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SkedAddled
Joined: 19 Oct 2008
Posts: 1443
Location: Michigan, USA
Expire: 2021-08-12
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 Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 12:09 am Post subject: Tripod Quick-Release plate from MFlenses/Alex |
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SkedAddled wrote:
Well, it finally arrived today. 
Alex was kind enough to send one of these plates to me at his expense, so that I could check the fit and stability on a Bogen/Manfrotto RC2-style quick-release tripod head.
My cost was to be a review of it here on the forum.
Compared side-by-side, the Bogen on the left:
The only tangible differences to be found are the color of finish on the screws, and the extra hole found in the Bogen's pad. None of the holes are needed for any of my gear anyway, so that's pretty much a moot point. I removed a pin from the Bogen plate, which I understand is commonly used for motion video cameras.
The undersides. Again, the finish color of the screws is different. The bail for tightening the screw on Alex's plate is of a slightly different shape & size, though I did not have any difficulty in tightening it very firmly on my camera and a couple of big lenses.
I'm not sure what the additional casting is for, at the lower-right corner, since it gets buried in the tripod's head when attached and therefore seems to have no use at all. No matter, since it does not affect anything to do with proper use of the plate.
The plate arrived just as you see pictured. The metal it's cast from seems to be the same used for the Bogen. There are no sharp artifacts from the casting process, and the weight seems to be equal as well. The pad's texture is slightly different, but is just as firm and 'grippy' as the Bogen. The thumbscrew is slightly looser in the new plate, but that's a non-issue when mounted to a camera or lens. 
Seeing as the price Alex quoted to me lands at around half or less what I have found the Bogens sold for from other venues, I intend to purchase the pictured plate and at least four more. My intent was to return Alex's plate at my own expense if it was not compatible, though I didn't have much doubt about that. But I will pay for this plate and a few more. I'm perfectly happy to provide this review and pay for the product. After all, it's more than worth the price. 
As most of us are aware, these small plates can cost a bunch for such a simple thing.
These plates from Alex will let you purchase twice what you'd normally pay for just one of the Bogen plates at discount pricing.
Many thanks to you, Alex.
_________________
Craig
Of course I'm all right! Why? What have you heard!?
Canon Digital EOS 5D Mk IV, EOS 50D, Powershot S3 iS
Vivitar 28 f/2.8 OM - Zuiko 50 f/1.8 OM - Tamron SP 28-80 f/3.5 AD2[Favorite!] - Hanimar 135 f/3.5 M42 - Soligor 135 f/2.8 T4 - Tamron SP 60-300 f/3.8 AD2 - Soligor 75-260 f/4.5 M42 - Soligor 400 f/6.3 T4 - Soligor 500 f/8 T2 Cat + Matched 2X TC - Addiction Growing!
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Attila
Joined: 24 Feb 2007
Posts: 57865
Location: Hungary
Expire: 2025-11-18
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| Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 12:23 am Post subject: |
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Attila wrote:
Thank you Craig for this nice detailed report!
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SkedAddled
Joined: 19 Oct 2008
Posts: 1443
Location: Michigan, USA
Expire: 2021-08-12
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| Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 4:43 am Post subject: |
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SkedAddled wrote:
| Attila wrote: |
| Thank you Craig for this nice detailed report! |
You're welcome Attila, and Alex. 
I forgot to mention that this QR plate is the same one being shipped with the ballhead
that's part of the recently-announced 3010 Tripod Legset & Ballhead package.
The ballhead is essentially a clone of the Manfrotto 486RC2, with minor
cosmetic and operational differences. The RC2 quick-release plate remains
the same for both, and is an exceptional value when purchased from Alex.
I have been in communication with Alex about upgrading the head assembly of my Manfrotto 725B DIGI tripod,
and there may be a simple and easily affordable solution to that scenario, as well.
Stay tuned for details, as I'll post information as soon as I am able to.
_________________
Craig
Of course I'm all right! Why? What have you heard!?
Canon Digital EOS 5D Mk IV, EOS 50D, Powershot S3 iS
Vivitar 28 f/2.8 OM - Zuiko 50 f/1.8 OM - Tamron SP 28-80 f/3.5 AD2[Favorite!] - Hanimar 135 f/3.5 M42 - Soligor 135 f/2.8 T4 - Tamron SP 60-300 f/3.8 AD2 - Soligor 75-260 f/4.5 M42 - Soligor 400 f/6.3 T4 - Soligor 500 f/8 T2 Cat + Matched 2X TC - Addiction Growing!
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hk300
Joined: 30 Oct 2008
Posts: 1041
Location: Hong Kong
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| Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 12:41 pm Post subject: |
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hk300 wrote:
| SkedAddled wrote: |
I have been in communication with Alex about upgrading the head assembly of my Manfrotto 725B DIGI tripod,
and there may be a simple and easily affordable solution to that scenario, as well.
Stay tuned for details, as I'll post information as soon as I am able to. |
did it arrive and did it fit?
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No longer member , please don't try to contact to him |
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SkedAddled
Joined: 19 Oct 2008
Posts: 1443
Location: Michigan, USA
Expire: 2021-08-12
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| Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 12:43 am Post subject: |
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SkedAddled wrote:
| hk300 wrote: |
| SkedAddled wrote: |
I have been in communication with Alex about upgrading the head assembly of my Manfrotto 725B DIGI tripod,
and there may be a simple and easily affordable solution to that scenario, as well.
Stay tuned for details, as I'll post information as soon as I am able to. |
did it arrive and did it fit? |
It has arrived. PM sent.
_________________
Craig
Of course I'm all right! Why? What have you heard!?
Canon Digital EOS 5D Mk IV, EOS 50D, Powershot S3 iS
Vivitar 28 f/2.8 OM - Zuiko 50 f/1.8 OM - Tamron SP 28-80 f/3.5 AD2[Favorite!] - Hanimar 135 f/3.5 M42 - Soligor 135 f/2.8 T4 - Tamron SP 60-300 f/3.8 AD2 - Soligor 75-260 f/4.5 M42 - Soligor 400 f/6.3 T4 - Soligor 500 f/8 T2 Cat + Matched 2X TC - Addiction Growing!
This is us -- We drive these -- We're named these |
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