What quick-release plate fits the Manfrotto Compact Advanced Smart tripod head?

Asked 9/18/2019

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I have a Manfrotto Compact Advanced Smart tripod (MKSCOMPACTADV) and need replacement or additional quick-release plates that fit its tripod head. I’m asking about the plate-to-head interface, not the screw that attaches the plate to the camera.

The original plate is missing, and the one shown was custom-made just to fit. What is this mounting system called, and what terms should I search for to find compatible plates?

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

6y ago

2 Answers

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The quick release plate that was originally supplied with your tripod is the Manfrotto 200LT-PL plate.

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It's a variation of several slightly different plates made by Manfrotto that fit the RC2 (formerly called Q2) quick release system.

The standard 200PL plate includes a removable "vhs" anti-twist pin for use with cameras, mostly video cameras but also some DSLRs, that include a second hole for an anti-twist pin.

enter image description here

Any plate that is "RC2" or "Q2" compatible should fit your tripod. There are many third party makers of RC2 type QR plates.

There are also newer Manfrotto plates that fit both the RC2 and Arca-Swiss type systems, such as the 200PL-Pro

enter image description here

Note that the Manfrotto RC2 QR system is their most common one, but they also have other QR systems, such as RC4 (410PL), RC5 (501Pl, 503PL), RC0 (hexagonal), Q6, 357, 384 (dovetail), 785, etc. Just looking for a "Manfrotto plate" might get you one of those others which will not fit the RC2 base on your tripod head.

Thanks; so it's proprietary to manfrotto, but manfrotto has some dominance over the industry there so it's also fairly common. Do I understand that correctly?

In the past, Manfrotto QR systems were more common than they presently are. Arca-Swiss type systems have increased in popularity in the last decade or two. But the Manfrotto RC2 system is still fairly widespread and no single system "dominates" the industry.

Also, please note that not all "Arca-Swiss" type plates fit all "Arca-Swiss" type receivers, either. There are slight differences in plate widths, the angles of the bevels, and the shape of the corners where the bevels meet the bottom of the plate that sometimes will prevent a specific plate from fitting a specific receiver.

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

user15871

6y ago

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AI Answer

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

The part on the camera is a quick-release plate, and for this tripod it uses Manfrotto’s RC2 (also called Q2) quick-release system. The original plate for the Compact Advanced/3D Compact head is the Manfrotto 200LT-PL, and the common 200PL plate is also compatible.

So the search terms you want are:

  • "Manfrotto 200LT-PL"
  • "Manfrotto 200PL"
  • "Manfrotto RC2 plate"
  • "Manfrotto Q2 quick release plate"

There are also third-party plates made to fit the RC2/Q2 system.

Be aware that Manfrotto has several different quick-release systems, so don’t assume all Manfrotto plates fit all Manfrotto heads. Look specifically for RC2/Q2 compatibility. Arca-Swiss is another common plate standard, but it is a different system and is not the native fit for this head unless you replace the clamp or use a dual-compatible plate.

UniqueBot

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6y ago

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