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| |  | Tripod Accessories | Home » » » Manfrotto 501PL Rapid Connect Sliding Plate with 1/4-Inch - 20 Screws and 3/8-Inch Fixing Screws | | | | | | | Product Details: | | | Product Weight:
| 0.2 pounds | | Package Length:
| 4.5 inches | | Package Width:
| 4.0 inches | | Package Height:
| 0.6 inches | | Package Weight:
| 0.2 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 14 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 14 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
second (or 3rd) camera plate for 501 and 503 series tripodsFeb 10, 2010
By HMMWV
"God, Country, Corps"
The ex bogen now manfroto line of tripods feature in the 501 and 503 HDV class fluid video heads, a removable plate that is intended to stay on your camera.
The plate has 3 attachment and allignment methods
#1 - a spring loaded pin ensures the lens is pointed down the tripod the proper way
#2 - a normal 10/24 tripod screw (removable and re-installable)
#3 - a 3/8" standard used on audio and heavy video equipment screw, again removable and storable.
The system is designed to allow you to use your one fluid head and one tripod with multiple cameras without undoing screws - it's a 2 step process
step 1 - rotate the big lock lever on the tripod head 180 degrees to unlock the camera. It will now slide, but won't come out.
step 2 - press the red button - its red to warn you after this the camera is comming out so be prepared to catch it.
You can put a second slide on another camera (ex: still and video). When you slide it in, it will click once it gets past the red button part, but still
slide so you can adjust the blance on the fluid head. When you have the camera where you want it, rotate that lock lever back into the lock position and the camera wont move.
This allows you to use your 501 and 503 heads to hold:
video (most likely)
heavy still cameras (pro slr)
audio equipment (uses the 3/8" screw)
misc other items (even the marantz 661pmdMarantz PMD661 Portable SD Recorder) has a tripod stud receptical and can attach a plate.
what I like about this system the most is that if you don't have a screwdriver to properly set up the plate, you can break off the tab from a soda can and use it to tighten down the desired screw. A rubber plug allows you to remove the unused screw, and there is storage for it on the side of the 503 head so you don't loose it.
These plates make a great head even more flexible by allowing you to shoot some high definition (4096 pixel+) stills after shooting HD Video. The ability to slide the camera front to back to balance it without fear of it falling once you hear the red button click is nice too - it temporarily keeps your camera in the head until you achieve balance. BTW - most camera or slr mfgrs put the tripod mount near the center of gravity to assist you here. If using a long telephoto lens Opteka 500mm f/8 Telephoto Mirror Lens for Olympus EVOLT E-520, E-510, E-500, E-420, E-410, E-330, E-300, E-3 & E-1 Digital SLR Camera they will often have their own tripod point since they are heavy enough to move the CG forward of the camera body.
If you do video, still, and audio, order 2 of these slides (1 comes with the head) and your favorite attachment will be "hooked up" in seconds. Otherwise 1 is enough.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Works like a charmDec 08, 2010
By SD
I just ordered this because I wanted an extra connector so I could switch out my HDCAM and DSLR with ease. Works perfectly with my Manfrotto 701HDV tripod
Manfrotto 501PL Rapid Connect Sliding PlateMar 24, 2012
By M.B. MacIntyre
Fit perfectly for the second hand Manfrotto 501 tripod I bought without the plate.
I reviewed Amazon, found the right plate, ordered it. It arrived promptly. I had to
slide it back and forth a little to break it in. Once that was done, it fit perfect.
Good product and good price.
Works the way it shouldMar 22, 2012
By Kumaran Alagesan
I did buy cheaper alternatives for the 501PL in the past which was just horrible because the rubber padding started to peel off.. but these are genuine Manfrotto and works great. I have four of these. Never disappointed.
 Good, Useful Piece of EquipmentJan 06, 2012
By JJ Kirkpatrick
My tripod is quite old and my original sliding plate was mysteriously missing padding from one side. I was able to order this item as an affordable replacement, and it has made leveling my camera a breeze once again.
See all 14 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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