question regarding gitzo flate plate for low shooting

[Terence Falk]

I am trying to find out if the Gitzo GS5320SP Series 4, 5 Systematic Flat Plate will fit my old Pro-Studex 4 series tripod I purchased back in 1980. Even though it says 4, 5 in the description, some sources list it as only for the 5 series. Its confusing and no one from Gitzo or Bogen will get back to me.

[Scott Davis]

The non-responsiveness from Gitzo seems par for the course - I was trying get my local camera store to order a replacement 3/8" mounting screw for my 1570 pan-tilt head and the sales rep wouldn't respond about the price of the screw, so I ended up having to order it from B&H. I THINK that the 4 and 5 series tripods used the same size mounting plate - the difference was in the leg diameters and lengths, so if it fits a 5, it fits a 4. I've got a 1420 aluminum legset that my 1570 head goes with, and the head is still smaller in diameter than the 1420 mounting platform.