Manfrotto 394 Low Profile Quick Release Adapter with 410PL Plate
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Solid Plate with Major Design Flaw
It's a great plate. It really is. It locks into place well, I love the QR system. I far prefer it to the sliding plates that come default on Manfrotto's heads. But it has one major flaw. It breaks my major rule when it comes to tripod and QR plates: ALWAYS USE TWO SCREWS. Now you may say, it has two screws in the picture! And it does, indeed. However, on the underside, the side by which it is mounted to your camera-rig-implement of choice, there ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Fantastic quick release so far
After doing some research, I decided to go with the 394 Low Profile quick release. I'm a still photographer and videographer so I needed something to suit both of my working needs. The low profile fits my video rig perfect for both 5DII and 60D, and allows access to battery compartments on both cameras without removing from the rig. The spring-loaded locking mechanism seems very sturdy and incredibly helpful when needing to quickly attach and rem... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great idea but doesn't fit
I purchased four of these to use with our three cameras across two tripods, a monopod and a stabilizer. Attaching the mounting plates to those devices and the quick release plates to the cameras meant we didn't have to worry about which camera had which adapter on it. But each of our tripods, the stabilizer and the monopod all have the standard tripod screw, which I believe is the 1/4 screw, plus the little one that isn't a screw, but sits in fro... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
OK for the price
I bought this based on the low profile design to use atop a 4-way macro focusing rail. It is low profile as described, but its design is off a little in my estimation. If the camera is mounted as per the instructions with the horizontal spirit level towards the rear of the camera and the QR lever to the left, the plate only supports 1 inch of the camera body to the right side of the center of the 1/4-20 mount screw. To the other side of the mount... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Solid, versitile
Very strong and secure attachment. Once locked, it's not going to move and it's not going to pop out for anything. The flush top and bottom are very useful when you might be attaching it to a preamp box like a beachtek or juicedlink. This QR system works fine no matter what you're attaching to. The spirit fisheye levels aren't terribly useful since this type isn't very precise. On my juicedlink CX231 box the alignment pin is slightly farther out ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great Quick Release Bracket
I have quick release brackets on all my cameras and tripods. I can just move a camera from one tripod to my handheld flash bracket and back to another tripod with ease. I use a Canon 5D Mk II for stills on a tripod and for video on a Cinevate slider and a video tripod. The quick release bracket allows me to easily move from one tripod to another, even a shoulder bracket.The 394 QR adapter has a bubble level and both a 3/8 and 1/4 screw included w... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Product offers exactly what I needed
I bought the 394 quick release adaptor to attach to my Glidecam so I don't have to re-balance it for every use. In this case I needed a quick release plate that was sturdy, easy to use and relatively small. The Manfrotto 394 filled all of those requirements and I am very happy with my purchase. There is a good balance between being well manufactured and lightweight, meaning that I am not afraid its going to fall apart on me and it is not too cumb... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Surprisingly awesome
These are fantastic for quick work on small/solo shoots. I can put one one my tripod, one on my shoulder rig, and one on my gimbal and quickly move from one to another without having to adjust anything. This is particularly useful for a gimbal because I never have to rebalance it. My few complaints: You can't (from what I found) purchase ONLY the bottom piece, causing me to have a ton of extra top pieces collecting dust. Also, you CAN connect the... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A good concept
Great product that allows you to quickly remove your camera from it's mount. However, I use the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 and I've found this this mount can be a bit too offset, sticking out from the camera a bit too much for me and my camera, for balancing on a glidecam, or for taking it off and shooting handled. The release lever takes a bit more effort to release than the 577. I'm sure this works brilliantly with the right cameras and accessorie... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Well-Built and works well.
I bought this strictly to use with the HD1000 Glidecam, because the quick release plate that came with that isn't that quick or convenient at all. This does everything I needed it to do and it's built really well. My only complaint, which is not necessarily the fault of this product, is the holes (for the screw) aren't spaced the same distance apart as the holes on the glidecam. This makes it so you can only use one screw rather than two. Using t... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Yes
I have bought many of these sets over the years & have a few earlier versions from 2 decades ago. These earlier ones look beaten up but still work well. With the large area they are great for tapping & screwing permanently for an absolutely rock solid base & or if you have no intention of removing it. Also used a set in the car for mounting non camera equipment for quick release. Have also used one on my Manfrotto 400 head permanently screwed to ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Handy Accessory
I keep te quick release adapter on my tripod head as a permanent fixture. I usually leave the plate on my Nikon D300. WhenI use the Nikkor 300mm f4 lens, I shift the plate from the camera to the lens. I plan to buy two more plates as I add a Nikkon D800. The unit is very sturdy and works well. The two levels are what I needed and drove the choice of the low profile adapter. Once I realized how the unit worked, it is easy to use, convenient and qu... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great Quick Release to standardize on
I've been using other Manfrotto slide-type Quick Releases on tripods, fluid heads, monopods, camera bodies, HDSLR camera cages, sliders, and rail systems, but one thing or another (including availability) would get in the way of them being perfect for all applications. The Model 394 provides a positive lock, a small footprint, the ability to quickly move between support systems, and quick access to my gear as needs and configurations change during a shooting session. I'm about three away from being totally interchangeable, and then a bunch of Model 357s and 577s are gonna hit CraigsList.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
NICE QUICK RELEASE!
The Manfrotto 394 low-pro is a nice quick release, of which I have several that are attached to all my gear, tripods, sliders, jib arm, for quick on and off shooting with my digital cameras for video acquistion. It's well built, and will more than likely fit most cameras and not block the battery door. The one thing about this QR is getting use to the placement of the two plates for snapping them together, that placement must be precise for the QR to snap together. That said, at first, you may find this somewhat difficult finding the snap point. Once locked into place it's solid!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I just keep getting more
I've been using these QR plates for about 7 years and I just keep getting more. It's so easy to just leave them connected to everything and then know that whatever camera I'm using I can connect it without worrying about changing plates etc. I even have, for instance, an audio recorder with a top QR plate attached to the bottom and a bottom QR attached to the top so I can just snap it in place between the tripod and camera or remove it super quickly, depending if I need it, rather than having to sit there and screw things in/out and fiddle with it. Saves a bunch of time!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
functional but hard to use for some
I have used these for years on all of my cameras, camcorders, and stabilization devices. Every camea can instantly be changed to another my Steadi Cam, mono pods, and tri pods. They work well, except for two problems: the quick release can be hard to engage. My wife sometimes does not have the strength to press the release button to make the things work. Also, it is tricky to see how to seat the camera in the quick release shoe. Since I have so many of them, I will be ordering more, but if I had to do it over again, I would try to find something that is easier to use.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great Product
I replaced all my 357 plates with these. Easier to access to quick release and because the QR operates horizontally it doesnt interfere with any of your gear. It also seems to lock down solid and have a fail safe system built in. There is not way your gear is going to come adrift from this plate. I imagine it will require some working in to get the QR to become a little easier to release. It's pretty stiff! I also notice that one needs to place the camera in the just right way for the mechanism to be activated - this has required a bit of practice.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Does what it supposed to do. :)
I normally use the product with a Stroboframe T-bracket to quickly install and remove my D700 from the bracket. It works so well, that I got my friend one for his D3/D4 combo, and so far, no complaints!I love it because it makes it so much faster to dismount the camera from the bracket and allows me to just mount the camera into the tripod. Uses the 410PL system plates, so it works great with my geared head system.I do wish there were more mounting holes on the base, but I'm not picky...I can just drill a few in place. :) Worth the $$$!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I absolutely LOVE these things!
I have a plate attached to each of my video cameras, as well as each tripod, monopod, and Glidecam. I can rapidly switch from one mount to another with no fuss or muss. This is especially helpful while shooting on the go using a camera stabilizer. I can balance the stabilizer, shoot what I have to shoot, transfer the camera to a tripod, then back without having to rebalance the stabilizer. It's also fast. The only drawback is the price... but, having these plates shouldn't be an option, it's a necessity.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I would buy more of these if I needed to
I use this for my Canon 60D to switch from tripod to steady cam. If I had a slider or mini jib I'd put the same quick releases on them as well. Pros: - great construction, solid - love the dual bubble levels - low profile plate makes it not bulky Cons: - the plate could be smoother to get in and out of the quick release but when it's in there you know it's not going anywhere. I would definitely buy this quick release plate again. In fact as soon as I get another device to mount it to I probably will.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Cheap Professionalism
These quick release plates speed up my workflow considerably. If I need to grab a handheld shot real quick and then I need to be back on the tripod in an instant it's not a problem. The quick release is so handy for these situations and many more. It makes using the sticks so much more enjoyable. Also, using it with my edelkrone pocket rig sure makes it convenient. If you have many different setups and only one camera, definitely pick up a few. Also really convenient with a slider. Enjoy! :)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Solid
This item has the same base as my favorite tripod (also Manfroto.) I bought the set to attach my camera to a Glidecam HD 2000. What I like is the solid, quick attachment. When I click my camera onto the base I know it is secure. The locking mechanism requires 2 operations to unlock, so I know the camera plate will not accidentally separate from the base. It is very robust, a professional item. The base plate in this package can easily be attached to whatever suits your needs.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I may just buy another one
I use a pastel box designed to mount on a camera tripod, with the camera mounting hardware removed. I had been looking unsuccessfully for a quick release adapter for months, until I talked to an artist friend who used the same pastel box and asked her the brand. I immediately got on line and bought one, just before going on vacation. It was great. Previously I would have to manually wind the box onto the tripod and then manually unscrew it, feeling like a fool the whole time.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Holds tight & has low clearance
I'm using this to mount my DSLR video camera to my shoulder mount. I really like that the bottom is flush, as opposed to the Manfrotto 323 / RC2 quick release plate. This makes it easier to mount to various accessories. It is easy to get the camera to lock in place, & stays solid, but the biggest negative I've noticed is it can be hard to pull back the lever to unlock (this is why I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5). But once you get the lever started, it is easy to remove.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
