Innovative Hejnar Photo QR Clamp for Manfrotto BeFree Tripod - Preview

The Hejnar Photo family of Manfrotto® conversion clamps is richer by one new member. A few days ago a quite innovative Arca-Swiss® compatible Quick Release clamp was released, intended for  the small ball head that comes as a kit with the compact Manfrotto® BeFree tripod.

The Hejnar clamp innovation lies in its asymmetrical jaws, obviously meant to follow the special shape of the RC-2 quick release, which it replaces, in order to fit between the reverse folding legs of the small traveller tripod.

The Clamp

Manufacturer Specification:
Model:	BEFREE-CLAMP
Jaw Length:	53.3 mm (2.1")
Total Height:	21.0 mm (0.83")
Safety Stop Relief Grooves:	Two 2.6mm deep
Design:	Tongue-in-pocket *
Weight:	64 gr (2.2 oz)
Material:	6061-T6 Aluminium, Black hard coat anodized
Hardware:	Stainless Steel
Made in:	U.S.A.

*Protects internal parts from dust and grit. It does prevent the tendency of the moving jaw to hinge backward during clamping, It keeps the jaws aligned with the geometry of the plate and eliminating unwanted bending forces on the threaded stud.

The new clamp is based on the Unique Hejnar PHOTO Arca QR Clamp for Manfrotto 490and 050 Series Ball Heads design but greatly modified in shape, and the more refreshed appearance of the Updated Hejnar PHOTO QR Clamps, in terms of laser engraved decimal scales.

Nonetheless, the clamp design is quite unusual in shape with a larger front jaw smoothly curved into a half size rear (moving) jaw. The front side and all edges are curved to avoid damage of tripod leg parts coming in contact with it.

Hejnar PHOTO 2.1" BeFree Clamp innovative yet unusual design.

The bottom side shows the deep groove made to eliminate excess material, but most prominent is the special anti-twist bosses which abide to the Manfrotto® ball head standards. As usual Manfrotto® sets its own proprietary anti-twist system on their ball head stems, which is actually the purpose of this clamp besides the shape.

Hejnar PHOTO 2.1" BeFree Clamp bottom details and anti-twist bosses.

The scales here are marked in 1 mm intervals with longer lines every 5 mm and center Φ marks. The rear (moving jaw) and the short knurled black knob are closer to the Hejnar PHOTO F60 1" Quick Release clamp design and size.
Anyway the 2.6 mm deep safety stop screw grooves are present getting very close to the mounting screw hole, so as to allow for small plates with safety screw to be able to move within the limits of the QR clamp.

Hejnar PHOTO 2.1" BeFree Quick Release Clamp design details.

Mounting on the Tripod
Conversion on the other hand is very easy. Just by removing the existing RC system held by one 1/4"-20 hex socket screw and using the same screw to mount the new clamp, you have an Arca-Swiss® compatible system.

Hejnar PHOTO 2.1" Conversion Clamp on the compact BeFree ball head

 The elliptically shaped sides of the clamp match perfectly with the leg clips when the tripod legs are folded back fully by 180° thus maintaining its very compact form.

Hejnar PHOTO 2.1" Conversion Clamp on BeFree tripod enclosed between the folded back legs by 180°

I hope you found the information useful, thanks for viewing.
Photos by courtesy of Hejnar Photo ©2016 Chris Hejnar

Price and Availability:
Current price for the BeFree-Clamp is US$ 70.00 (+Shipping where applicable) and is available from Hejnar Photo Online Store.

If you are interested in the products, do check the Recommended Sellers page for a valid Hejnar Photo discount coupon before placing your order in the Hejnar online store.

Referenced Articles:
Updated Hejnar PHOTO QR Clamps
Unique Hejnar PHOTO Arca QR Clamp for Manfrotto 490and 050 Series Ball Heads
Hejnar PHOTO F60 1" Quick Release clamp

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