Gitzo tripod and manfrotto 410 geared head

[Tony]

I hope someone can help me. I have bought a Gitzo GT3532LS which is super, and use a Manfrotto 410 geared head. The problem is that the knob controlling vertical movement fouls the top of the tripod after 10-20 degrees of elevation. I clearly need some additional spacing between the top of the tripod and the geared head base. I would be grateful for any comment and advice.

[The Blue Boy]

Hi Tony

I have the 410 but I use it with a Manfrotto tripod (055CXPro4) that has a centre column that can be adjusted to the horizontal to negate this problem, to an extent, but I know where you're coming from...

I know Manfrotto sell an "L" bracket, but I think it's about £70 quid or something equally outrageous.

I imagine you're taking sky shots at night or something?

Basic answer is to take the tenpence piece 410 users have to have in their pocket and swizel the base plate round.

I would add that this (the 410) bit of kit is great, it has so many limitations (not only price wise!) in the field. It's heavier than my house and very cumbersome. But then it's probably not really designed for going out as such, as it's fantastic for studio, macro and product work.

To go off topic slightly, I always said I'd never use a ball head again (I'm showing my age here, as back in the day they were truly awful) until I had a go with the Manfrotto 498RC2. It's mint for outside work of all sorts and it has no "creep" after you've tightened it up.

Hope some of this helps mate,

[Tony]

Hi Mark,

Thanks. Since posting I have found a Manfrotto tripod adapter, a thick metal disc code 120-38. Its diameter is 6cm like the base of the 410, and it has 3/8" M and F threads so I am exploring that option. I do mainly landscape, but sometimes I need to point up a bit for hill tops.

Cheers.

[rpcrowe]

Although I was gifted one, I never use the Manfrotto 410 head. In fact I never use any Manfrotto product anymore. All my tripod heads are Arca Swiss Compatible.
The A/C compatible gear is expensive but, it is easier to use and provides more control.
The A/C "L" brackets like those sold by RRS are wonderful in that the center of gravity of the camera is kept directly above the head in both horizontal and vertical configurations. You do not need to hang your camera cantilevered over the side of the head in the vertical configuration...

[DanK]

Actually, if you don't mind yet more expense and weight, you can convert the Manfrotto geared head to Arca Swiss compatable. Hejnar sells an adapter that replaces the Manfrotto clamp. It works fine, although it is very large. I did that for mine because I got tired of swapping plates on my camera.

I use the geared head on an Oben tripod that has a disk at the top, and it has worked fine. However, I only use it indoors--it's just too heavy to lug around on my back.

[Tony]

Thanks everyone for your comments. For the present I have solved the problem with the spacer disc which gives enough room to tilt the geared head upwards. I take the points about Arca Swiss being a very high quality product and no doubt when my pockets refill I shall be tempted.