Manfrotto 325N Bowl Adapter + Angle Mount + Offset Adapter

DDirector

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So, I'm getting the Konova K5 Slider, but what I noticed is that the slider has only 1 male end screw at the top. (I could be wrong, but thats what I see)

Well, I am getting a fluid head with a 100mm bowl. So, I need some type of an adapter so I can mount the head onto the slider.
A high hat seems expensive and then you may have to buy additional accessories to mount it properly (if there is no center hole for the screw)

I found this:
Manfrotto 325N Bowl Adapter
http://www.cinevate.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=290

I just want to make sure I can use this. Can I attach my head onto this adapter, and screw the adapter onto the slider? That works, right? How do you level the head? It seems to be that once the head is on, its fixes and cannot be levelled.


Another Things I Need;
Angle Mount for shooting vertically;
When shooting vertically, I need some other angle mount adapter that attaches to the slider and to the bowl adapter. This way I can use my fluid head if I need to pan during the shot.
Where do I get this angle mount?

IF I NEED TO PAN;
I would need an offset. So, rather have the head directly over the slider, I'd need it off on the side. So, Id need some type of offset so I can pan/tilt the head when I am on the slider.
Where do I get an offset adapter that will work for this slider/bowl adapter?
 
Interesting solution. Just ordered one to test with a FSB 8 head.

Seems this adapter locks the ball in a level orientation, & won't accommodate a Dutch, but I could be wrong. I have leveling bases already attached to my sliders for these needs, but it be great to not have to.
 
I tested the adapter, but it doesn't work on my head. This is not the first time I've had this issue, so am going to contact Satchler to see if it's possible to add a longer post.
 
FWIW, Kessler has a nice little 100mm high hat for a little over $100. Although I'm not a fan of raising the CG on a slider, this will work. It has a center hole and a 4 bolt pattern on the base.

Grant
 
FWIW, Kessler has a nice little 100mm high hat for a little over $100. Although I'm not a fan of raising the CG on a slider, this will work. It has a center hole and a 4 bolt pattern on the base.
Grant
I saw this, but I wasnt sure if I could mount the high hat with the center hole. I dont even know how it would screw in.
If the slider has a screw in it, or a tripod with a flat base with a single screw in the middle, the screw isnt removable, so the high hat would have to screw into that. But, I dont think you can do that. It doesnt seem to be a secure way of locking it. Especially if the screw is so short.

Another, how would this be mounted for vertical shots then? It still requires an adapter to angle it. Which I still havent found.

I probably wont get the Konova slider because of the 1 center screw issue. Id prefer one like the Kessler where you can mount different ones. But, I'd like to still screw in a 100mm bowl adapter to my tripod. I dont have a tripod with a 100mm bowl, so I hoped to attach the adapter to my tripod so I could use the fluid head.
 
The Kessler bottom plate is, I believe, 3/8" (aluminum) plate. It has a tapped 3/8 UNC hole in the center, so it would screw onto a short tripod stud. Not sure if that helps.

Grant
 
The Kessler bottom plate is, I believe, 3/8" (aluminum) plate. It has a tapped 3/8 UNC hole in the center, so it would screw onto a short tripod stud. Not sure if that helps.
You mean the 100mm High Hat? That can be screwed into a tripod?


I've been searching, and I think I found some additional things that may help with mounting the high hat, and an angle mount. BUT, im not sure if the spacing on the holes would match the location on where the screws are on the high hat or the slider.

This cheeseplate: http://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-teenie-weenie-cheese-plate-counter-sunk.html would be screwed onto the flat base tripod. Then the 100mm High Hat would be screwed onto the cheeseplate. It seems to be more stable, but that also depends if I really cant just screw the high hat onto the tripod as is.

The short end of the angle plate: http://www.filmtools.com/rigging-l-plate-10-inch-x-16-inch.html could be mounted onto the slider for vertical shooting. Then with the long end outstretched, the 100mm high hat would be mounted at the end. This way not only can I shoot vertically, but use larger cameras :)

The only thing is, i'm not sure if the holes are spaced out at the same distance as the slider would be or the 100mm high hat. So, Im not sure whether anything would screw into it.

BTW I've got one of those Manfrotto 325N's laying around if anyone wants it for $50...send me a PM!
So, can this be mounted onto a flat base tripod with a single 3/8" screw on it?
And is the bowl firmly vertical in place, or can it still be adjusted for uneven levels?
 
My 325 came with two mysterious brass fitting and no instructions - I later found those are different thread-size inserts for the threaded rod that sticks out of your head's half-ball.

I bought one of those $150 asian tripods for shooting low-budget music events (I like having a third camera and we just find someone involved in the project that can aim & focus, we've had very good results). Legs aren't bad, would be a killer first tripod for a kid with a tight budget... but the head really has a great feel. I wanted to use it on my slider to keep the weight/height down, but the bolt is too short and doesn't fit any of those 325 inserts, looks like it's a 1/4-20. Oh well...
 
"The Kessler bottom plate is, I believe, 3/8" (aluminum) plate. It has a tapped 3/8 UNC hole in the center, so it would screw onto a short tripod stud. Not sure if that helps."

"You mean the 100mm High Hat? That can be screwed into a tripod?"

Yes, if you have a 3/8 stud, the Kessler hi-hat would work. Putting a mondo 100mm head on a cheap set of stix might not be the best solution. But on a slider, on a modest incline, it would level your head.

Grant
 
I have the Giottos Aluminum MLT 3361B tripod. It says it supports 18lbs. Im pretty certain it could support more weight.

the Manfrotto 325N was my last resort, but as you say the 100mm High Hat can screw onto a short end 3/8" screw on my tripod, then that's good.
Would the short screw be long enough to support the weight though? By judging by the pictures, it looks like it CAN be screwed into the center hole, BUT it looks as if the screw will be too small (smaller than the thickness of the base) and not be secure enough.

I also emailed Kessler asking them about the High Hat they sell, and they told me that the holes dont have threads. They are just clearance holes and require a nut or a knob that screws on. But, since the tripod stud is short, that doesnt seem possible. So, im a bit lost...
 
So, can this be mounted onto a flat base tripod with a single 3/8" screw on it?
And is the bowl firmly vertical in place, or can it still be adjusted for uneven levels?

It can be mounted on a flat base tripod with a screw, and then it's firmly held in place and cannot be adjusted for uneven leveling.
 
Mine is threaded...maybe they have changed the design. I've actually considered drilling mine out for a 3/8" clearance hole.

The reason you use a bowl mount IS so the head can be adjusted for level. The hi-hat base just mounts flat. Did I not understand your question?

Grant
 
From what I've seen on the pictures, the Manfrotto 325n can't be adjusted for uneven leveling.

It's attached straight on the bowl:
034692700_1236060601.jpg
That's the different between it and a Hi-Hat:
hihat.jpg
 
The 325n actually has a bit of play - if your sticks are close you can fine tune it, and when you tighten it it holds level.

I've been seeing high-hat tripods for about $179, 12" high but adjustable, some asian imports on eBay - some of them have mounting holes at the feet, but they give you more options for height and dutch stuff - they look interesting.
 
From what I've seen on the pictures, the Manfrotto 325n can't be adjusted for uneven leveling.

It's attached straight on the bowl:
View attachment 55922
That's the different between it and a Hi-Hat:
View attachment 55921
Okay, good you showed me that picture. It did answer the question about fine tuning the level, and as it looks, its not really possible. It is fixed in there. Which does kinda suck.

The other High Hat was the Kessler High Hat. This one has 5 holes on the bottom (4 corners & center), not exactly like the one you posted above.
broadcastor-digital-juice-slyder.dolly.highh-31.jpg

Maybe if go to Toronto again, ill visit Vistek and see if they have it in stock and if it has threads - In the picture, if you look at the holes, it does look like it has threads. Hopefully it wasn't changed. BUT, it just seems like the base is a little thick, so the stud screw on the tripod wont be screwed in securely. If It was longer, then I could thread it through the base and I could attach a nut onto the end.

Giotto_s_Photography_Tripods_MT_9281.jpg


I've been seeing high-hat tripods for about $179, 12" high but adjustable, some asian imports on eBay - some of them have mounting holes at the feet, but they give you more options for height and dutch stuff - they look interesting.
These are cool, but I was just hoping to mount the high hat to my tripod so that its like a normal tripod with a 100mm bowl, although the tripod itself doesnt have one, thats why id need to mount it on.
 
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There are a couple of simple options to get where you want to go.

First, did you talk to Chris at Kessler about whether the hi-hat actually has threads or not?

Second, you could easily fab an adapter plate from 3/8" aluminum. Thread the center hole to 3/8" UNC. Match drill the adapter to the 4 bolt pattern on the hi-hat. Counter-sink the holes to accept flat-head screws which will attach to the hi-hat. The flat-head screw heads will be on bottom side against whatever base plate or tripod you use.

Three, if the hi-hat is drilled for clearance, you could heli-coil it back to 3/8" UNC. This isn't difficult, and the kits are available at any bearing supply house.

Four, Manfrotto and others make leveling heads with 3/8" attachments. see link:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554093-REG/Manfrotto_438_438_Compact_Levelling_Head.html

Grant
 
I just found something out..
The flat top of the tripod with the 3/8" screw, it can be removed and flipped around so its a smaller size (as the other end is a smaller thread) BUT, I can try finding a new screw with the same design, but longer so that once it goes through the bottom of the base of the High Hat, I can attach a nut to it. Hopefully I can find a screw like that though. This may save some problems. :)

So, it wont be a stud screw, but a longer screw.
 
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