Comments on: Manfrotto 394 quick release

By: Lily Tinkle

Lily Tinkle — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:40:12 +0000

Just wanted to thank you for so generously taking the time to make a video to describe so clearly how the quick release system works, what parts are needed, how you attach them together, and the specific movements you need to attach, release, and use it all. I’d previously read several descriptions which hadn’t really come together to make sense to me. Not only am I a newbie, but also live where I can’t easily get to a camera shop to see items. Plus I’m in the U.S. so appreciated for the the little currency translation as well ;-).

So grateful to you!

By: Arthur

Arthur — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:25:56 +0000

Thanks for the post! I’ve standardized on 501PLs but using them w/ a glidecam, baseplates with a big area, etc is becoming increasingly difficult to use. I’m probably going to switch over to this but I wish they weren’t $40 each!

By: Paul Joy

Paul Joy — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:29:05 +0000

Yes, you can by a thread enlarger which adapts the smaller thread on your tripod plate up to whats needed by the 394.

By: Caspian

Caspian — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 06:56:36 +0000

Hi Paul,

Your vids on this and the new Glidetrack Hybrid have been big helps in my purchasing decisions.

Just wondering, when you say “your existing tripod plate”, how did you attach the base of the 394QR plate to your tripod? My 055cxPro3 has a large 3/8″ male screw protruding, which doesn’t fit into the 394. It would fit into a thread-hole in the top plate (on the edge) but its not centered and doesn’t screw on well. Plus you have to stack them.

Is there a simple screw adapter you can get so that it will fit into the bottom of the 394? Might have to pop down to my nearest camera store, ‘caus I can’t work out on Ebay which adapter I’d need.

I’m thinking this would be a great method also for quickly switching between my 701hdv and a ball head for stills work (which using the same sticks).

Cheers

By: Paul Joy

Paul Joy — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:35:29 +0000

It should work fine, you just attach the bottom part to your existing tripod plate.

By: ben

ben — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:33:25 +0000

Hi Paul,

This is brilliant.
Though i have a velbon tripod? Will it work with any tripod or is it just manfrotto?

thanks

By: Paul Joy

Paul Joy — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:27:06 +0000

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.

By: VypeR

VypeR — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:35:57 +0000

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!!

By: John Erdovegi

John Erdovegi — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:07:31 +0000

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

By: John Mathieu

John Mathieu — Tue, 11 May 2010 11:42:54 +0000

Hi Paul,

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

Thanks,

John