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Platypod Platyball Elite Ball Head

BH #PLELITEBH • MFR #1016
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Platypod Platyball Elite Ball Head
Key Features
  • Inverted Design with Pan Section on Top
  • Electronic Leveling Indicator
  • Arca-Type Top / 3/8"-16 Female Bottom
  • 22 Payload lb
The Platyball Elite Ball Head from Platypod has a different design than traditional ball heads. The Platyball Elite features an inverted design, with the panning turntable at the top rather than the bottom. It also has an electronic leveling indicator on the rear side. The LED-backlit indicator provides an unobstructed view during virtually any type of shot, and it displays everything clearly even at nighttime. The electronic indicator confirms horizontal accuracy even when the camera is tilted vertically. A 12V battery is included for powering this electronic aspect of the head.
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Platypod Platyball Elite Overview

From Manufacturer

The Platyball Elite Ball Head from Platypod has a different design than traditional ball heads. The Platyball Elite features an inverted design, with the panning turntable at the top rather than the bottom. It also has an electronic leveling indicator on the rear side. The LED-backlit indicator provides an unobstructed view during virtually any type of shot, and it displays everything clearly even at nighttime. The electronic indicator confirms horizontal accuracy even when the camera is tilted vertically. A 12V battery is included for powering this electronic aspect of the head.

The Platyball Elite provides standard 360° swivel and 90° tilt adjustment. Instead of a conventional knob for locking this ball head movement, the Elite has two buttons on the front that you can control with your index finger. One tightens and the other loosens the ball head. The front positioning of these two controls lets you easily use them even during a shot. You won't need to use a second hand. There is also a dial on the side for locking the pan rotation, and a button on top for locking and releasing the Arca-type clamp. The pan axis rotates a full 360°, and you can keep rotating it without end.

The Platyball Elite features an Arca-type clamp on top and a 3/8"-16 thread on the bottom. A 3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20 bushing adapter is also included for the bottom thread. Additionally, a calibration/level disc is included that allows you to convert the top from an Arca interface to a 1/4"-20 screw to which you can attach your camera directly. The calibration/level disc has a 1/4"-20 screw on top and Arca-type dovetail on the bottom. It also has a 3/8"-16 thread on the bottom. The purpose of the 3/8"-16 thread is for mounting the Elite on the various optional Platypod plates that are available sold separately.

UPC: 714983535502

Platypod Platyball Elite Specs

Key Specs
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Screw (Quick Release Plate: Arca-Type)
Head Type
Ball Head
Drag Control
Yes
Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
Weight
1.4 lb / 624 g
Head
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Screw (Quick Release Plate: Arca-Type)
Head Type
Ball Head
Base Mount
Flat Base with 3/8"-16 and 1/4"-20 Female
Counter Balance
No
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
Yes
Independent Pan Lock
Yes
Vertical Tilt
90°
General
Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
Bubble Level
Yes
Weight
1.4 lb / 624 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.07 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.6 x 4.4 x 2.5"

Platypod Platyball Elite Reviews

Coolest ballhead ever!

By Curtis
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2026-02-22

I'm not a pro, so this is the perfect ballhead for someone like me. Super easy to use, once you get the hang of it. Doesn't take long, just a couple of uses, and you are on your way...a few clicks will adjust it properly. If you go too far one way, or the other, it's simply an opposite click to get it perfect! I would have (should have?) given it 5 stars, but I was one of the unlucky ones that received it with a (mostly) dead battery. It worked for about 30 minutes.

Solid and stylish

By Aaron
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-01-10

I've been wanting an inverted tripod head for some years now, and I've been eying this particular one for the last couple of years. I finally decided to buy it and I can't say that I regret my purchase in the slightest. The designed intent of being able to do most of your adjusting with only one had is spot on, and once I got it calibrated I've found that the electronic leveling indicators are accurate and useful. The head is large and it is very solidly built, so the suggestion of unmounting it from your tripod legs and hooking it to a carabiner while moving around is a good one. Definitely would recommend.

See any errors on this page?

What is the benefit of the digital level, most ...

What is the benefit of the digital level, most current digital cameras have a built in level? Does this have any other features?
Asked by: Michael
Some of us still use film and/or older digital cameras that don't have levels built in. Also allows us to turn off the camera's level to declutter the view screen or viewfinder.
Answered by: John
Date published: 2024-05-14

Don't see a spec on height. What is the height of ...

Don't see a spec on height. What is the height of this ballhead?
Asked by: chris
The Platypod Platyball Elite Ball Head is 5.1 inches tall. Full specifications is, Dimensions: 5.1x3.2x2” (130x82x50mm) Weight: 1lb 6oz (624gm) Ball Diameter: 35mm Capacity: 22lb (10kg) Mech. Operating Temp: -40° to + 170° F
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2023-12-11

Is it normal for the low battery indicator to ...

Is it normal for the low battery indicator to light up when the unit is turned on and then it turns off after a few seconds?
Asked by: Philip
It is normal for the Platypod Platyball Elite Ball Head's low battery indicator to light up when the unit is turned on and turn off.
Answered by: Lawrence C
Date published: 2024-11-08

How is the Arca clamp tightened down? I see no ...

How is the Arca clamp tightened down? I see no screw knob type arrangement,
Asked by: Steve
The Platypod Platyball Elite Ball Head has a tightening lock under the clamp to open or close the clamp.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2023-09-17

Hi. Is the battery replaceable?

Hi. Is the battery replaceable?
Asked by: Bryan
Yes, the Platypod Platyball Elite Ball Head uses a replaceable 12V A23 Alkaline Battery. A replacement would be the Energizer A23 12V Miniature Alkaline Battery (55mAh, 2-Pack), BH # ENA232. https://bhpho.to/3WyEPpZ
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2023-12-11
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