L Bracket for XPro Ballhead

Livin The Dream

Livin The Dream

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I bought a Manfrotto XPro ballhead with the top lock head. I can’t seem to find an L bracket option that would fit (Sony A73) Of course, Manfrotto state to not use 3rd party brackets but their own website doesn’t suggest that their very extortionately priced versions fit. It seems to be a Q6 bracket but I can’t find a Q6 L bracket?

Has anybody have an experience with this top lock and bracket combo?
 
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It sounds/seems like the

Manfrotto MSQPL Quick Release Plate for Q6 Top Lock System (Black)​

Is an Arca Swiss like plate.....but as AS is not an international standard there are variations which mean that the clamp e.g. Manfrotto will not accept (universally?) all AS grooved plates.

So, it is moot at to which 3rd party L-plates might fit?

In the past I have spoken to and bought the odd spare from the guy that runs https://www.manfrottospares.com/ very knowledgeable and helpful. Cannot hurt to reach out to him and ask?
 
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Can offer my 2p here, the Manfrotto Quick Release Mechanism Q6 Arca Comnparible Version has a couple of issues (IMO), one of which resulted in the demise of my GFX50S and attached lens.

The first issue which is a minor one, is that the spring release mechansim is susceptible to not working (ie jamming). I had to disassemble mine several times and rebuild it, during the time that I had it.

The second and much more serious issue, is that you have to make absolutely sure that any Arca plate has correctly engaged with the locking mechanism, ie it was fully flat in the base of the head receiving plate. It is possible to position the Arca plate in such a way that when locking the Manfrotto part that it engages with the edge on the end of the Arca plate and not over the edge of the plate engaging with the two flat surfaces. This makes the camera and lens have the appearance of being locked in when it fact its not. I did this, moved my tripod and lost the camera lens 10m down a ravine!!! The camera was on a Kirk L-Plate (so not some cheap chinese knock off)

I like my Manfrotto legs, but I will never buy one of their Q6 heads again, I have put a Benro G2 head on my 055 legs, this has a much better IMO Arca plate mechasim, and the security system, of having to pull and unwind the locking knob is much better than teh Manfrotto Spring affair.

Now this is only my experienece, but I wouldn't be putting an expensive camera/lens combination on a Q6 head.
 
Mr Perceptive said:
Can offer my 2p here, the Manfrotto Quick Release Mechanism Q6 Arca Comnparible Version has a couple of issues (IMO), one of which resulted in the demise of my GFX50S and attached lens.

The first issue which is a minor one, is that the spring release mechansim is susceptible to not working (ie jamming). I had to disassemble mine several times and rebuild it, during the time that I had it.

The second and much more serious issue, is that you have to make absolutely sure that any Arca plate has correctly engaged with the locking mechanism, ie it was fully flat in the base of the head receiving plate. It is possible to position the Arca plate in such a way that when locking the Manfrotto part that it engages with the edge on the end of the Arca plate and not over the edge of the plate engaging with the two flat surfaces. This makes the camera and lens have the appearance of being locked in when it fact its not. I did this, moved my tripod and lost the camera lens 10m down a ravine!!! The camera was on a Kirk L-Plate (so not some cheap chinese knock off)

I like my Manfrotto legs, but I will never buy one of their Q6 heads again, I have put a Benro G2 head on my 055 legs, this has a much better IMO Arca plate mechasim, and the security system, of having to pull and unwind the locking knob is much better than teh Manfrotto Spring affair.

Now this is only my experienece, but I wouldn't be putting an expensive camera/lens combination on a Q6 head.
Click to expand...
I recall seeing you have a X-T1 fall to the ground because of that first issue
 
Mr Perceptive said:
Can offer my 2p here, the Manfrotto Quick Release Mechanism Q6 Arca Comnparible Version has a couple of issues (IMO), one of which resulted in the demise of my GFX50S and attached lens.

The first issue which is a minor one, is that the spring release mechansim is susceptible to not working (ie jamming). I had to disassemble mine several times and rebuild it, during the time that I had it.

The second and much more serious issue, is that you have to make absolutely sure that any Arca plate has correctly engaged with the locking mechanism, ie it was fully flat in the base of the head receiving plate. It is possible to position the Arca plate in such a way that when locking the Manfrotto part that it engages with the edge on the end of the Arca plate and not over the edge of the plate engaging with the two flat surfaces. This makes the camera and lens have the appearance of being locked in when it fact its not. I did this, moved my tripod and lost the camera lens 10m down a ravine!!! The camera was on a Kirk L-Plate (so not some cheap chinese knock off)

I like my Manfrotto legs, but I will never buy one of their Q6 heads again, I have put a Benro G2 head on my 055 legs, this has a much better IMO Arca plate mechasim, and the security system, of having to pull and unwind the locking knob is much better than teh Manfrotto Spring affair.

Now this is only my experienece, but I wouldn't be putting an expensive camera/lens combination on a Q6 head.
Click to expand...
Thats really useful, albeit, quite alarming, thank you. I didn’t read up on the head admittedly before purchasing, it’s also on a set of 055 legs. Maybe the L bracket isn’t the way to go after all. I’ll have to do a little research on the Q6 attachment.
 
Livin The Dream said:
Thats really useful, albeit, quite alarming, thank you. I didn’t read up on the head admittedly before purchasing, it’s also on a set of 055 legs. Maybe the L bracket isn’t the way to go after all. I’ll have to do a little research on the Q6 attachment.
Click to expand...

Post in Question...................

www.talkphotography.co.uk

Digital Medium Format Thread

Jesus - had I known that I might have waited until now to go MF digital and just gone mirrorless. I suspect the shutter issue is an early model thing. Buying one now seems less risky - they've made lots of them - and at this price they'll make a lot more. I adore the 645z - but if I were...
www.talkphotography.co.uk www.talkphotography.co.uk
 
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Livin The Dream said:
Interesting. Might be ok if I don't go with an L bracket, but ensure the plate is in the right position when I initially mount. Not great though.
Click to expand...

Honestly, I'd change the head (other Manfrotto heads work ok, but they use their own plate fixture), Benro heads are good (IMO), and there are plently of ARCA compatible heads out there.

I know you've only just acquired it, but piece of mind when fitting a camera to a tripod is invaluable.

I have this one on my 055 legs now and its been brilliant, can't fault it in 3.5 years and its recently had 6+ kg of medium format GX680 film camera on it several times with no issues, there is no worry, it just does what it is supposed to do. If you go this route then it will work with an Arca Compatible L-Grip for your Sony.

www.wexphotovideo.com

Benro G2 Ball Head | Wex Photo Video

www.wexphotovideo.com

Piece of mind is worth a lot.

I can guarantee at some point you won't be 'Livin The Dream', when your camera/lens are on the floor!
 
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