Bogen 501HDV head

David Beisner · July 29th, 2008, 02:54 PM

I've got a BM 501HDV head on my tripod and I'm searching for another tripod head that will fit the mounting plate on the camera. I've built myself a DIY steadicam and I'd really like to be able to have the tripod head on the steadicam so that I can just pop the plate off the BM tripod and go straight to the steadicam instead of taking the plate off and then screwing the camera onto the steadicam.

I've looked up the 501HDV heads and they're pretty expensive, even on their own. I don't necessarily care to have an expensive head on the steadicam, so anything would work. Doesn't even necessarily have to be fluid.

Basically, my question is this: what other (cheaper) tripod heads will fit the BM 501HDV mounting plate? Is it a standard plate size and design that will fit most any head? Or does it have to go on a head from the BM HDV line (the 501 being the cheapest in that line to my knowledge)?

Thanks for your help!

Don Bloom · July 29th, 2008, 03:06 PM

501 (the old one) 503 (the old one) and 503 from Bogen.

I THINK some of the Vintens and Sachtler will also fit but not sure which ones.

Maybe go to the giant auction site and look for an older 501

Don

Alec Moreno · July 29th, 2008, 03:07 PM

Bogen makes quick release units (about 2cm in height) that accept the 501 plates. I use one of these for exactly what you're describing and it works beautifully. My base plates never leave my cameras anymore.

Alec Moreno
http://www.1Day1ShotProductions.com

Orlando Arroja · July 30th, 2008, 07:59 AM

Thank you so much for that valuable info, Hoi.Much appreciated! For real.Thanks

Orlando Arroja · July 30th, 2008, 08:03 AM

hope this works

http://www.flickr.com/gp/29061915@N03/0v0165

Ngo Vinh-Hoi · August 2nd, 2008, 09:43 AM

Hi Orlando,

Glad I was able to help. Can't tell for sure from your photo, but it looks like you have a 525MVB tripod, which means the spreader is model # 3138. If you can't fix it, a new 165MV spreader (the 3138 replacement) goes for about $70 US.

Cheers,

Hoi

Tim Eno · August 11th, 2008, 04:05 PM

Will 3221 legs work with 501HDV Head.

Mark Williams · August 11th, 2008, 04:46 PM

Yes it should. The head is shown as an acessory to the 3221 legs at
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...gs_Black_.html

I have the 3221 legs and 501 standard head and the combo works fine. For quick head leveling I recommend the 3502 compact leveler. This mounts between the legs and the head. The 3221 legs are very vesatil and will allow shooting just about down to ground level. The 3221 also comes with a short adaptor plug that can replace the center column if you don't need it and want to reduce some weight.

July 29th, 2008, 02:54 PM	#31
David Beisner Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Dayton, TN (USA) Posts: 219	Bogen 501HDV head I've got a BM 501HDV head on my tripod and I'm searching for another tripod head that will fit the mounting plate on the camera. I've built myself a DIY steadicam and I'd really like to be able to have the tripod head on the steadicam so that I can just pop the plate off the BM tripod and go straight to the steadicam instead of taking the plate off and then screwing the camera onto the steadicam. I've looked up the 501HDV heads and they're pretty expensive, even on their own. I don't necessarily care to have an expensive head on the steadicam, so anything would work. Doesn't even necessarily have to be fluid. Basically, my question is this: what other (cheaper) tripod heads will fit the BM 501HDV mounting plate? Is it a standard plate size and design that will fit most any head? Or does it have to go on a head from the BM HDV line (the 501 being the cheapest in that line to my knowledge)? Thanks for your help! __________________ David Beisner Media Specialist, Bryan College, Dayton, TN -- www.bryan.edu

July 29th, 2008, 03:07 PM	#33
Alec Moreno Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 184	Bogen Quick Release Unit Bogen makes quick release units (about 2cm in height) that accept the 501 plates. I use one of these for exactly what you're describing and it works beautifully. My base plates never leave my cameras anymore. Alec Moreno http://www.1Day1ShotProductions.com

July 30th, 2008, 07:59 AM	#34
Orlando Arroja New Boot Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Algarve,Portugal Posts: 7	Thank you Thank you so much for that valuable info, Hoi.Much appreciated! For real.Thanks

July 30th, 2008, 08:03 AM	#35
Orlando Arroja New Boot Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Algarve,Portugal Posts: 7	new link hope this works http://www.flickr.com/gp/29061915@N03/0v0165

August 11th, 2008, 04:05 PM	#37
Tim Eno Tourist Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Roclkedge Florida Posts: 3	Will 3221 legs work with 501HDV Head Will 3221 legs work with 501HDV Head.

July 29th, 2008, 03:06 PM	#32
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	501 (the old one) 503 (the old one) and 503 from Bogen. I THINK some of the Vintens and Sachtler will also fit but not sure which ones. Maybe go to the giant auction site and look for an older 501 Don

August 2nd, 2008, 09:43 AM	#36
Ngo Vinh-Hoi Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 30	Hi Orlando, Glad I was able to help. Can't tell for sure from your photo, but it looks like you have a 525MVB tripod, which means the spreader is model # 3138. If you can't fix it, a new 165MV spreader (the 3138 replacement) goes for about $70 US. Cheers, Hoi

August 11th, 2008, 04:46 PM	#38
Mark Williams Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Deep South, U.S. Posts: 1,526	Yes it should. The head is shown as an acessory to the 3221 legs at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...gs_Black_.html I have the 3221 legs and 501 standard head and the combo works fine. For quick head leveling I recommend the 3502 compact leveler. This mounts between the legs and the head. The 3221 legs are very vesatil and will allow shooting just about down to ground level. The 3221 also comes with a short adaptor plug that can replace the center column if you don't need it and want to reduce some weight. __________________ Mark videos: http://vimeo.com/channels/3523 Stock: http://www.pond5.com/artist/mark29