Hey all,
Rather than purchase a new tripod I am looking at mounting the camera to a flat base. ie a metal post that I happen to have in the exact spot I want my camera. It will never leave this spot since it is a studio (ish) configuration and I am wondering what I have for mounting options? My camera has the 75 mil ball base for ease of leveling etc, and I would like to retain this ability. I would just like to mount it to the top of my steel post.
Any ideas?
I have searched B&H etc for something and I am wondering if I have to stick with Manfrotto as this is what the ball is, or can I use a miller or sachtler mounting base?
thanks in advance.
Darrick

Think there are three options. This is one:

tripods, heads, monopods, light stands, camera supports, lighting supports, professional tripod 325N - ADATTATORE PER SFERA (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/3341?fullList=0|68|111|118&idx=118)

You could go the Hi- Hat route if the post was a big enough diameter, everybody makes those:

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/3340

The third option is to simply incorporate a 3/8" bolt sticking up from the top of the post to screw the head onto (assuming it is a flat base head with an added 75mm ball adapter, of course), job done. If the pole is perfectly vertical, and the top is level, a leveling base is no longer required.

The first option MAY only suit a Manfrotto head bolt, the second option, well, if you do a search of B&H, you'll find one from just about everyone as does camera supports. The third option is as cheap as chips.


CS

Never mind I didn't read the question correctly.

Thanks guys!
Chris, Those links only brought me to the main manfrotto site and I am not sure which products you were referring to....
There will be an operator on this pole mounted camera so I am concerned that "if" the camera were to somehow go off balance I would want to balance it quickly and with little hassle.... I think this would rule out the threaded rod idea somewhat. could you point me again to an exact page that would show a suitable mount?
Thanks in advance guys.
Darrick

ps. I would do a search again but I am not certain of what I am even looking for really. I think what I need is the bowl that the ball fits into.... does anyone sell just this bowl? I am looking for the top flat plate that you find on a tripod that the legs connect to (without the legs) I would then mount that bowl to my metal post.

30 seconds after I lifted those links Manfrotto dissed the web site and loaded a new one.

Second try:

Manfrotto 325N Video Head Adapter Bowl, Connects 75mm or 100mm - Other (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/0/325N/_/325N_Video_Head_Adapter_Bowl%2C_Connects_75mm_or_100mm)

and

Manfrotto Hi Hat with 100mm Bowl - Adaptable to 75mm using 319 - Other (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/0/529B/_/Hi_Hat_with_100mm_Bowl_-_Adaptable_to_75mm_using_319)

Think they may work.


CS

PS: Yep, tested and working OK.

Thank you so much! This is exactly what I was looking for.
:)

I am a little confused how the first one would allow me to swivel the head.... does the handle still thread through the bottom of the bowl? I am certain that the highhat would work for sure with the head I have ordered though.
Thanks a ton!
(This is why I love this site!)