Earlier this week I received an email asking for advice on an inexpensive quick release system to move a video rig from a slider to a stabilizer. Simply because I would have to first suggest going with a Manfrotto 577 Quick Release system, especially if you're already working with a compatible Manfrotto tripod head. Unfortunately the OEM Manfrotto 577 Quick Release base plate + qr plate system runs anywhere from $50-$60 dollars each (seen here).

Manfrotto 577 Rapid Connect Adapter with Sliding Mounting Plate (501PL)
Here's an old video showing you the alternative from Calumetphoto. The Calumet branded QR system looks exactly and works exactly like the Manfrotto 577, except that it only runs $35 dollars full retail.
If you're ever lucky as i've been in the past, you can apply a Calumet discount code bringing the price down for as low as $25 dollars (complete base + plate). Unfortunately I don't have a discount code available now, but it's still much cheaper than the OEM Manfrotto 577.
[UPDATE] CALUMET COMMENTED ON THIS ARTICLE. USE THE PROMO CODE 'CHEESY' FOR $10 OFF/EACH! (good until Feb 18th Midnight)
The last few times i've checked these quick release systems were out of stock. Today i've found that the Calumet Quick Release base plate is available again (found here).


Calumet Quick-release Video Head Adapter


Schuyler Hagglund
I see that they just went out of business...and I went there today to buy two more of these ๐
Any word on what they plan to do with remaining inventory?
Hussel
@Emm, Yeah, that's it, but I did not find out "drop in" version.
Emm
Post author@Hussel - Seems like a solid mount, but too bad it's still 'slide in' instead of 'drop in'. The price is close to the original 577 QR.
Hussel
Got one with red button, The red button version is rough, same supplier?
This one seems better, but expensive, any idea?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/360797261736
Damien
I check this site usually every day but I neglected to do so for the past couple of days. It would be really awesome if the coupon got extended! I lost my legit Manfrotto 577 for my Glidecam and I need to buy a new one ):
AnEpic
Ya just saw this - will appreciate if coupon can be extended
Travis
@Zane, as others mentioned, is there any way to extend the coupon? I went to pick up a couple today and then noticed the cut off date. It would be so appreciated.
-T
Taiwan Brown
man... when I miss ONE day... I miss a deal!
Paul
@Emm - Thanks; the quirk is, any QR plate that comes with the new MVH heads won't fit into this adapter. So, the lowest common denominator will be the old-style QR plates, since the whole point of the adapter is to go back and forth between tripod head and adapter (e.g., mounted on a jib).
ThijsH
@AndyH, I live in the Netherlands, and these Calumet QR's also cost more in euro's, but it's still a good deal compared with the original Manfrotto I think. Ordered two, thanks Emm!!
AndyH
These are ยฃ35 on the UK Calumet site - thats close to $60 U.S.
I hate that you guys get all the deals and we get rinsed for every last penny on photo gear.
the dean
please extend!!
Joseph
Yes, extend the coupon code a little longer!!
Johnny
Sob. Missed reading the promo code. Missed the chance. Been debating between this and kessler. My problem with getting either is to make sure it is compatible with my coleague's system so it gets faster changing.
krys
extend the coupon code!!!!
Zane
@Joel I will pass that along to our product team! Thanks!
ocube
Every time I've tried ordering this quick release its been out of stock so I've ended up going for the Manfrotto instead. No point being cheaper if it's no available, hope it is in stock now.
Joey
Ordered 2 of them!!!!
Hugo
Cannot buy it from Europe :/ Am I doing something wrong? Id like to take the discount.
Joel
@ Zane/Calumet ~ Wanna make a related product and cash in for Calumet?
Make a "Stand-Alone" Manfrotto 501 compatible drop-in QR plate ... similar to what is on the Manfrotto 561 BHDV Monopod as well as the Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid head.
Joel
Digital Dub
The German distributor made my purchase a bit too difficult, so I canceled and went for 4 with the Cheesycam discount for the price of 2 locally. Thanks EMM!!
driver
Thanks Emm, I just bought 4 of them for $25 each, even cheaper than the Giottos I'm replacing...
Jared
In for one. Thanks Em! Code made an already great deal just that much better!
Emm
Post author@Matt - Comes with plate.
Matt
Does this come with an actual plate or do you have to buy that separately?
Guillaume
Unfortunately they don't ship to Europe... Still in 2014 ๐
Dennis L. Sรธrensen
@Zane.
Too bad it won't work for us Europeans on either .uk, or .de (or for that matter .nl). ๐
Cody Wood
Thanks for posting this and perfect timing!! Just getting ready to order a glidecam and was going to get a Manfrotto quick release for it. I have the Manfrotto on my slider so cant wait for this and to save some money. Just ordered it. Your website is the greatest!
Emm
Post author@Paul - I am using mine with the MVH500AH Fluid Head, and using a plate from a 502 head. Check out this video: httpss://cheesycam.com/manfrotto-577-501pl-plate-on-new-manfrotto-mvh500ah/
Paul
It's possible these won't work with the new, improved Manfrotto MVH500AH and MVH502AH heads and associates plates. Or in any case, the new standard is for that side quick release and I hope there is a system like this on the way to incorporate that dramatically better interface.
Zane
@Brian: No code, but we've got a quite similar product that's $15 less already: https://www.calumetphoto.com/product/calumet-quick-release-assembly-with-plate/CK7010/
Brian
This is a great deal. Any chance we can get a coupon code for the RC2?
https://www.calumetphoto.com/product/BG3968/
Zane
Zane at Calumet here! Just for you guys, from now until midnight use the promo code "CHEESY" to get $10.00 off these, making 'em just $24.99!
scottrellwi
I bought 3 from calumet back when you originally posted this. They are good quality, and Calumet was easy to work with.
krys villaster
yesssssssssssssssssssssssss !!
i have also been checking this items availability. right when they received it. i went to the store and purchased some. supposedly their stock is supposed to be 700 for that store at the warehouse. so i think it will be available/not out of stock for a while !
Emm
Post author@Habez - Sorry to hear you can't get a hold of these. When you have to buy several of them, it really adds up to savings over the OEM kit.
Habez
Hey Emm, i've seen this calumet post from you from the first one way back then. But until now, i can't find a seller that can ship internationally (Singapore).
And im pretty sure im not the only one who would like to get my grubby hands on this xD
Digital Dub
Giottos doesn't fit. It's a bit too narrow.
I just happen to be ordering another 3 of these today. ๐
That'll make 7. Love em.
Emm
Post author@Schuyler Hagglund - There are many inexpensive QR systems on the market, but I specifically did not recommend another baseplate as I find most people are using the Manfrotto style with Manfrotto tripods. Look out for coupons from Calumet and you can get these even cheaper.
Schuyler Hagglund
The Giottos version is $30
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/318567-REG/Giottos_MH621_M621_Quick_Release_Assembly.html
Emm
Post author@Marcus Wolschon - Fun project, and looks like you're working with the RC2 plate design, not the 501PL.
Marcus Wolschon
You know what's even cheaper?
To make your own!
httpss://www.youmagine.com/designs/manfrotto-200pl-compatible-quick-release-plate
(Currently printing the 3rd prototype of the spring loaded Quick Release adapter for it. I don't publish designs until they have actually worked well.)