April 30, 2016

Manfrotto M229 Arca Compatible Conversion Set from Hejnar PHOTO

Hejnar Photo M229F63B Conversion Set installed.
Hejnar PHOTO has gradually become one of the most advanced solution providers regarding the conversion of Manfrotto® tripod heads into the versatile Arca-Swiss® style.
In this respect they just introduced another Arca-Swiss® compatible conversion set, this time for  the Manfrotto® 229 3Way Super Pro studio Head.

Unlike the recent Manfrotto models with RC2 QR systems the 229 is equipped with the large proprietary RC0 Quick Release system, which features a hexagonal QR Plate.

The Hejnar M229F63B set contains a custom adapter plate sitting between the head and due to ample space on the top platform, the larger Hejnar PHOTO F63b Arca-Swiss® compatible Quick Release clamp.

The Conversion Set
The set contains all necessary parts, screws and tools for the conversion. But basically the custom adapter plate and the Hejnar F63b Quick Release clamp.

Hejnar Photo M229F63B Conversion Set Overview

Conversion Set Contents:
  • One adapter plate.
  • One QR clamp ( Model F63b)
  • One 1/4-20 x 3/4 flat head screw.
  • One M5 SHCS hex socket screw.
  • Two 10-32 f;lat head screws
  • One 3/8"-16 FSHC Flat head hex socket screw.
  • Allen Hex keys for all provided screws

The Conversion Plate

Manufacturer Specification:
Model:M229F63B
Length:3.95" (100.33 mm)
Width:3.15" (80.01 mm)
Thickness:0.56" (14.22 mm)
Tapped holes:One 1/4"-20 and Four 10-32 in 90° increments
Material:Precision C.N.C. machined 6061-T6 Aluminium
Color:Black hard coat anodized
Made in :USA

Hejnar Photo M229F63B Conversion Plate
The conversion plate has two levels. The lower level is inserted into the socket of the RC0 plate and the top platform accepts the F63b QR clamp. There is a hex socket head hole on the upper platform level and one 3/8"-16 at the lower level for mounting the conversion plate onto the M229 Super-Pro head. 
Further, there is one tapped 1/4"-20 center hole, one that corresponds to the center hole of the clamp There are also four 10-32 tapped holes placed around the central 1/4-20 hole at 45 mm apart and in 90 degree increments. These smaller holes correspond to the side holes of the F63b QR clamp enabling its alignment and reorientation by 90° on the head.

The F63b Quick Release Clamp

Manufacturer Specification:
Model:F63b
Jaw Length:3.25" (82 mm)
Weight:135 gr (4.7 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

Following the norm of all Hejnar QR clamps, the F63b is compatible with Kirk®, R.R.S.®, Arca-Swiss®, and many other Arca style Quick Release plates and rails.
Been kept as an add-on unit, it can play different roles being used independently, i.e. mounted on another ball head and/or other equipment at will.



The Conversion Process
Is simple and straightforward for anyone with a little experience handling Allen hex keys and Spanners. Needless to mention once more, that all Hejnar conversions are completely reversible, with no damage to the original parts which may be kept in a safe place for future possible reassembly.

Conversion steps:
  • Remove lock down level with the provided 5 mm Allen hex wrench.
  • Remove hex head brass screw from below using a 10 mm spanner (not included).
  • Attach conversion plate to head platform using one M5 screw and one 3/8"-16 screw.

The conversion begins by the removal of the original Manfrotto® Quick Release system. Simply by loosening and removing one screw at the top and one at the bottom of the QRC. Consequently the attachment of the M229F63B Conversion Plate is done by two new screws that take the place of the originals.

Hejnar M229F63B Conversion plate on the M229 3W Head.
Hejnar M229F63B Conversion plate mounted on the M229 3 Way Head.

Next, the F63b QR Clamp is attached on top of the adapter plate, by at least two side screws which align the clamp or three screws including one in the center hole.
It's up to the end user to decide on the orientation of the F63b QR Clamp and the position of its screw knob, depending on the task in hand, since it can be screwed in any of four possible position, incremented by 90°.

Hejnar Photo M229F63b plate and QR clamp mounted by 3 screws on the Manfrotto® M229 3Way head
The Hejnar Photo F63b QR clamp mounted by 3 screws on top of the Manfrotto® M229 3Way head. The clamp screw knob points to the side allowing for a fore-aft adjustment of a lens or camera plate within its limits.

This time, however, Hejnar Photo has prepared a step by step Video Tutorial for the conversion that simplifies things even more.


Furthermore, according to Hejnar Photo website the choice of QR Clamp screw knob color and size is up to the user who should leave a note with preference upon concluding the checkout in the Hejnar Online Store.

I hope you found the article useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos used by permission: © 2015 Chris Hejnar / Hejnar PHOTO

Price and Availability:
Current price for the M229F63B Set is US$ 112.00 (+Shipping where applicable) The set is available from the Hejnar Photo online Store as usual, but also from Amazon.com or eBay.

If you are interested in the product, do check the Recommended Sellers page for a valid Hejnar Photo discount coupon before ordering applicable only in the Hejnar Photo Online Store.

Referenced Articles:
Updated Hejnar PHOTO Quick Release Clamps Preview

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2 comments :

  1. Does this conversion set also fit onto the Manfrotto 029 3-way head with the RC0 Quick Release system? Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, according to info received from Hejnar, it doesn't. Although M 029 shares the RC0 Quick Release and looks similar, the mounting holes are in different locations.

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