- REVIEWS
for still photography (I don’t shoot any video), I came upon several photographers who used the Manfrotto MVH500AH. This idea of a self leveling, smooth movement head intrigued me but not enough to plunk down nearly $200 for a new one to “try out”. Off to eBay I went looking for a nice used copy, and came across one that was nicely priced and while looking at it, I noticed that it was from LensRentals. Being a repeat customer of LensRentals, I was well aware of their process of selling some of their gear and I
bought direct from LensRentals for a pentance of a new copy. Even though it had a stripped threaded hole for the movement arm on one side of the body, I figured that could be fixed should I need to use that device but not shooting videos I figured that I wouldn’t need it. After receiving the video head and examining it, I determined that I could easily fix that by drilling out the stripped out, threaded hole and inserting a self tapping threaded insert in place of the original threaded hole. Having done that and fixed that issue, the next upgrade was to figure out how to replace the Manfrotto mounting plate with an Arca Swiss compatible design. In looking at reviews, I came across Kirk Enterprises replacement mounting kit for the bridge on the fluid head that provides a rotatable Arca Swiss plate. By loosening a hex head screw the Arca Swiss quick release mount can be rotated 90° to give you either a transverse mounting position or an in-line mounting position, which ever is required by the body/lens in use. After trying out the Manfrotto mounting plate on the original design, I determined that I really like the functionality of the MVH500AH and after seeing the replacement Arca Swiss modification being used on a Hudson Henry YouTube video (he’s like the MVH500AH guru on YouTube), I found that to be exactly what I was looking for. So even though I cheaped out on buying a used head, I could not located a used Kirk Enterprises replacement Arca Swiss quick release bridge so I had to break down and purchase a new one. Although a bit pricey, it’s very simple to replace, remove four screws, pull the original Manfrotto QR mount off and mount the new one Kirk one on with the four screws. Now I have a standard Arca Swiss mount that fits my 3 bodies and various lens tripod rings. Matching up the modified Manfrotto fluid head with my INNOREL heavy duty carbon fiber tripod legs gives me a very sturdy, solid base and the fluid movement of the head allows me to easily position the camera in any position I need to have it for my landscape and panoramic photography. Thanks again LensRentals for the great deal. Read Less
Glad you were able to find a solution that works well!