How do I remove a Manfrotto tripod head from the tripod?

Asked 2/11/2013

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2 answers

I bought a Manfrotto tripod with a head already attached, but I can’t get the head to unscrew from the top plate. When I try turning it, it just seems to keep rotating and never comes off. Is there a locking mechanism or a specific way to remove the head?

tripod-head tripod manfrotto gear-help

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

Here's a picture of the underside of that plate on my 055XPROB connected to an 804RC2 3-way head -

055XPROB Base plate

You can see a slot headed screw thread here and there are 2 more that need to be slackened to release the head (in this case an 804RC2). Also when you unscrew it you may need to turn the silver plates, not the top of the head.

Originally by user14028. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user14028

13y ago

AI Answer

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

Yes—many Manfrotto tripods use small locking/set screws in the top plate to stop the head from loosening accidentally. Before the head will unscrew, you usually need to loosen those recessed screws on the underside or edge of the top plate.

A few tips:

Check for 3 small set screws around the mounting plate and back them off enough to free the head.
Make sure the center column/shaft is locked, otherwise you may just be turning the whole column.
Grip and rotate the base of the head, not the ball or upper controls.
On some models, you may need to turn the silver mounting plate rather than the top of the head itself.

Once the set screws are loosened, the head should unscrew normally from the tripod’s mounting stud.

How do I remove a Manfrotto tripod head from the tripod?

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