February 1, 2016

Manfrotto SKU 393 Arca Compatible Conversion Set from Hejnar PHOTO

Hejnar Photo M393F64AB set on SKU 393 Bracket Overview
Hejnar PHOTO has just announced the release of yet another Arca-Swiss® compatible conversion set for Manfrotto®.
However, this time the conversion set is addressed to the old and well known predecessor of the gimbal heads, the Manfrotto SKU 393 Long Lens Monopod Bracket.

Nonetheless, the 393  is already equipped with a large RC5 rapid connect system which allows for fore-aft movement of the lens for proper balancing.

The Hejnar conversion set though, offers Arca-Swiss® compatibility, as it contains a custom adapter plate for the bracket and the long Hejnar PHOTO F64Ab  Quick Release clamp.

Therefore, owners of long and heavy lenses who already take advantage of the Arca-Swiss® compatible dovetail system on their ball heads etc can also use good old SKU 393 Long Lens Bracket by removing the existing RC5 Rapid Connect mechanism and replace it with the contents of the Hejnar Set.

The Conversion Set
According to the Hejnar conversion methodology, the Set is comprised by the custom adapter plate and the Hejnar F64Ab Quick Release clamp. Neddless to say that it also contains all necessary screws and tools required for the conversion.

Hejnar Photo M393F64AB conversion set contents
Hejnar Photo M393F64AB conversion set contains a conversion plate and an F64Ab QR clamp.

Conversion Set Contents:
  • One adapter plate.
  • One 4 inch clamp ( Model F64Ab)
  • One 1/4-20 x 3/4 flat head screw.
  • Two 10-32 flat head screws
  • Two Allen hex keys for ¼-20 screws and 10-32 screws
The Conversion Plate

Manufacturer Specification:
Model:M393
Length:4" (101.6 mm)
Width:1.8" (45.72 mm)
Thickness:3/8" (0.95 mm)
Tapped holes:One 1/4"-20 and Four 10-32
Material:Precision C.N.C. machined 6061-T6 Aluminium
Color:Black hard coat anodized
Made in :USA

Hejnar Photo M393 conversion plate
The M393 conversion plate seems a little offset in order to align the central axis of the QR clamp with the 393 Bracket.


A couple of countersunk pass through holes allow the attachment of the conversion plate on the SKU 393 in place of the RC5 platform.
For mounting the QR clamp, there is one tapped 1/4"-20 hole corresponding to the center mounting hole of the QR clamp, four 5mm holes around it for possible use of alignment dowel pins and also four 10-32 tapped holes placed in line with the central 1/4-20 hole. Two of the later are placed closer to the center hole at a distance of 30 mm from each other, while the other two at a distance of 45 mm from each other.
These closer holes correspond to the side holes of the F62b QR clamp while the ones further apart to the side holes of the enclosed F64Ab QR clamp.
All the above clamp mounting options denote that the plate is compatible with any size of the Hejnar QR clamps if the user wishes to use a different from the included in the Set

The F64Ab Quick Release Clamp

Manufacturer Specification:
Model:F64Ab
Jaw Length:4" (101.6 mm)
Weight:157 gr (5.54 oz)
Countersunk/threaded holes:Three (1 x 3/8"-16 center hole and
2 x 1/4"-20 outside 45 mm apart)
Safety Stop Relief Grooves:Two
Long Captive Screw Knob:Stops at maximum opening
Material:Precision C.N.C. machined 6061-T6 Aluminium
Color:Black hard coat anodized
Hardware:Stainless Steel
Made in :USA

The F64Ab is one of the longest QR clamps from the Hejnar family of clamps, allowing for adequate in clamp fore-aft adjustment, for better lens balancing. Following the norm of all Hejnar QR clamps, the F64Ab is compatible with Kirk®, R.R.S.®, Arca-Swiss®, and many other Arca style Quick Release plates and rails.
Since the F64Ab QR clamp is actually an independent unit, it can be assigned to other tasks the end user pleases. That is mounting it on ball head and/or other compatible equipment.

Hejnar Photo F64Ab QR Clamp Drawing
The clamp included in the conversion set is the updated classic Hejnar F64Ab where "A" at the end of the model name stands for a short Screw-Knob and "b" denotes the black knob color. More about the updated Hejnar Photo clamp structure you may find in the Hejnar Photo Updated F62Ab Quick Release Clamp Review


The Conversion Process
It is quite evident that in order to apply the conversion the old Manfrotto® RC System has to be removed first. One of the included Allen hex wrenches can help to unscrew the original platform held by two screws. By the way these two screws should be kept for further use while the old platform may be stored safely.

Hejnar Photo M393 Conversion Plate attached
Hejnar Photo M393 Conversion Plate screwed on the SKU 393

Next, the M393 Conversion Plate is attached on the SKU 393 Bracket by the two screws removed from the old RC5 platform.

Full view of Manfrotto SKU 393 with Hejnar Photo M393 attached.
Full view of Manfrotto SKU 393 Long Lens Monopod Bracket with Hejnar Photo M393 Conversion Plate attached.

Since none of the existing parts needs to be modified, the conversion is completely reversible.

Then the F64Ab QR Clamp needs to be mounted on the conversion plate by at least two screws. Nonetheless, it's recommended using all three provided screws, which will align and secure the clamp in the best possible way considering the value of the equipment to be supported.

Hejnar F64Ab QR clamp mounted on M393 plate

It's up to the end user to decide on the position of the Screw Knob of the F64Ab QR Clamp at will. Nevertheless, since the SKU 393 has a small recess on one side of the internal bar, corresponding to the original RC5 knob, which may prove more convenient for the F64Ab screw knob handling as well.

Hejnar M393F64Ab Set mounted on SKU 393 Bracket
Hejnar M393F64Ab Conversion Set fully mounted on the Manfrotto® SKU 393 Long Lens Monopod Bracket.

I hope you found the article useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos used by permission: © 2016 Chris Hejnar / Hejnar PHOTO

Price and Availability:
Current price for the M393F64AB Conversion Set is US$ 100.00  (+Shipping where applicable) and is available from the Hejnar Photo online Store

If you are interested in the product, do check the Recommended Sellers page for the current valid Hejnar Photo discount coupon before placing your order..

Referenced Articles:
Hejnar Photo Updated F62Ab Quick Release Clamp Review

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