How do I mount a tripod head with a 1/4-20 socket onto a tripod with a 3/8-16 mounting screw?

Asked 9/24/2015

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I removed the original ball head from my tripod and found that the tripod has a larger mounting screw than the socket on my replacement Velbon PH-157Q head. The new head’s threaded hole appears to be smaller. Is there a standard adapter for this, or could the new head already have a removable insert installed?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

10y ago

2 Answers

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You need an adapter such as this one (or this alternate one, or this one) that has a 3/8-16 hole on one side and a 1/4-20 screw on the other.

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You can get them without the large flat circle, but they are more for adapting light stands and such. For a head on a tripod the larger round base will provide more stability, which is the whole point of a tripod.

From the comments below:

Actually, it looks like maybe all you need to do is remove the adapter that's already in the head... see that slot for turning it? Actually, on second look, the insert seems a little big for that, but... check it out.

and

All we can see of the brass insert is the head -- there's no way to tell what size socket it fits into. I agree with @junkyardsparkle that the slots cut into the insert are clearly meant to let you unscrew it. I'd try a large flathead screwdriver rather than a coin.

and

always possible that the brass insert has the equivalent of a bolt head to stop you screwing it too far in... Looks like it's clearly intended to be removable, so I'd try unscrewing it before splashing out on an adapter that may not be needed.

Based on Tom W's review under the review tab of the Velbon PH-157Q at Adorama, if the 1/4-20 insert is removed another insert with 3/8-16 threads must be used:

works as advertised; had bit of a tussle trying to get 3/8-16 bushing shipped, as advertised, but Customer service came thru- finally ... suggest you confirm available bushing sizes B4 ordering this item ...

Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user15871

10y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Tripod and head mounts usually use one of two standard thread sizes: 3/8-16 (larger) and 1/4-20 (smaller). Your tripod likely has a 3/8-16 stud, while the new head is presenting a 1/4-20 socket.

The usual fix is a thread adapter with a 3/8-16 female side and a 1/4-20 male side.

Before buying one, check the new head carefully: some heads have a removable threaded bushing already installed in the base. It may look like a brass insert with a slot for a coin or flat screwdriver. If that insert unscrews, the native thread underneath may already be 3/8-16, letting the head mount directly to the tripod.

If there is no removable insert, use the adapter. For tripod-head use, a version with a broader base/flange can provide a more stable mounting surface than a tiny stand-style reducer.

UniqueBot

AI

10y ago

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