This time we are not talking about a conversion plate but for a unique new clamp designed specifically to fit the Manfrotto 490 and 050 series of ball heads equipped with an RC2 or RC5 quick release.
The QR Clamp
| Manufacturer Specification: | |
|---|---|
| Model: | FM496RC2 |
| Jaw Length: | 60 mm (2.37") |
| Height: | 21 mm (0.84") |
| Safety Stop Relief Grooves: | Two 2.6mm deep |
| Material: | 6061-T6 Aluminium, Black hard coat anodized |
| Made in: | U.S.A. |
The Hejnar PHOTO FM496RC2 Arca compatible QR Clamp design is based on the well known Hejnar Photo F62A Quick Release Clamp with an entirely redesigned bottom surface in order to match the specific Manfrotto heads.
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| The new Hejnar Photo FM496RC2 clamp follows the now recognizable Hejnar clamp design, with deep V shaped safety-stop relief grooves on both sides and a counter sank center hole. Since the clamp is dedicated the hole is not threaded as with other Hejnar clamps and only serves for the attachment of the clamp on the specific Manfrotto ball heads using the original flat head screw (An Allen hex key is provided for this purpose). As all Hejnar Photo products it is machined from 6061-T6 Aluminium and is black hard coat anodized with a glossy finish. Matching the F62 clamp, it has 5 white index marks at 1cm intervals on each jaw, very useful for the alignment of rails and camera plates. |
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| The bottom view reveals the grooves and islands around the center hole, that match perfectly the Manfrotto 496 / 498 and 054 ball head stems. Despite the fact that this clamp is by 5 mm higher (thicker) than the other Hejnar clamps, anticipating for the higher islands (bosses) on Manfrotto stems, any excess material has been removed from the bottom in order to minimize the weight. Otherwise the clamp is identical to the original F62 QR clamp, a strong moving jaw with large tongues moving in minimum tolerance pockets, hidden springs and a black long-shaft screw knob with a brass flange between the knob and the clamp jaw. These attributes mean less friction and no room for dirt or sand making the clamp trustworthy for years of uncompromised service. |
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| FM496RC drawing with detailed dimensions (Click to enlarge). |
Mounting the Clamp On a Manfrotto Ball Head
Unlike the converter / adapter + clamp solutions, now having to deal with only a clamp makes the process of introducing one of the newer Manfrotto ball heads into the Arca-Swiss compatible world, a far easier job.
As an example the Manfrotto 496RC2 head is used for illustration below.
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| All one needs to do is to unscrew and remove the original RC2 platform from the ball head stem, using the provided with the clamp Allen hex wrench. |
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| Align and match the slots at the clamp bottom with the island and bosses on top of the Manfrotto ball stem... |
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| Then, screw in and tighten the existing flat-head screw. So simple! |
Update Nov 2015
The latest FM496 Quick Release clamp version follows the trend all Hejnar QR clamps by now, which sport decimal scales on both clamp jaws and a knurled screw-knob with a diamond pattern.
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| Updated Hejnar Photo FM496 top side showing decimal scales and knurled knob. |
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| Updated Hejnar Photo FM496 bottom side showing special anti-twist bosses for Manfrotto ball head stems. |
Further the compatibility list has been updated with all the latest Manfrotto® models.
Compatibility:
Manfrotto® 494 / 496 / 498 RC2 ball heads.
Manfrotto® 054 / 055 / 057 RC2 and RC5 ball heads.
Manfretto® MHXPRO-BHQ2 ball head
Manfrotto® BeFree Tripods
I hope you found the information useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos & Drawings ©2012 and 2015 Chris Hejnar / Hejnar PHOTO
Price and Availability:
Current price for the FM496 QR Clamp is US$ 70.00 (+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 a valid Hejnar Photo discount coupon before ordering.
Referenced Articles:
Hejnar Photo F62A Quick Release Clamp Review
Relevant Articles:
Manfrotto 324/327/322 RC2 Arca Compatible Conversion set from Hejnar PHOTO
New Arca Compatible Conversion for Manfrotto 400 Geared Head by Hejnar PHOTO
It also fits the 494RC, the smallest of the RC2 ball heads. I just bought the FM496RC2 for my 496RC and must say that clamp is a nice piece of work. The weird boss on the 496/494RC fits like a glove and feels extremely secure. No glossy finish tho'. Mine is satin black.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting and the info about 494RC2, I'll update accordingly.
DeleteThe article has been updated with latest FM496 QR clamp photo and specs as well as a full compatibility list with Manfrotto® ball heads and tripod combos.
ReplyDelete