Manfrotto 468MGRC3 Hydrostatic Ball Head Get Manfrotto 468MGRC3 Price / Buy Online

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The Manfrotto 468MGRC3 Hydrostatic Ball Head is equipped with a quick release RC3 hexagonal camera plate system with a secondary security lock. The extra-long 357PLV camera plate makes this head suitable for medium format cameras and SLR cameras with very long and/or heavy fixed length or zoom lenses. Five 468MG head configurations are available with interchangeable quick release plates of different shapes and sizes, plus a fixed camera platform version. The body of each head is constructed in magnesium die casting with a two-inch Teflon coated aluminum ball, enabling smoother camera movements. The camera and head will seem like they have become one as the two move in complete unison with no headway effect during the locking phase. The heads also incorporate a calibrated, adjustable tension control allowing the ball tension to be preset for various camera weights.

The 468MG family of ball heads incorporates a technically advanced ball locking mechanism using hydrostatic action. Based on principles of modern hydraulics where force that is applied at one point is transmitted to other points using an incompressible fluid, the locking process is improved using a special liquid inserted within the internal chamber. When pressure is applied, the liquid blocks the movement of the ball. Because the force exerted by the liquid is more constant and evenly distributed than that of standard mechanisms, the locking power is dramatically improved. With ultimate locking power, the 468MGRC3 can support weights up to 35.3 pounds.

The Hydrostat is Manfrotto's most advanced ball head, designed to meet the demands of professional photographers for a lightweight, but at the same time heavy duty load capacity head. This model has similar features to Manfrotto's standard range of ball and socket heads, with independent pan and tilt locks, 360-degree pan and +90-degree / -90-degree tilt movement, but employs a revolutionary friction and locking mechanism.

Manfrotto 468MGRC3 Hydrostatic Ball Head Key Features

Revolutionary Hydrostatic Friction and Locking Mechanism

The Hydrostat ball locking system is based on a chamber containing fluid, which, when pressurised by the tightening of the lock knob, exerts an even locking force on the ball. The evenness of the force applied by this system compared to the traditional mechanical blocking technique is what gives this head its remarkable load capacity. The Hydrostat system also reduces framing deviation during blocking for greater accuracy.

RC3 Quick Release Camera Plate System

The 468MGRC3 is equipped with a 357PLV quick release camera plate system. This extra-long plate also features a secondary security lock so you can't accidentally release the plate (and camera). The lock stops the quick release lever from opening fully.

The long 357PLV camera plate makes this head suitable for medium format cameras and SLR cameras with very long and/or heavy fixed length or zoom lenses. Camera attachment has 1/4-20-inch male thread. Head to tripod attachment is 3/8-inch female.

Panoramic Base With Dual Graduated Markings

Accurate degree markings on rotation axes allow for precise positioning of the camera.

Sturdy All-Metal Construction

Materials, design and construction techniques have been carefully selected to help save weight without sacrificing stability or strength. This head has a magnesium die cast body and a 2-inch Teflon-coated aluminum ball which, combined with specially designed tension surfaces, provides movement as smooth as silk.

Independent Pan Lock For 360-Degree Movement

A separate lock on the panoramic axis allows for rotation adjustment or panning to be carried out without losing framing.

Independent Tilt Lock For +90-Degree -90-Degree Tilt Movement

Calibrated, Adjustable Friction Control

A separate control for pre-setting the friction of the ball allows you to preset the ball tension when unblocked to suit your camera weight and give you fingertip control.

Easy Switching Between Landscape and Portrait Orientation

The double 90° groove (one on each side of the head) means switching from landscape to portrait is convenient however you're set up.

Repositionable Ratchet For Locking Lever

A repositionable ratchet means that the locking lever's action will never be blocked either open or closed by interference with the camera body, tripod shoulder, etc. Simply pull the lever outwards and it's free to be positioned more comfortably without affecting the locking mehanism. Then you can continue tightening or loosening the knob.

468MGRC3 Hydrostatic Ball Head Specifications

Material/Finish

Black magnesium

Maximum Load Capacity

35.3 lbs.

Head Height

4.7 inches

Panoramic Rotation

360°

Independent Pan Lock

Yes

Lateral Tilt

-90° +90°

Quick Release

Yes

Ball Friction Setting

Yes

Plate Type

Quick release sliding plate with 2 x 1/4" and 2 x 3/8" screws + vhs pin

Attachment (Bottom)

3/8" female thread

Weight

1.8 lbs.

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