Is the half ball removable, can I use the 504HD Video Head as a "Flat Base" head?
1020572
The half ball is not removable but you can use a Manfrotto 325n bowl adapter to be able to mount on a flat surface tripod. You can find the 325n on Amazon by doin a search for ASIN: B000EZZM2C
80229
No, this is the ball mount version. You will have to get something along the lines of a Manfrotto 501HD head since it has a flat mount.
1834855
I believe it's Swiss Arca style but not Swiss Arca compatible, if that makes sense. The ballhead is detachable from the legs, though, so if I have a different plate on a camera, easy enough to detach the ballhead and screw on one of my Manfrotto heads. (3/8" mounting screw.) Still a pretty good head, and the tripod legs alone are worth the price for the light weight, compact size, and load capacity.
2020155
I ended up getting a ballhead because the grip is too big--i want it to be smaller profile and portable. I got the Manfrotto head 494RC2. It's a smaller base than designed for this tripod but it works and is cheap: Manfrotto 494RC2 Ball Head with Quick Release Replaces Manfrotto 484RC2
2191990
There is a plastic round disc in the center of the base, not sure if this can be removed and a caster can be inserted. Hope this helps!
2172653
This tripod head works for me. Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Video Head with Flat Base
2235300
Yes, the ball head is screwed on the tripod via a 3/8 inch thread screw, you certainly can replace it with somethingelse.
1571745
I am not a fan of ball heads on tripods. Tripods are for establishing a solid base for the camera, which implies fine adjustment capabilities the ball head simply doesn't have. Ball heads should pretty much be limited to use with lighting units and small cameras mounted on mini tripods and monopods.
2283703
Manfrotto 504PLONG Long Sliding Video Camera Plate for 504HD Fluid Head will work...
433092
I really don't see the need for the ball head on a P&S; camera. You pretty much have full movement for positioning the camera when mounted to the magnetic version. I have no regrets with the purchase of this item.
806775
I've used this half ball on the 535 legs without any issues. The 504 head itself can't be mounted to it, however, if you have a fluid head with a flat base (or a slider/jib) you can mount them to this.
2195928
You have to purchase a ball head separately. Manfrotto has many to choose from. Manfrotto 494RC2 Ball Head with Quick Release Replaces Manfrotto 484RC2by Manfrotto
2111073
I received the tripod this week with the expectation I could mount a different (flat bottom) head; however, the 'adjusting ball' that is part of the head cannot be separated. Therefore without the head and ball, you are left with a concave shape opening on the top of the tripod which will NOT work with a flat head. I unfortunately will need to send this back to Amazon.
219028
Yes, the 504HD is a 75mm half-ball and the 3182 tripode accept 75mm half-ball.
1309186
Yes, it is a ball mount type (I want to say 72mm but I am not 100% sure). But yes, it is removable.
826267
no, the base and back is one solid piece. You can use the ball as a standalone though.
2253542
I have no idea. But if I were shopping a video head now and I had money to burn, I'd definitely take a look at what Really Right Stuff has produced. I have several of their ball heads and they are nothing but quality. Pricey, but fantastic.