Weifeng 717 fluid head base plate (quick release)

J

jbcon

Active member
I discovered these like others through the suggestions of Cheesycams, bought one and am using to build my own pan-slider rig.

While I see you can buy seperate replacement quick release plates so as to, I am guessing use multiply cameras on the same head, does anyone know if the 717 quick release plate might be compariable to something else out there?

I am wanting to find a baseplate, that uses the same quick release plate as the 717 to use on a DIY shoulder rig.... that way the same QR plate stays on my camera, but I can jump back and forth from tripod, to shoulder rig, etc. Is there such thing as a truely universal base and plate that one could use to matchup to multiply rigs?
 
Just fix a Manfrotto 577 Video QR Adapter to the WF-717 plate & then standardise on Manfrotto 501PL & get another 577 for the shoulder rig etc
 
oh they're finally selling QR plates for the 717, i was thinking id have to buy another tripod just to use my other gear on it.
 
I bought the W717A fluid head and tripod. I mounted my GH2 to the quick release plate onto the tripod but it blocks the BATTERY DOOR! So, I can’t swap batteries without having to unscrew the camera off the QR plate.


What do I do to resolve this issue? Any suggestions? Much appreciated!
 
There isn't much you can do...other then buying an AC Batt. Adaptor.
Most higher end tripods use a plate that will cover the battery door. Be grateful that it isn't blocking your memory card slot.
 
ipokeunow said:
What do I do to resolve this issue? Any suggestions? Much appreciated!
Click to expand...

I use the smaller Manfrotto 323 RC2 quick release on my tripod, rod rig and Gorilla pod, the smaller base plate 200PL-14 does not block the GH1 battery latch. Unfortunately the lock latch on the 323 sticks down below the main surface so I had to drill out an indent on my tripod top to make it sit flat but that's the only disadvantage so far with this smaller system.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554141-REG/Manfrotto_323_323_RC2_System_Quick.html
 
nigelbb said:
Just fix a Manfrotto 577 Video QR Adapter to the WF-717 plate & then standardise on Manfrotto 501PL & get another 577 for the shoulder rig etc
Click to expand...

Yes, this is the solution that I use successfully on my tripods and monopods. The 577 adapter has both 1/4 and 3/8 inch threads underneath, so can be attached to just about anything. The 501PL plate is attached to my camera and all of my lenses with tripod collars. I can just barely open the battery door of the GH1 to change batteries with the 501PL plate attached. Don't know about the clearance to open the battery door on the GH2 as it uses a different battery. The camera does need to be removed from the 577 adapter to change batteries, but the plate can stay.

The 577 setup is MUCH more secure than the smaller 323 RC2, which I had before. It also allows forward and aft adjustment of the camera/lens for balancing on a counterbalanced fluid head. Here is the B&H link:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/241139-REG/Manfrotto_577_577_Rapid_Connect_Adapter.html
 
This thread is a bit old, but there is new information regarding QR baseplates for the 717 system. A company called Photography & Cinema has started selling a quick-release base plate that accommodates the plate from the 717. At $60 for three (!!!) they are WAY more affordable than the Manfrotto 557 system (just one 557 is 50.99 on Amazon). I just ordered three, and am excited and hopeful regarding the build quality, as I plan on mounting these on all my "toys" (jib arm, fig rig, tripod, cage, hi-hat, etc.). Obviously, someone using the Manfrotto 501 or 701 heads and the Manfrotto monopod with fluid head would want to stick with the 557 or 357, but for anyone using the Fancier/Weifang 717 or on the fence about which fluid head to go with (Manfrotto or Fancier/Weifang), this could be the decision maker.
 
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