Bogen 501HDV head
 

I've got a BM 501HDV head on my tripod and I'm searching for another tripod head that will fit the mounting plate on the camera. I've built myself a DIY steadicam and I'd really like to be able to have the tripod head on the steadicam so that I can just pop the plate off the BM tripod and go straight to the steadicam instead of taking the plate off and then screwing the camera onto the steadicam.

I've looked up the 501HDV heads and they're pretty expensive, even on their own. I don't necessarily care to have an expensive head on the steadicam, so anything would work. Doesn't even necessarily have to be fluid.

Basically, my question is this: what other (cheaper) tripod heads will fit the BM 501HDV mounting plate? Is it a standard plate size and design that will fit most any head? Or does it have to go on a head from the BM HDV line (the 501 being the cheapest in that line to my knowledge)?

Thanks for your help!

501 (the old one) 503 (the old one) and 503 from Bogen.

I THINK some of the Vintens and Sachtler will also fit but not sure which ones.

Maybe go to the giant auction site and look for an older 501

Don

Bogen Quick Release Unit
 

Bogen makes quick release units (about 2cm in height) that accept the 501 plates. I use one of these for exactly what you're describing and it works beautifully. My base plates never leave my cameras anymore.

Alec Moreno
http://www.1Day1ShotProductions.com

Thank you
 

Thank you so much for that valuable info, Hoi.Much appreciated! For real.Thanks

new link
 

hope this works

http://www.flickr.com/gp/29061915@N03/0v0165

Hi Orlando,

Glad I was able to help. Can't tell for sure from your photo, but it looks like you have a 525MVB tripod, which means the spreader is model # 3138. If you can't fix it, a new 165MV spreader (the 3138 replacement) goes for about $70 US.

Cheers,

Hoi

Will 3221 legs work with 501HDV Head
 

Will 3221 legs work with 501HDV Head.

Yes it should. The head is shown as an acessory to the 3221 legs at
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...gs_Black_.html

I have the 3221 legs and 501 standard head and the combo works fine. For quick head leveling I recommend the 3502 compact leveler. This mounts between the legs and the head. The 3221 legs are very vesatil and will allow shooting just about down to ground level. The 3221 also comes with a short adaptor plug that can replace the center column if you don't need it and want to reduce some weight.