Mefoto/Benro: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/926473-REG/benro_a2350q2k_2_series_travel_tripod_kit.html

This is very much a noob post so I'd greatly appreciate any help!

Basically I've bought my first proper tripod (manfrotto 055xprob) and video head (Benro S8), but I think I've overlooked something pretty major.

I've got the flat mount tripod/head and so basically I'm just realising now that I can't quickly level the head, as I did with a setup I was previously using (which I think had a bowl mount).

Is there any way of quickly levelling my head with the flat mount stuff now I've bought it or have I shot myself in the foot?

If there isn't anything I can do to adapt the flat mount head to level quickly (I doubt there's an adapter or anything) then do you have any tips on how to level the whole setup in a shoot with more speed?

I feel very silly after doing so much research and overlooking such a simple thing.

If possible, under US $ 90.00 (including shipping). In any case, make me an offer.

“We are thrilled to debut the new SYMPLA line at the 2012 National Association of Broadcasters show,” said Wayne Schulman, Sales & Product Manager, Video. “The SYMPLA line bridges the gap between off-the-shelf, ready-to-use convenience and custom modularity, and we look forward to showcasing it to NAB attendees at this year’s show.”

SYMPLA supports can be assembled, configured and adjusted to a wide range of situations in seconds – all without tools. Every product in the line, from the unique Flexible Matte Box to the innovative Variable Plate, is made of steel and aluminum to withstand the rigors of professional use and meet Manfrotto’s high quality and performance standards. The number of components in the SYMPLA family gives users maximum flexibility and adjustment control with minimum hassle. Like everything Manfrotto makes for professional users, SYMPLA is 100% compatible with other Manfrotto photo and video support products.

SYMPLA modular rigs are yet another example of Manfrotto’s unparalleled research and development, engineering and manufacturing expertise. They incorporate design and technology innovations and best-in-class ideas from Manfrotto’s current products. Self-supporting clamps that stay in place even before they’re locked, for example, come from the world of heavy-duty stage lighting. Flexible, easy-locking ball-joint hand grips were inspired by Manfrotto photographic ball heads. Multi-axis micro-adjusters and single locking mechanisms, which make fine tuning easier and safer, come from Manfrotto photographic geared heads. And sliding plates with quick release and secondary safety buttons were borrowed from Manfrotto professional video heads. Together, these advanced components make SYMPLA modular rigs easier, safer and more comfortable for even the smallest video teams to use on location and on the run.

We are excited to debut our new remote controls at the 2012 National Association of Broadcasters show," said Wayne Schulman, Sales & Product Manager, Video. "Using HDSLR's for video has always been problematic. Being able to follow focus and do other functions on a HDSLR without touching the camera will help alleviate many of the issues when shooting video. The products have tested well and have excited those that have been able to "play" with them. We look forward to showcasing it to NAB attendees at this year's show.

A brand new range of Manfrotto remote controls for Canon HDSLR's promises a true innovation in the field of HDSLR filming – true electronic follow-focus that works by interfacing with camera and lens firmware.

Until now, follow-focus equipment has been based on an expensive, delicate hardware system of a gear-tooth belt fastened around the lens focus ring, hand-turned or motor-driven, usually via an off-axis second geared dial: every lens or set-up change has required slow and precise adjustment of components; every movement of the focus dial and lens has brought the risk of an unwanted shift in framing; every camera operator has needed to use one hand – or even an additional person – to control follow-focus alone; and follow-focus at a distance (for example, when the camera is mounted on a crane) has been almost impossible.

Manfrotto electronic follow-focus: easier, quicker and with less interference… even at a distance

Manfrotto's new remote controls circumvent the need for any physical, hardware interface between follow-focus system and the camera lens, and instead wire directly into the camera body to use its internal focus control systems. The advantages are obvious: lenses can be swapped easily, no extra hardware or adjustment is required, nothing and no-one moves the camera unexpectedly during follow-focus, one-man camera operation is easier and control at a distance is as simple as extending the cable between the camera and the remote. It's tempting to say that Manfrotto's remote controls could reshape the HDSLR sector, opening up a host of new applications and possibilities.

**Control over all key camera functionality **

By interfacing with the camera's electronics, it's not just "normal" follow-focus operations, in- and out- focus point pre-sets and focusing speed that can be ably managed by Manfrotto's remote controls; many other camera functions can also be operated from the same convenient hand grip or clamp unit, including record start & stop, photo/video switching and shutter release, live view, one-touch auto-focus, digital zoom, aperture and exposure, ISO settings and more besides. The LCD screen on Manfrotto's Deluxe version remote also relays general information, such as battery charge level, white balance temperature and memory card status from the camera body – especially useful if the camera's on-body screen is hidden or inaccessible, or just too far away to be seen.

I've been heavily researching tripods and tripod heads to get some smooth panning and tilting with my GH2 and have read so much I've ended up going around in circles becoming probably more confused than when I started.

My setup weight-wise at the moment is literally just a GH2 with a 25mm 1.4 pany prime or a 12-35mm pany zoom. Although this is my current setup, I do not want to purchase a tripod/head that will restrict me from building a rig if I decide to do so within the future.

I originally intended on buying 190PROBX legs with a 701HDV fluid head for my video work. However, after doing some research I've come to the conclusion that it will probably be better to pay a little more and go with the more sturdy 055XPROB legs to minimise vibrations, enable a little more future-proofing and also make my tripod more stable when extended. Correct me if you believe otherwise.

The part I'm most confused about is the head. I need a fluid head which will be smooth for video work for sure, but throughout my research I've come across people who have slated the 701HDV for not having control over the drag of the head and a few other reasons (which I can't quite think of right now - I'm very tired). My search also brought me to look into the 501 head, but I read that a number of people were actually shocked at the 501 head performance coming in below the 701HDV, which was a shame. The 501 also (according to my research once again) isn't actually a true fluid head like the 701 and actually works on grease or something instead.

Then I've been looking at the 502 head (which I think is great looking btw), but I have a number of concerns about that. Firstly, the size of the 502 seems to be extreme and whilst size doesn't put me off a huge amount if it's worth the performance, I'm wondering if a tiny GH2 on its own (and in the future the slightly larger GH3) will be completely wrong for this head. Is the 502 simply excessive for my camera (even if I decided to rig it up)? This leads me to my next concern which is counter balance - what's up with that? I've read about the counter balance potentially causing many issues with a GH2 because it's too light to work properly in a number of ways.

So as you can see, I'm having a bit of an issue making this decision. I'm looking for a head that will give me that flawless panning etc that people seem to attribute to the 502's performance (and I like the extra control that the 502 has), but is it overkill? Is the 701HDV really a contender against the 502? Can I achieve the same performance with that head and will it be a longer-term investment like the 502 could be?

Not sure how they should attach? The Manfrotto video tripod legs (755XB) also have the same 3/8" attachment I think so unless it is female (and it doesn't look to be), am I missing something?

I thought the half bowl itself would have movement to allow me to level my camera without adjusting tripod legs, but it was rigid so I've reboxed it and returning for the flat base fluid head instead. I guess the flat base means a female 3/8" connector?

Only problem then being I need everything ready for Friday!!

Head being returned: http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/lightweight-fluid-video-head-60mm-half-ball Head on the way: http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/lightweight-fluid-video-head-flat-base Tripod: http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/aluminium-tripod-4-section-190

Equipment included in the sale:

Panasonic GH2 DSLR Camera. 140mm Lumux Lens. Zacuto Z-Finder. Zacuto Electronic View Finder. Zacuto Baseplate & DSLR Bracket. Follow Focus. Zacuto Zip Gear. Gini DSLR rig. Totally customisable with shoulder pad and handles! 4x4 Mattebox & Flags. Manfrotto Pro tripod with 501 Fluid Head. Flycam Steadycam Flycam Arm Support x4 Spare batteries for the Electronic View Finder. x4 Spare batteries for the GH2 camera. x2 32GB Class 10 cards.

Hey there everyone. Just wanted to share the latest thing I've completed for a really cool whisky distillery here on Vancouver Island. Some of these shots were quite exciting to plan and execute.

I continue to be grateful to this community and the things I've learned here over the years. These small cameras are great tools that set us loose to create meaningful work. Thanks @Vitaliy - for setting this forum up and putting the whole thing in motion with unlocking the power and potential of GH1 & GH2.

Anyone using this hybrid head?