Ok, dumb question of the day..

[NancyMoranG]

I just got my Manfrotto tripod. The screw is 3/8"" but my ball head ( Manfrotto 498rc2) is not the same size.
What do I get to attach it to tripod?
:{
Thank you.....(slinks away..)

 

[astroNikon]

they make little adapters for that.
All my tripods came with the adapters on it already ...

I've forgotten what size is which ... lol ..

 

[Netskimmer]

Check to see if you can unscrew the threads on the tripod. I don't know about Manfrotto, but my Giottos has reversible thread. You might be able to take the piece with the threads out and flip it around.

 

[Designer]

What do I get to attach it to tripod?

Congratulations on the new tripod!

What you need is a 3/8 x 16 to 1/4 x 20 adapter. You'll want the 3/8 side to be female and the 1/4 side to be male. I think B&H has all the adapters that are required. Or check with Manfroto, as they should have those already packaged up to mail out to their new customers.

 

[KenC]

Are you sure? From the description of the 498rc2 on the B&H web site:"The head to tripod attachment has 3/8'' female threads." Here is the link
Manfrotto 498RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Quick Release 498RC2

 

[NancyMoranG]

Whoops, I probably reversed the sizes...but it doesn't fit...

 

[KenC]

Check the tripod - I just checked the 055xb, a common type, and that is listed as having a 3/8" post. I have a Manfrotto tripod (I think the one above) with a plain Manfrotto ball head and it went on there with no problem. Maybe you have a tripod that somehow is an exception to this general set-up. If so, I'd consider trading it in - you don't want to have to use an adapter and have another set of threads to worry about when you're carrying the tripod (it would also look really strange).

 

[Alexr25]

As you stated the tripod comes with 1 3/8" male screw, the head also comes with a 3/8" female thread but since some tripods have a 1/4" male thread the head is probably fitted with a 3/8" to 1/4" adapter. Simply screw out the adapter and then the head should fit to be fitted to the tripod.

 

[NancyMoranG]

As you stated the tripod comes with 1 3/8" male screw, the head also comes with a 3/8" female thread but since some tripods have a 1/4" male thread the head is probably fitted with a 3/8" to 1/4" adapter. Simply screw out the adapter and then the head should fit to be fitted to the tripod.

There is a silver 'screw' in the head, but I didn't want to force or break anything..looks like if I get a larger flat head screwdriver it may unscrew (?).

I would be disappointed if I need something else as the tripod was almost $500 and it was not noted that I would need something else.

 

[Alexr25]

Yep, that silver screw is the 3/8" to 1/4" adapter the rest of the underside of the head should be an anodised black.

 

[astroNikon]

Don't loose that adapter though when you take it off. I've always needed mine for something or another.