The 504X Fluid Video Head with Flat Base from Manfrotto features an open bridge design that provides a stable, smooth performance while reducing weight. The head's patented bridge technology allows for a wider top surface and longer sliding plate that add stability and balance. The head features a flat base with a 3/8"-16 female mounting thread that allows compatibility with a wide range of tripods, monopods, sliders, jibs, and dollies, and a variety of rigs.
With its ability to support up to 26.5 lb, the 504X can be used with a variety of video and photo cameras and rigs. The pan and tilt counterbalance system includes four presets from 0 to 4.8 to 9.7 to 14.3 lb, enabling proper balance no matter what the camera's size or weight.
At the same time, variable friction components with clearly marked degree scales and vibration-free movement bring new levels of fine-tuning to your tilts and pans. A leveling bubble keeps horizons from tilting, even in the dark, while independent disc-brake locks make sure the head stays secure when at rest.
Whether you're using a pro camcorder or an accessorized DSLR, the 504X provides a 504PLONGR-1 sliding quick release plate with 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threads to balance the camera properly on your rig. The head is made from durable aluminum and includes a pan bar that can be attached via rosettes on either the right or left side to help create smooth pan-and-tilt movements.
- 26.5 lb Maximum Safe Load
- Unique Bridge Architecture
- Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Mounting Thread
- 4-Step Counterbalance System
Manfrotto MVH504XAH Overview
Manfrotto MVH504XAH Specs
| Camera Plate Features | Quick Release, Sliding Balance Plate |
| Camera Plate Type | 504PLONG |
| Camera Mounting Screw | 1 x 1/4"-20 Male 1 x 3/8"-16 Male |
| Base Mount | 3/8"-16 Female |
| Counter Balance | Incremental 4-Step Plus 0 (0 to 14.3 lb / ) |
| Bubble Level | 1 |
| Drag Control | Tilt: Continuous Pan: Continuous |
| Drag Type | Fluid |
| Vertical Tilt | None |
| Panning Range | 360° |
| Independent Pan Lock | Yes |
| Independent Tilt Lock | Yes |
| Load Capacity | 26.46 lb / 12 kg |
| Weight | 4.41 lb / 2 kg |
| Package Weight | 6.085 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 14.5 x 9.8 x 8" |
Manfrotto MVH504XAH Reviews
worse than previous versions of 504
Not sure why but this didn't seem to be designed to make small, slow pans or tilts at all. We didn't have anywhere near the weight capacity on it, just an fs7 with battery, zoom and matte box. Counter balance didn't function at all (useless), and the tilt and pan drag were also very poor. Even for a basic interview, we didn't want to use this because it's so bad. We own several Manfrotto heads, including a previous version of the 504. To us, this was disappointing and unusable. We returned it. Not sure we'll consider Manfrotto heads again. Seemed like a massive step downward in quality.
This head is bigger in person.
Using such a versatile tripod head makes all the difference in the world with the ability to pan and rotate with complete silence combined with a smooth picture with no jumping or unnecessary movement. I love it I love it I love it :-)
Poor Warranty Support for Defective Product
I have written two other reviews on the 504X here and this will be the last. After breaking open within 10 months of purchase and early in its first trip in the field I had hoped Manfrotto would just replace it. But no. As instructed, I sent it to Manfrotto's designated repair facility in Arizona. They received it on July 26, 2021. It has been on parts hold since then. It is now October 2, 2021. Excuses for the delay range from Covid to Italy being on vacation for the month of August. Legitimate or not, I am still without a tripod head that cost $400 plus shipping and shipping to the repair facility. And there is no estimate of when I will get it back. And the way the tilt assembly body itself cracked open I am not sure it can even be repaired. It is a product defect and and reputable and responsible company would just replace it. Not Manfrotto. I have contacted Manfrotto and the repair facility multiple times. They need to just replace it. I think they are hoping I will forget about it. Given all this I strongly recommend against this product. I have owned many Manfrotto tripods and heads. This is the most expensive head I have purchased and it has turned out to be the worst. Avoid it. And Manfrotto.
squeak squeak squeak
this is a squeaky head, no matter what setting it is in the head squeaks at certain areas even on loosest setting, if your recording audio with a mic on your camera or mounted near this head, it will be picked up. so as a video head it is worthless unless you only pan for a small distance. do I recommend this head, definitely not.
Breaking apart after ten months
On its first extended field use, the knob to control the tilt drag fell off and can not be re-attached. Also, on the inside face of that assembly (in the open bridge area), the plastic is splitting open exposing a screw that has pulled out. The split keeps getting worse. It is now impossible to accurately set and hold the tilt angle. I have contacted Manfrotto Customer Service and will post their response here. But as it stands now, unless I received a defective head, this head is one to avoid.
Very Well Built
This video head is well made and very smooth. I had doubts about the four step counterbalance, but so far no problems. This video head is not small or light, especially compared to photo heads. However, it works great and is built like a tank. I expect this will last for many years to come.
Excellent Video Head, Economic
The Manfrottoo 504X is a very good redesign of the original 504. The 504X is slightly lighter, more ergonomic, and some better qualities. Right off the bat they relocated the pan lock to the back of the unit versus having to reach to the front center which was very awkward. The pan drag resistance is right under the pan lock on the left, easily accessible and easily turntable. The counter balance is on the right side, easy to get to, easy to use. It has 4 settings that fits most weight variants in camera/optic gear. The quick release plate is now an angled drop and click versus the slide and lock from the back. This redesign is faster and more on par with professional quick release plates on much more expensive heads. Being a flat head, the 504X has more versatility to it, like using it with more equipment like sliders, etc. The 504X can make some slight noises here and there as the drag/counter balance systems are initiated whether when you first start using them or if the head has been sitting for a while and then used again. Nothing good sound editing can't get rid of. The 504X does take some proper getting to know it to get it all right, so you get the benefits of all its features, i.e., properly balancing your gear before even using any of the drag resistance or counter balance then utilizing the counter balance, tilt/pan drag resistance and tilt/pan locks all within proper symmetry of your given weight of your optical gear. Overall, unless you are made of money and willing to fork out $1,000.00s for Very Exorbitant makes of video heads then the MANFROTTO 504X is a Very hard to beat for this level of Quality at such a decent price!
Poor Build Quality
The fluid head was working fine, but as it was being transported in a case, the knob for the fluid drag system just snapped off. It turns out that the screw holding it in place was hollow.
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