The Arca-Swiss Video Head Adapter by Acratechis for DSLR and mirrorless shooters who want to mount their Arca-Swiss-based equipment on a video-style fluid head with a non-Arca-Swiss mounting system. Simply attach your video head's plate to the bottom of the adapter and mount the plate on the fluid head. This allows your fluid head to accept an Arca-Swiss or Arca-Swiss compatible plate. The adapter supports up to 25 lb, and it uses a lever lock for quickly securing your camera setup. It features a spring-loaded safety catch to help prevent your camera from accidentally sliding out of the adapter.

The top of the adapter features index marks that allow you to quickly rebalance your setup as you change lenses and accessories. The built-in bubble level helps you confirm that your camera platform is level. A central locking screw that accepts an Allen wrench or flat head screwdriver allows you to rotate the top of the adapter in 90° increments, which is useful when using long lenses, attaching the lens to the tripod, and hanging the camera off the back of the lens.

25 lb Load Capacity    CNC-Machined Aluminum    Stainless Steel Hardware    Integrated Bubble Level    Top of Adapter Rotates and Locks

• Compatible with Acratech, Kirk, Arca-Swiss, and many other QR plates
• Large 15mm bubble level
• Quick release clamp indexes in 90° increments
• Long detent pin prevents plates from accidentally sliding out
• Fits all standard video heads (1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threads)
• Long-lasting stainless steel hardware
• Precision CNC machined
• Satin black anodized finish

The bottom of the adapter features a 3/8"-16 threaded hole with a space for a locating pin, as well as three 1/4"-20 threaded holes. This allows you to easily attach your plate to the bottom of the adapter, whether it uses a 1/4"-20 or 3/8"-16 mounting screw. You can also use the included 1/4"-20 to 3/8"-16 adapter bushing to convert a 1/4"-20 screw to 3/8"-16.

The adapter features precision-machined lugs and receivers that allow the top of the adapter to rotate independently of the base. You can quickly change the orientation of the adapter top by loosening the central screw (with an Allen wrench or flat head screwdriver), setting the position of the top and tightening the screw. The precision machining ensures the positions are precise, repeatable, and without play once the central screw is tightened.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. How much turn does the knurled ring travels from the complete lose state to get fully tightened? One turn (360deg) or half turn (180 deg) or one quarter (90deg)?

A: The turn is about 170-180 degrees to fully tighten it.

Q: 2. Can anyone recommend a universal L bracket to use with this ball head? I was considering the Arca-Swiss

A: I use sunway l brackets and am very pleased.

Q: 3. What is the diameter of just the head cylinder, minus the knobs or plates?

A: it is 2.5 inches in diameter.

Q: 4. With the upside down ball, if the camera is level, will it remain level during a panorama, or is a leveling base still necessary if one does not want to level the entire tripod?

A: It would remain leveled during a panorama. I personally use this ballhead and it has a little panning lever so that you can pan around 360 degrees without having to loosen the ballhead. A leveling base might be better if you really need to nail your levels but it's not necessary.

Q: 5. Should I buy this Arca-Swiss with the classic screw mount or get the head without the clamp and use an old Kirk 2.4 clamp with a level that can be seen when a camera with a plate is mounted on the head?

A: The screw mount or lever mount is a matter of personal preference, either one will work well.

Q: 6. Would this ballhead be of an appropriate size to put atop a Gitzo GT1545T Carbon Fiber Tripod?

A: Probably. I have the GT2543L which it fits well. Easy to use. Not too bulky. Not sure how much smaller the 1545 is though.

Q: 7. Will it work with Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head

A: Yes, the Acratech Arca-Swiss to Video Head Adapter can attach to the camera plate included with the Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head.

Q: 8. Is the design of this head effective for panning to make multiple exposures that will later be stitched together in post?

A: Yes.

Q: 9. If i use an L bracket do i need to buy a quick release plate?

A: If your L-Bracket is Arca-Type Compatible you will not need a quick release plate

Q: 10. Is the ball locking mechanism sort of on/off, or does it allow you to adjust the tension continuously, from tightly locked, to movable-with-effort, to movable with less effort, to moves freely?

A: It allows one to adjust tension continuously.