screws that I can take out so not sure if it can be converted .....help....please