**Taking apart the 503HDV head

[NorBro]

Hi,

Can someone please let me know how to disconnect the Manfrotto 503HDV head from the center post. This post normally slides into the legs and you can rotate it to make the head level on different surfaces. Know what I mean? I'm trying to completely separate them so I can mount just the head on a different pair of sticks.

This is the head, but without the center column.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...o_503HDV_503HDV_Professional_Video_Fluid.html

The setup I have is from about 3 years ago.

Thank you.

 

[Piolet]

Manfrotto center columns somtime have three set screws that lock the head to the top plate (in addition to the center 1/4 or 3/8 stud). Check to see if yours has these set screws by looking underneath the top plate of the center column. If they're there, loosen them. Then lock the center column, lock the pan lock on the head, extend the pan bar out so you have some leverage and then push on it to loosen the head from the column (like unscrewing a giant screw). If that doesn't work, give the end of the pan bar a quick jerk like a karate chop, instead of a constant pull, and that might break free the initial stiction in the threads.

 

[NorBro]

Thanks for your help. I didn't see the set screws before..so deep and hidden in there.