Manfrotto 030 plate compatibility

[AlexSmith8]

I always was a user of the Manfrotto 030 quick release plate system (the hexagonal ones). Until now with a Mod. 168 ballhead for medium format and 135 gear. Getting a large format camera a few months ago I decided to buy a new Manfrotto 229 Head.

I was under the impression that the hexagonal plates still were the same and I could also use my old ones.
Now it seems that while the plate that came with the 229 (dark grey/black) fits in both heads but the older plates (light grey) don't. With the 229 they slide in, lock and won't fall off but are not locked solid and can be wiggled around a little bit. The main difference between both heads is that the 229 has a security lock feature on the plate release lever while the 168 hasn't.

Has somebody here experienced the same? Is there some way to fit the old plates on the new head?

Alex

[Ari]

Is there some way to fit the old plates on the new head?

Alex

Hex plates are not too expensive, so consider buying a couple of the new plates.

[Dan Fromm]

Interesting. Y'r problem has been discussed within the memory of some still living.

First off, there shouldn't be a difference between old and new hex plates from Manfrotto. I have some that seem to be counterfeits and that are a little too low to lock in an 029 head (Bogen 3047) or in a 229. And what should be and what is don't always coincide perfectly.

In discussions about the wretched things, two suggestions have been made. Build up the low plates' shoulders a little with, e.g., darkroom tape. Put shims (darkroom tape, thin sheet aluminum) under the low plates.

[Ari]

I'm not against what Dan's saying, but anything you add to the smaller hex plates, unless it's metal, will introduce some wobble.
B&H sells the plates new for about $16, I think; if they don't work, simply return them for a refund.

ps-I've never heard of this, as I use the same 229 head, and I've amassed a small army of hex plates over the years; all of them fit.

[John Koehrer]

Fancy-Schmancy?
Thin aluminum stock from ye olde hobby/big box store. cut to size & double face tape or contact cement..
Take the head & plate along to check the fit. Inexpensive, no compression, permanent.