Gorillapod + Leica?

[steverett]

Hi,

I am thinking of buying a gorillapod since I usually need to use slow speeds in places where it's not practical, i.e. in a bar or on a city street at night, and with a gorillapod, i could attach my camera to a signpost, etc.

Anyway, I was worried about using it on my Leica M3, since the tripod mount is on the end of the baseplate, it usually won't stand up on a mini tripod. I was wondering if anyone had used the gorillapod with a Leica M, or any other camera with this type of socket (Canon 7, Canon P, etc.) and can tell me if it works or not.

Thanks,

Steve

p.s. What the heck is a gorillapod? (link)

 

[mackigator]

Ultrapod II. Almost as portable as the smaller gorillapod, much sturdier. Never leaves my bag and holds my Hexar RF no prob. Attaches to signposts via strap. I also own the gorillapod (the smaller one than the one in your link) - except for its removable baseplate, I like it less than the Ultrapod II.

Also consider a home made bean bag if its really bar shots you're after - inconspicuous.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?shs=ultrapod+II&ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=RootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t

 

[Stanton]

"The Pod" is a bean bag support. It is manufactured in various versions, one of which has an offset from the center screw to facilitate cameras as Leicas with the tripod socket on the end of the bottom. It is light, easy to carry, will fit on most anything (rail, bar, post end, etc.). Cost is about $16US. See B&H or google "The Pod." I have no financial interest in The Pod, but own two and feel they are excellent. Dave

 

[steverett]

The ultrapod sounds pretty good. However, I liked the idea of clamping to trees, door frames, etc. If someone could tell me whether this will work with the M3, with or without a long, heavy lens (like the 90mm summicron). If not, then I'll give the ultrapod or Pod beanbag a try.

 

[Stanton]

I don't know that The Pod will support a big or long lens. I doubt it. It certainly will not clamp to a tree etc. I have the Ultrapod 2. It will clamp to a tree, etc. I have never tried it with a camera having a tripod socket at the end of the bottom, or iwth a really long or big lens. For my purposes, I generally take The Pod as I find it more convenient for indoor shots in cathedrals, etc.

 

[steverett]

I don't know that The Pod will support a big or long lens. I doubt it. It certainly will not clamp to a tree etc.

I was referring to the gorillapod. I realize there are alternatives, but they can't do this:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/167/463612507_7bcd984f5d_m.jpg

So if anyone knows whether or not I can do that with a M3 or Canon 7, thats what I'd like to find out.

I do appreciate your suggestions and input, though.

 

[40oz]

I have the Gorillapod you are asking about. I've used it for my CL on occasion. It's certainly capable of holding an M2 and a 50mm lens.

It has it's drawbacks, but plenty of positives as well. One caveat is a heavier body makes it occillate a bit after you touch it if you are not careful. A lighter camera, such as a compact digital, are light enough that there is very little occillation. It's not that big a deal unless you are hamfisted with the shutter. But it is far from "rock-steady." Better than nothing, in many cases.

It's definitely usable, if you work within the limitations of the device. It will disappoint if you are expecting it to be rigid, however.

 

[Fotohuis]

What do you think about a monopod. Your shutter time (with a leica M) can be down to 1/4S- 1/2S with this type of extra help.
I am using a lot of iso 25 film in the M and thanks to the monopod it's capable to do exposures under low light conditions even with an iso 25 film.

Best regards,

Robert

 

[Fotohuis]

Just a suggestion:

http://www.monostat.com/E/index.php

 

[payasam]

40oz, how about with a cable release?

 

[Roger Hicks]

I have the big gorillapod and it's fine for an M. The small one is marginal. Bear in mind that Ultrapods (which I also have) are equipped with a built-in strap and can be lashed to branches. etc., about as effectively as a gorillapod. They are also a lot smaller and lighter.

Cheers,

Roger

 

[Monz]

I have the medium sized Gorillapod (SLR version). I think it is overpriced and although it does the job (see attached photos), the off-centre camera is not particularly stable and I am constantly afraid that the camera will topple or the grips will slip.

--
Monz

 

[steverett]

I have the medium sized Gorillapod (SLR version). I think it is overpriced and although it does the job (see attached photos), the off-centre camera is not particularly stable and I am constantly afraid that the camera will topple or the grips will slip.

--
Monz

After consideration, I think the Ultrapod II sounds like a better bet. I'd rather not have to worry about my camera falling off; if so, I probably wouldn't mount it anywhere tricky, which would defeat the purpose of buying the gorillapod to begin with. I'd rather feel comfortable that my camera is secure, and work around the limitations of a more stable tripod.

Thanks again for all your input. It was very helpful 🙂