Tripod, one thread - head, another...

[simonineaston]

I'm posting this thread here on a cycling forum, 'cos I just know you guys will know...
I've had a Slik tripd since forever - can't even remember which model it is, but it's fairly substantial - far too chunky to take cycle-touring... its centre column has 1/4" male threads at each end. The other day I thought I'd treat myself to a new head, fitted with one of them new-fangled QR plates, so I bought a Manfrotto 804RC2 and very nice it is too. However, the female thread on the head base plate is 3/8"... Please advise!

[backnotes]

Something like this

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/kaiser-64 ... r-1017541/

if I have understood the way round things don't match.

[backnotes]

PS if the tripod has plates at the ends of the column, check that these don't unscrew.

On my Giottos tripod, the plates at the end screw off and you can reverse the way in the insert goes and have either 1/4" or 3/8" male threads.

[simonineaston]

PS if the tripod has plates at the ends of the column, check that these don't unscrew.

That's exactly the sort of detailed tip I was hoping for, backnotes! A quick decco shows the plate at one end does have flats... I'll take a closer look.
EDIT: no dice It looks like both plates are pressed into the ally centre post, and the post crimped to hold 'em. Your tripod looks a better design than mine. If I can be bothered, I might remove one of the studs and replace with 3/8", so I'll have the choice. For now, its an adapter off of Amazon.
Thanks for taking the trouble to help, tho' bn :-

[rjb]

Camera threads are whitworth threads if I remember correctly. At one time you could obtain threaded inserts which reduced the diameter from 1/4 to 3/8. Quick look on flebay indicates they are still available for peanuts. https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 3403631243

you need the opposite don't you a 3/8 stud on a 1/4 nut.

[simonineaston]

you need the opposite don't you a 3/8 stud on a 1/4 nut.

Yes, that's right - I need 1/4" female, 3/8" male - I've found one on Amazon

[rmurphy195]

Before you buy an adaptor, check the packaging for your new head, there might be one tucked in there somewhere!

Is it the Slik88 (like this one https://picclick.fr/Slik-88-Slik88-Classic-Camera-Tripod-183567894216.html) - I had one for ages, very versatile, until some miserable woman rammed a pram into it at the end of the Cannon Hill firework display one year and bent the leg. I was forever getting a finger trapped in the leg braces when folding it! Now have a Manfrotto which is just as versatile, but doesn't get much use these days.

You could try carring a monopod on the bike, or simply a mini or tabletop tripod, these can work well, I have one which folds flat, and is very sturdy , and a cheaper plastic one which is much lighter but which is flimsier.

[rjb]

Useful info here in this old thread, plus pics of mine copied from a CJ idea.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=44899&p=365786&hilit=Camera#p365786