Manfrotto 394 quick release

Video review of the Manfrotto 394 quick release plate system.

The Manfrotto 394 quick release plate system uses Low Profile 410PL plates which I’ve found to be more reliable and easier to use than the smaller 323/200PL RC2 system that comes as standard with smaller Manfrotto tripods and heads.

For use on my Glidetrack Shooter I modified the ball head seen in the video by removing a 323 plate that came fitted to it and attaching one of the 394 plates in it’s place.

The price for the 394 adapter and the 410 plate in the US is $46.95 at B&H. I was slightly out with the price in the video. Click here to buy them at B&H

In the UK you can buy them from Warehouseexpress.com for around £35.

2010
03/16
POSTED BY
Paul Joy
13 comments
    • Lee Booth
    • March 26th, 2010 5:04pm

    Hi Paul, great reviews and tips, what head are you using on your monopod and tripod?

    Cheers

    Lee

    • Hi Lee. The head on the monopod is comes with it as standard, I’m not sure it has an individual product code. It doesn’t have any pan movement because panning is done by a fluid cartridge in the leg.

      The one on my glidetrack is a standard ball head used by still photographers, I’m not sure of the product code, I’ll check for you a bit later.

    • Lee Booth
    • March 27th, 2010 2:58pm

    Hi Paul, thanks for replying, I have just picked up a 701HDV head which looks really good and pretty small. I saw your review of the glide track and was looking at getting the compact SD (0.5m) version as I only have a 7D 15-85mm which do you think is better the SD compact or the shooter as I see you have both?

    I am looking for something small and light to travel with but don’t think I will use the handles on the shooter so fancied the compact SD because of the rubber feet.

    Do you think you get enough movement with the small version (0.5m)?

    Sorry for all the questions but want to make sure I buy the right gear as it’s all starting to add up and want to spend wisely.

    Thanks

    Lee

    • Hi Lee.

      The thing I like most about the Shooter is that it has a lock on the sliding plate, I don’t think you get that on the SD. I find that half meter shooter to be long enough for my needs, I guess it depends on the shot you want.

    • Lee Booth
    • March 28th, 2010 6:02pm

    Hi Paul, thanks for the info, what is the lock on the shooter used for?

    • Lee Booth
    • March 29th, 2010 2:19pm

    Hi Paul, is this to stop it moving around when carrying it or not is use?

    Sorry not 100% clear what you mean.

    • It was added to the shooter to lock it in position when using it as a shoulder rig, but before I had the shooter my camera had been on a few uncontrolled trips down the track while I was setting up a shot with potentially disastrous consequences as the weight moves outwards. It’s not an essential, but I like being able to lock it until I’m ready for the shot.

    • Lee Booth
    • March 29th, 2010 3:38pm

    Hi Paul, ok that makes sense. Thanks for your help. Lee

    • John Mathieu
    • May 11th, 2010 12:42pm

    Hi Paul,

    Thanks for the very informative vid. Can you tell us which ball head is attached to the glidetrack?

    Thanks,

    John

  7. Thanks for the great demo. I standardized on the Manfrotto 394 Quick Release, I use them everywhere. I will create a video of the many uses.
    I don’t use any included camera Neck-Straps. My Shoulder Strap replaces it, connecting to the RC4 Baseplate. Shoulders can support weight longer then my neck. I can also switch camera bodies easily using the RC4. I will try to incorporate a Zacuto ZFinder into my system soon.

    Between: camera and macro focusing rails.
    Between: focusing rails and tripod
    Between: Promaster Utility Platform and tripod.
    Platform used for Laptop, Positioning Fog Machines, DLP Projector, and breakfast stand while on internet.
    Between: DLP Projector and Manfrotto Avenger Light Stand with Boom Pole.
    Between: 13 Foot Boom pole for Microphone or Quantum Remote Strobes

    • VypeR
    • June 21st, 2010 10:35am

    Hello Paul,
    And everyone else :)
    I am a bit new to this, so could you tell me, how does the 394 Quick Release adaptor, fit on a 701HDV Fluid Head or on a Zacuto Target Shooter? Do you screw the adaptor on the original plate itself ? (remember I am talking about the 394 adaptor and not the plate).

    (by original plate, i mean the one that came with the 701HDV head / etc.. )

    Thanks again, I am in the market to buy, and I live in India, it’s not as easy to return it back, if you’ve bought the wrong thing, so I have to be absolutely thorough..

    Cheers!!

    • Hi there, yes you simply attach the 394 plate to the sliding plate in the 701HDV head. I do exactly that with my Miller Tripod.

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