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Manfrotto 438 Compact Leveling Head - Ball Camera Leveler - Supports 33 lb (15kg)

BH #MA438 • MFR #438
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Manfrotto 438 Compact Leveling Head - Ball Camera Leveler - Supports 33 lb (15kg)
Key Features
  • Replaces #3502
The Manfrotto 438 Compact Leveling Head provides fast leveling for tripods without built-in levels. It fits between the center column and head and has 10° range of adjustment.

This item replaces old catalog #3502.

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Manfrotto 438 Overview

The Manfrotto 438 Compact Leveling Head provides fast leveling for tripods without built-in levels. It fits between the center column and head and has 10° range of adjustment.

This item replaces old catalog #3502.

Features a 3/8" socket at its base, and a 3/8" screw at its top.
Three anti-twist screws prohibit unwanted rotation of tripod head, camera or other attached device
UPC: 719821288725

Manfrotto 438 Specs

Load Capacity
33 lbs (15kg)
Levelling Bubble
Yes (1)
Height
2" (5cm)
Weight
1.4 lb (650g)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.245 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
5.25 x 4.9 x 3.75"

Manfrotto 438 Reviews

Amazing, I'll never use a ball head again as a solo operator

By Nick
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-10-14

10/10. Rock solid, stable, and really smooth to adjust. Being able to use a tripod with a center column is so much more convenient than having to constantly adjust the legs, plus you generally get more height out of the tripod. It's especially useful in tight spaces or during live events where adjusting the legs can be awkward and disruptive. Only problem is now I have to buy three more for my other tripods.

So perfect! Essential for Astral Alignment

By Robert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-04-04

Such a lifesaver when it comes to critical leveling for tracking stars or the Sun in an eclipse. Rather than struggling with extending and contracting tripod legs that is frustratingly imprecise, this head lets me take the tripod as it stands, and in about 15 seconds I can get the leveling head precisely level, with no frustrations!

See any errors on this page?

Does Manfrotto 438 Compact Leveling Head work for ...

Does Manfrotto 438 Compact Leveling Head work for Manfrotto befree (MKBFRA4-BH)?
Asked by: barbara
Yes, the Manfrotto 438 compact leveling head will have no issues attaching between the Manfrotto Befree head and legs. However, it will likely interfere with the compact fold-up form during travel.
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2022-09-05

Can the tightening knob be repositioned?

Can the tightening knob be repositioned?
Asked by: John
No the knob can not be repositioned.
Answered by: Ryan
Date published: 2021-08-02

will this work with a Be Free MH494-BH?

will this work with a Be Free MH494-BH?
Asked by: Francis
Yes, the Manfrotto 438 Compact Leveling Head is compatible with the BeFree MH494-BH.
Answered by: Daniel C
Date published: 2023-10-26

Would this work with a Manfrotto Befree GT XPro ...

Would this work with a Manfrotto Befree GT XPro tripod?
Asked by: Michael
It should as your tripod has the 3/8" Base mount. I have a Manfrotto 502AH Video Head & MT055XPRO3 Aluminum Tripod Kit and I used this leveling head on it.
Answered by: David
Date published: 2021-03-14

Would this usable on #075 tripod?

Would this usable on #075 tripod?
Asked by: Anonymous
I don’t see an 075 tripod on Manfrottos website for photos. Theater is an 057 photo tripod. If that is what you meant, it should work.
Answered by: wayne
Date published: 2021-02-28

Will the bubble scratch if you put a video head ...

Will the bubble scratch if you put a video head that is wider than the top?
Asked by: Nick
It should be fine. My head is bigger and although the bottom of it covers the bubble, there is maybe 1 or 2 mm clearance between the head and the bubble.
Answered by: Diana
Date published: 2021-04-17

question

Is the 438 leveling head oil/grease lubricated, or is it dry ?
Asked by: Anonymous
The Manfrotto 438 is greased.
Answered by: Heather S.
Date published: 2018-08-27

Is possible to change the top screw for a 1/4 ...

Is possible to change the top screw for a 1/4 screw?
Asked by: John
The 3/8-16 screw in the Manfrotto 438 Compact Leveling Head - Ball Camera Leveler - Supports 33 lb. (15kg) cannot be removed. You will need to connect a tripod head on top. Most tripod heads offer a quick release system with a 1/4-20 screw.
Answered by: Llinelva D
Date published: 2024-08-19
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