Video head on sliders (best practices) at DVinfo.net

John Friedman · December 2nd, 2011, 02:17 PM

Forgive me if this has been mentioned before, I tried searching but to no avail.

I have a Manfrotto 701 video head and Konova Slider combination that I really enjoy using. The Konova slider comes with a nice and slim carrying case. My dilemma is attaching the video head. I have to travel with these separated and when on location that's when I screw the head onto the slider base plate.

- Would using a quick release plate to connect/disconnect the video head to the slider be advisable?

- If I continue to screw the head on and off each time should I worry about wearing out the threading?

- Also, what is a good way to pack a video head in a kit full of gear?
Leaving the head on all the time is not an option for me.

- Any recommendations?

JF

Andrew Dean · April 15th, 2012, 04:45 AM

When i use the cineslider, i put a manfrotto QR adapter on the slider and leave it there. (its a bulge in the case but it fits). Then i have a 501 head dedicated specifically to the slider, with a 357 QR plate on the bottom. So, yeah, its doable and I consider it safe. I believe the real danger of a slider is tipping the whole rig over. As long as you keep a hand on it and keep the head balanced as possible, i think it works great.

A bowl adapter on top of a slider, plus a bowl THEN the head puts the camera and head really high off the rig and makes it all topheavy. I wont use a bowl adapter on the slider except when mandatory. The manfrotto 357 QR plates are designed to hold a serious news camera, so the risk of failure due to the plate is negligible in my opinion.

In a pinch, I've put super16 film rigs and a redone with redrock rails on it and it worked well so long as I wasn't doing any tilting. (501 head isn't designed for nearly that much weight). I like the speed and convenience enough that i've been casually looking around for a much beefier head to dedicate to the slider via qr plate.

However, you do lose the ability to ball level the camera, if thats a problem for you.

Not sure if that helped, but at least somebody out there has tried it. hehe.

cheers,
-a

December 2nd, 2011, 02:17 PM	#1
John Friedman Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Snellville, Ga Posts: 34	Video head on sliders (best practices) Forgive me if this has been mentioned before, I tried searching but to no avail. I have a Manfrotto 701 video head and Konova Slider combination that I really enjoy using. The Konova slider comes with a nice and slim carrying case. My dilemma is attaching the video head. I have to travel with these separated and when on location that's when I screw the head onto the slider base plate. - Would using a quick release plate to connect/disconnect the video head to the slider be advisable? - If I continue to screw the head on and off each time should I worry about wearing out the threading? - Also, what is a good way to pack a video head in a kit full of gear? Leaving the head on all the time is not an option for me. - Any recommendations? JF

April 15th, 2012, 04:45 AM	#2
Andrew Dean Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Motukarara, New Zealand Posts: 475	Re: Video head on sliders (best practices) When i use the cineslider, i put a manfrotto QR adapter on the slider and leave it there. (its a bulge in the case but it fits). Then i have a 501 head dedicated specifically to the slider, with a 357 QR plate on the bottom. So, yeah, its doable and I consider it safe. I believe the real danger of a slider is tipping the whole rig over. As long as you keep a hand on it and keep the head balanced as possible, i think it works great. A bowl adapter on top of a slider, plus a bowl THEN the head puts the camera and head really high off the rig and makes it all topheavy. I wont use a bowl adapter on the slider except when mandatory. The manfrotto 357 QR plates are designed to hold a serious news camera, so the risk of failure due to the plate is negligible in my opinion. In a pinch, I've put super16 film rigs and a redone with redrock rails on it and it worked well so long as I wasn't doing any tilting. (501 head isn't designed for nearly that much weight). I like the speed and convenience enough that i've been casually looking around for a much beefier head to dedicate to the slider via qr plate. However, you do lose the ability to ball level the camera, if thats a problem for you. Not sure if that helped, but at least somebody out there has tried it. hehe. cheers, -a