What are the two extra threaded holes on a Manfrotto quick-release plate for?
Asked 3/11/2019
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My Manfrotto quick-release plate has the main camera screw in the center, plus two smaller threaded holes on either side. I didn’t get any extra hardware with it and I’m wondering what those holes are used for.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
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The tripod mount receivers on many video cameras have an additional slot next to the 1/4-20 threaded hole. This hole is for an alignment pin that orients the camera in the right direction and also assists in preventing the camera from twisting on the plate.
The holes in your Manfrotto 200PL quick release plate are for an alignment pin that fits into the additional (non-threaded) hole in the base on video cameras. The two holes in the QR plate are to allow the user to choose front or rear orientation of the plate when used with a video camera that has the hole for an alignment pin. Your Manfrotto 200PL plate should have been supplied with such a pin (they're typically black plastic, but were originally metal a LONG time ago) as well as a 3/8-16 to 1/4-20 adapter bushing for the main screw.
At least a few Nikon "still" cameras also seem to have a hole for the alignment pin. The Nikon D850, for example:
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Those extra holes are for an alignment pin used mainly with video cameras. Many video cameras have a second locating hole or slot next to the standard tripod thread, and the pin fits there to keep the camera correctly oriented and help prevent it from twisting on the plate.
On plates like the Manfrotto 200PL, having two holes lets you place the pin in either position depending on which way the plate is mounted. The pin is usually a separate accessory that may have been included originally.
For most still cameras, those holes usually aren’t used.
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