Older Arca ball head, anyone know if the camera platform is removable?

**David R Munson** · 17-Dec-2023, 15:15

Click image for larger version.

Name: Screenshot 2023-12-18 at 7.09.50.jpg
Views: 10
Size: 37.5 KB
ID: 244859

Hopefully someone knows! I found an older Arca monoball locally at a good price, but I'm unfamiliar with this particular version. Can the platform be removed so that I can install a QR clamp directly? Thanks!

**Vaughan** · 17-Dec-2023, 16:08

Lift up the rubber pad and see what's under there. Use a hairdryer to soften the glue.

**David R Munson** · 17-Dec-2023, 16:09

Unfortunately, I don't have that option unless I buy it!

**Conrad . Marvin** · 18-Dec-2023, 12:14

I am old enough to have an older monoball head and to have the original pad warn out. I can show you what is under my “temporary” pad. I think that the three screws are not original and I unfortunately cannot remove them at this time due to illness, but I think that they would have been a Philips type screw and can not remember what is under.

Click image for larger version.

Name: 20231218_125952.jpg
Views: 13
Size: 67.3 KB
ID: 244884

**Andreas** · 18-Dec-2023, 14:07

I have one like Conrad depicts, If you look through the bottom socket of the head, you can see the bolt that holds the upper plate. If my memory serves me well, you can access it with an allen wrench. I used it to replace the "plate" with either a clamp or the rolleiflex quick release for an SL66.
Best
Andreas

**sharktooth** · 18-Dec-2023, 14:37

I have a very old Arca Swiss ball head that may be of the first generation. It didn't have a quick plate, or even a rubber pad. I seem to remember trying to disassemble the top to add a quick plate, but wasn't successful. It's screwed on there solid.

The solution was to add a Manfrotto hex plate adapter. It's a simple screw on platform. https://www.manfrotto.com/ca-en/rc0-...-14-plate-625/

I really like the Manfrotto hex plates for medium and large format cameras. They've been around for decades, and can usually be found used at reasonable prices.

**David R Munson** · 18-Dec-2023, 15:21

Thanks for the replies, everyone! I’m going to go try and check it out in person next weekend if it hasn’t sold already.

**cowanw** · 18-Dec-2023, 19:48

Any of the many makes of this will go on and work well and maybe better having the flat base to contact rather than screwing to a 1/4 " thread.
https://flmcanada.com/product/flm-srb-60-clamp/