I have been following the thread about tripod ball heads and quick releases and thought I'd mention what has been a very satisfying (and rather inexpensive) solution for me. I don't use a ball head on my tripod. I currently use a Bogen 3025 3-D Head; I'll probably change to a 3028 or 3029 if my arthritis gets worse and makes it difficult to manipulate the small knobs on the 3025. I use a Bogen 3262 (not the 3262QR quick release version) ball head on my monopod. To each of these heads, I have mounted a Bogen 3273 Pro Quick Release Adapter Assembly with Sliding Plate. The sliding plate was designed to mount fore/aft on the camera to permit adjustment of center of gravity. By mounting it laterally, I have a good solid adjustable quick release at a fraction of the cost of some of the other sliding plate heads. I was able to secure the 3273 bottom plate by inserting a short allen head set screw through the top of the plate after the plate was mounted. I also mounted a bottom plate to the top of my Velbon Macro Slider. I have attached sliding plates to the bottom of my F4s and the bottom of the Macro Slider; I carry a spare sliding plate for my wife's N60 or for any similar need that might arise. One bonus of using the 3273 sliding plate laterally on the F4s is that it provides a slightly larger base, preventing the camera from tipping over so easily. The only drawback is the added bulk to the camera. On the other hand, when you're carrying around an F4s, what's another four or five ounces? Cost? Three 3273's @ US$40, a used 3025 @ US$20, a 3262 @ US$35, for a total of US$175 - considerably less than a more famous, but less flexible system. Changing to the 3028 or 3029 head will add another US$40-50 to the cost of the system - still not a bad price. If anyone else has tried this system or plans to do so, let me know how you like it. Good luck Bill Cassing
