Novice question about threads (1 Viewer)

[Micealh]

I’m a little embarrassed as I can’t find an answer to this basic question, although I’m sure it will be here somewhere. My wife has an old Manfrotto 190MFV tripod which suits her height and weighs very little. She has a Kowa 663 telescope. I would like to substitute the antiquated head on her tripod for a fluid head but I am uncertain about mixing and matching heads with legs. In the sticky intro piece there’s mention of 3/8” and 1/4” threads and a thumbs-down for the use of adapters. I would like to know about thread compatibility and adapters. For example, I would like to know whether I can pair this Manfrotto 190MFV tripod with a Gitzo head like the 2180 or 2380 and whether that needs an adapter or whether I am better to stick to Manfrotto. I have a great Manfrotto head but it’s an MVH500AH which is maybe too heavy and bulky for her. What do adapters look like (any chance of a photo?) and do they add to height/bulk? Thanks for any explanation.

 

[Tringa45]

Almost without exception tripod heads used for photography (or birding) have a 3/8"x16 female thread.
Nearly all tripod top plates have a 3/8"x16 male thread. If this were 1/4"x20 you could use an adapter, which is merely an external 3/8" thread with an internal 1/4" thread.
They often have a screwdriver slot and sometimes only a couple of thread turns.
If you need one, get the longest you can find.
An example: https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/8a....jpeg?odnWidth=612&odnHeight=612&odnBg=ffffff

John

 

[Micealh]

John, thank you. I guessed you would be along with an explanation. I think sometimes I become confused over whether people are talking about the head/tripod connection or the telescope/head interface.

 

[Tringa45]

John, thank you. I guessed you would be along with an explanation. I think sometimes I become confused over whether people are talking about the head/tripod connection or the telescope/head interface.

You're welcome and yes, the same two threads are used on quick-release plates and scope feet.
Some scope feet used to be Manfrotto QR compatible for direct mounting but today Arca-Swiss is more common.
Nevertheless, I would prefer to fit a QR plate to the scope to avoid wear on the scope foot and have the option of a long plate to achieve better balance if necessary.

John