Some time ago I bought a Manfrotto BeFree One partly to use with a DSLR but mainly because it's *tiny* and light, for those occasions when I don't really want to lug around kilos of camera, a pile of film slides, and another three or four kilos of Manfrotto 55 with its pan and tilt head.
The only real issue - other than the expected lack of rigidity, despite allegedly having a 2.5kg load limit - is that ball joint. Never a good idea, with a heavy camera on top and that mounted to a quick release; the only option on the tripod. The man in the shop said it couldn't be removed... hah!
Step one: remove the quick release head - a single 4mm allen screw - and then peel away the red Manfrotto logo button to the left of the thumbscrew. If you don't find a 2mm allen screw under there, try the other side. Remove the thumbscrew and the allen screw.
Step 2: pull the balljoint and its cover away upwards. I had to wiggle things a bit; it's not far off an interference fit. A semicircular collar will fall onto the floor.
Keep the collar, the balljoint and cover, and the various screws and thumscrews; after the modification, the whole thing can be reassembled with the balljoint should you wish.
Neil
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