Manfrotto Quick Release Plate (501PL)

Manfrotto 501PL quick-release plate, the standard plate for Manfrotto's RC5 video head ecosystem (the 502A, 504HD, 509HD, and the cinema-class 504/509). Aluminum body, 1/4 inch-20 camera screw with a slot for a flat-blade tool or coin, anti-twist pin for cameras with the matching socket. Slides onto the head and clicks into place with the safety catch engaged. We keep multiple of these because every camera that touches the 502A needs one, leaving a 501PL on each camera body avoids plate swaps mid-shoot. Worth noting: knockoff 501PLs are common and they fit the RC5 head, but the safety catch geometry is sometimes off enough that the plate can release under load. We only run genuine Manfrotto plates.