Tripod Heads
by Roger N. Clark
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They may not be used except by written permission from Roger N. Clark.
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Examples
Figure 1. A Manfortto 488RC2 ball head with a Wimberly C10 clamp.
The original clamp was removed and a Wimberly C10 clamp installed to be compatible
with Wimberly quick release plates and the Wimberly Sidekick.
Figure 2. A Manfortto 488RC2 ball head with a Wimberly C10 clamp.
To replace the original clamp, remove it by unscrewing it from the stem
where the 3/8-16 bolt is located (A in the above figure). Use locktight
thread glue to put the new clamp on the stem. Then tighten down the set
screw (B) to be sure the clamp does not rotate. You could also determine the
location where the set screw touched the stem before using the locktight,
and file a flat spot. That will make the set screw more effective in holding
the clamp from rotating. Then attache the clamp with locktight and tighten
the set screw. This works with most ball heads.
Figure 3. A Manfortto 488RC2 ball head with a Wimberly C10 clamp and Wimberly Sidekick.
For the Sidekick to hold a camera and lens, the ball must be tightened extremely tight
to prevent the camera from flopping over.
Figure 4. A Manfortto 488RC2 ball head with a Wimberly C10 clamp and Wimberly Sidekick.
I have positioned the Sidekick slightly in the clockwise direction in this view
sp the weight of the camera will only act to tighten the clamp on the stem. This
helps ensure that the clamp does not come loose. It also gives you the ability
to aim higher if you are following flying birds.
For the Sidekick to hold a camera and lens, the ball must be tightened extremely tight
to prevent the camera from flopping over.
http://clarkvision.com/articles/tripod.heads
First Published April 19, 2009
Last updated April 19, 2009.