I'm looking for a little help or advice for an upcoming purchase for our small wedding videography business.

We're planning on purchasing a Panasonic HMC150 and teaming that with a Manfrotto 561BHDV monopod for reception coverage. I have also been considering the Manfrotto 530HDV head and 351MVB2K tripod, mainly because I could quickly switch from the monopod to the tripod with the 501PL quick release plate.

Soooo...on to my questions. I've read a lot of great reviews for the Libec LS-38M tripod and H38 head. Does anyone know if the Manfrotto's quick release plate fits the Libec? Also, if you had a choice between the two, which one would you pick?

Thanks for your help!

This should work fine. I have a Manfrotto monopod (557B) and a Libec LS-37 (the older version of the LS-38) with Manfrotto quick release/slide plates on both for the sorts of reasons you state (for in my case an EX3).

Now the H37 head on my LS-37 does not have a (Libec) quick release plate part (they introduced that with the LS-38 & it's H38 head, along with 2 stage legs, not one - for shorter packing/lower positioning advantages) but there is no reason why it won't attach and work.

Only thing is that you'll have to ensure you detach the upper Manfrotto plate (and not the lower Libec one that it will be attached to, of course).

On a more general note, I personally rate Libec tripods well over Manfrotto for price/performance ratio and excellent aftersales/parts service (if you ever need it) - but that's just my opinion/experience.

Just for info, the one I used was an MN 357, with the 501P-Long sliding plate. It may or may not work with the smaller 501 plate.

Thanks, guys. I didn't know if I would need the adapter or if the Libec quick release plate would fit the Manfrotto head. Now, it's obvious that I will need the adapter.

Just out of curiosity, does the adapter fit tightly or have you ever been concerned about it coming apart with the weight and movement of the camera? I'm assuming this is all dependent on how tightly I've screwed the adapter to the Libec plate.

Thanks again for your help!

Rob,

I use a MN357 with my Sachtler to correct a COG problem I have with my Sony V1. It was easier to buy here than the Sachtler COG plate, and provides more adjustment.

I find it very solid indeed. The whole thing is made from metal.

The 501PL adapter plate is screwed to the bottom of the camera and won't budge once it's on. When the camera + plate are on the adapter, it can't fall off, there's a safety catch. There's a knob that lets you tighten the mount to make it solid. I find it easy to mount and unmount the camera to the plate.

Thanks Mike for the detailed additional info to help Rob.

Rob, the LS-37 and Manfrotto plate I have were actually bought from Mike secondhand (in perfect condition I might add) via DVinfo's Private Classifieds about a year ago... so now you have all the info you should need.

Thanks a lot for your help, guys! Your expertise is invaluable!