Manfrotto Camera Plate Adapter for 322RC2

if you have the 322RC2 you probably realize that you can position the camera quick release mount on either side of the ball-joint OR the tip/end of the handle.having the mount on the tip/end of the handle is handy because the camera sits on top and you can adjust the positioning of the ball joint with either hand. many people prefer it setup this way. the problem with this configuration is that for portrait shots or if angled downward the mount will slip with a moderately heavy camera because the camera sits out off axis of the ball. my 400D with battery grip and 580EX flash will cause the ball to slip. even with the friction on the ball tightened down.so for a portrait shot you want the camera close to the axis of leverage. ie: mounted on the side of the ball. (the way it was shipped to you if you bought it new.)most people have realized all this but after buying it ive found an added benefit:having a level on each mount.i re-configured the original mount that is mounted on the side of the ball to attach with the center screw holes rather than the holes on the end. if you look at it you will see that there are six holes. three pairs for mounting three ways. its originally mounted on the near pair to give the handle a pleasant downward angle away from the camera. but if you mount it with the center hole then you find that it sits perpendicular to the new mount mounted on the end of the handle (provided you mounted the new mount on the end of then handle through the center pair of holes on it as well.)so now you have a level for both portrait and landscape.another reason to mount the original mount using the center holes is that if left as shipped, when you have the camera mounted on the end of the stick the original mount can get in the way of the ball movement if you try to angle it over to the 'left.'im probably relating this in a confusing fashion but my whole point here is that by adding this extra mount you not only add the obvious benefit of having multiple way to mount a camera to it, but (if both mounts are positioned properly with regards to each other) you also gain a perpendicular level.

First let me say I love my Manfrotto 322RC2 joystick style Tripod head. The versatility of this head changed my game. It's fast and solid. This review, however, is not for the 322RC2 itself but for the additional quick-release (QR) plate adapter that you can buy for it. The 322RC2 tripod head has two sets of screw holes that allow you to choose how you prefer to operate the joystick. You can choose, horizontal like a motorcycle handgrip or vertical like a Fighter Jet. Both scenarios have their benefits and disadvantages. The only downside would be if you had to break out the screwdriver and change the set-up every time you wanted the other set-up's benefits. Enter the additional QR plate adapter. Now you're ready for either at any moment. Not only does the QR plate let you use different tripod heads or in this case different mechanical set-ups from the same head with the same camera, but with a couple of extra plates you can use different cameras on the same support system. I have several cameras and several support pieces such as a monopod, a skater dolly and two different tripods all with the same RC2 style QR plate. And everything fits on everything. SWEET!

I like the added flexibility this adds to my Manfrotto 322RC2. My only issues is that the quick release needs to face away from you forcing you to spin the 322RC2 backwards in vertical mode. If you do not do this, the quick release cuts into you hand. Not a huge issue just an annoyance. Just decide which orientation you want the 322RC2 set to (left or right handed) before you screw it on.

The plate is built to Manfrotto's high quality standards. Adding the second plate to the 322RC2 grip gives great versatility as I can use it in a high or low position and take full advantage of the swivel head. A little expensive for what it is but worth it for the convenience. It encourages me to use my tripod more frequently.

Manfrotto makes a quality product that always holds up to use in the field. This plate is the same, made of a tough metal and not plastic. I have fallen with my tripod and nothing broke. It doesn't get any better than that.

Same as original, but does not come with mounting screws.

It simply does the job.Easy to use and locks tight.

This easily will add another 8" of height to your tripod system.