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Your cart is empty.3.0 out of 5 stars
- #1,268 in Photographic Lighting Mounting Hardware
The 338 is fitted between tripod and head and is used in combination with tripods that don’t have built-in leveling mechanisms. Its three adjustment dials enable the operator to make fine, finger tip adjustments up to +/- 5 degrees to ensure the camera is perfectly level. The dials also have locking rings to ensure stability once the right position is reached. A spirit level is built in for reference. The base has a 3/8” female tripod fitting and a 3/8” male head fitting. this replaces the Bogen Manfrotto 3416.
Ruth S.
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2021
The Manfrotto leveling base is a classic. It is very rugged and strong. Three brass dials are turned to level the base using a built in bubble. The brass dials require some real, dedicated, concentrated, strength to turn. But the device is dependable and very accurate.
Michael Holden
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2018
Works great for photographers with heavy loads and a need for extreme precision. This item is about getting things level to +/- .5° or better, and that means you are shooting with a heavy supertelephoto or a tilt shift lens and have OCD levels of perfectionism. This is not your first level base. It is your last. Yes, you will get a callous on your thumb. Get over it. You have suffered more for a lot less.
Norman Kanwisher
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2014
Leveling screws are very difficult to turn. if one screw is at its max or min then the other 2 screws become impossible to turn. With virtually no documentation finding all the compatible pieces were trial and error. Turns out part 323 RC2 does not fit . Use Monfrotto 384 RC4 with 410PL Plate. I got the working combination by looking up the You tube video on the 300n panoramic head and freezing the frame so I can see what the model number on the connector plate. Precision is an admirable goal but this takes so much effort to assemble with the 300n panoramic head, it is heavy, expensive ($400 + with all the panoramic pieces), you almost need work gloves to adjust the leveling screws and stitching software is so efficient at putting hand held panoramas I had to ask myself why did I do this? It was an expensive lesson.
Rana Leonhardi
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2013
I know that some other reviewers were saying that this was larger than they expected. Honestly though with the 300N on top- it would have to be as large as it is or you wouldn't be able to see the leveling bubble underneath. I didn't have issues with the tightness like other reviewers had, so perhaps Manfrotto fixed the issue. I am giving this 4 stars because I find the price to be somewhat outrageous for what you get. I know that it will last a lifetime as long as its well cared for- but I still think its a bit pricey.
Kimbles
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2013
I was excited to receive a model 338 leveling base for Christmas - until I tried to move the three large brass levelling screws. They were so tight that I had to grasp the head in both hands and use both of my thumds to move a single screw. There was no way that I could move the screws on a tripod. I tried to loosen the three small screws that fasten the levelling screws to the base, but they were so tightly torqued that I could only loosen one of the three. Turning that one screw 1/2 turn was all it took to let its brass levelling screw turn freely. The other two levelling screws remained immobile. Other users have reported similar problems, so there may be some assembly problem at Manfrotto. I wrote to Manfrotto and they suggested that I return the unit to Amazon. Amazon gave me a full refund.
Marie McNeely
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2012
A very finely made piece of gear- Note - this is for Euro Screw 3/8 inch ( top screw and bottom hole)Read on as unit can be converted to American 1/4 inch screw.IF you need precise leveling of a camera for landscape or architectural reasonsthis is an excellent unit. The knurled brass controls are a bit stiff, but do allowprecision leveling with the built in bubble level- which is very critical and accurate.NOTE- American buyers- the bottom hole and top screw are European Screw, 3/8 inch- not American Screw1/4 inch which all SLR cameras use. To convert the unit to American Screw you will need theManfrotto 120 converter plate ( actually this is a low cylinder with a Euro hole in the bottom and an American screw coming out of the top-looks a little like a hatbox) and to convert the bottom hole the Gitzo GS5000 3/8-Inch to 1/4-20-Inch Reducer Adapter.I wish this 338 unit came in American Screw. I purchased and adapted mine to American screw to support a panoramic head.This is why I needed critical leveling.I am guessing the Euro screw for this piece of gear is for higher end film and video cameras that support Euro Screw 3/8 inch format.
Col
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2012
I needed a heavyduty base betewen a tripod and a Gigapan Pro that was easily and accurately adjustable and be strong enough to minimise vibrations, this is the ideal unit. The Manfrotto 338 has a built in level that I found to be arcurate in setting up the horizon.I leave the Manfrotto 338 attached to the Gigapan Pro and screw it to the tripod by the 3/8" screw.
E. Avargues
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2009
Cons: A lot bigger than thought, and very heavy. Adjusting screws where impossible to turn with finger tips, so i had to losen mounting screws, wich almost broke...Pros: once nice and smooth, a very precise leveling base, a must have if you have very long focal lenses or shoot macro
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