21Feb Manfrotto 501PL plate disappointment
For light weight camera gear Manfrotto fluid heads are a pretty good value and I’ve standardized my kit around the 501PL QR plate. I recently ordered this 501PL plate from amazon, as you can see from the video it’s not a very good product. If you’ve used this QR plate, it’s pretty easy to spot the problems.
This is what a normal 501PL plate looks like, infact even the cloned versions look like this. The QR plate I ordered from Amazon looks legitimate, the packaging (you can see in the video) looks like the real thing and the numbers on the package check out. It appears Manfrotto has quietly started feeding these inferior QR plates into the market. An insertable plastic numb? What a load of crap. Thanks Manfrotto.
February 21st, 2014 at 10:07 am
You should get the benro qr13, its a much longer version of the 501pl. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1026243-REG/benro_qr13_quick_release_plate.html
For the price, id rather have a longer plate for more room of adjustment.
February 21st, 2014 at 11:21 am
If you think that’s bad, try paying $64.99 for the 500PLONG plate that’s used in the new drop in style of the new Manfrotto heads. It also has the plastic pin and the groove that allows you to drop it in from top. I don’t think the old plates allow you to drop it in and lock.
February 22nd, 2014 at 10:05 am
Hey Rob, which manfrotto tripod head do you have? I have the 502HD and I can’t drop it in from up top.
Btw, the Benro stuff uses the same size plates as Manfrotto.
Per BHPhoto: Interchangeable w/ Manfrotto MA504PLONG
February 22nd, 2014 at 10:31 am
I have the MVH500. I thought all of the new bridging heads had the drop in style head now but I guess not.
February 22nd, 2014 at 11:58 am
http://youtu.be/05XB985AB-Y?t=2m25s
Thanks for the fast reply Rob. Just googled it and it turns out your plate isnt compatible with the older manfrotto (but the older one are compatible with yours).
He also mentions that they will retrofit the 502/504 plates, but not yet (as of NAB 2013).
There isnt any photos of the 500 plate underbelly online. I wonder what is so different about it?
February 21st, 2014 at 9:42 pm
Calumet’s 501 knockoff has a metal pin:
http://www.calumetphoto.com/product/ck9007?a=CJ01&t=CJ01&URL=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.calumetphoto.com%252Fproduct%252Fcalumet-quick-release-video-head-adapter%252FCK9007%252F&cm_mmc=CJ-_-2865178-_-3735241-_-Calumet+Quick-release+Video+Head+Adapter
However, the baseplate has a plastic pin whereas the Manfrotto is metal.
February 21st, 2014 at 9:49 pm
B and H product photo still shows a spring loaded metal nub/pin on the 501.
Let’s start a class action suit and sue the bastards for false advertising.
I know a good law firm — “Dewey, Screwem & Howe” …
February 25th, 2014 at 8:54 am
Makes sense, you don’t need that pin on the Blackmagic pocket or the new Gh4. I always take the pin out none of my cams have the second hole. Maybe we should bring it back though, I hate the “twisting plate” …