lewis44
Well-known
Here is a link to my post on the Leica User Forum.
All in all, everyone is happy with the product.
I had one small complaint that I just rectified. See it here
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica...113097-custom-l-bracket-m9-4.html#post1372547
All in all, everyone is happy with the product.
I had one small complaint that I just rectified. See it here
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica...113097-custom-l-bracket-m9-4.html#post1372547
lewis44
Well-known
I was just informed that you have to be a member to view the post, so here are the images and post:
"
Join Date: 16.02.2003
Posts: 46
Re: Custom L Bracket for the M9
I found that I liked the setup very much, with one exception. The grip felt slippery to my fingers when I used it.
The solution for me was to cover it with the same leather covering material that I got from Morgan @ Camera Leathers.
I received the material this morning, and about 1/2 hour later these are the results.
An Exact-O knife and a little patience were the tools."
"
Join Date: 16.02.2003
Posts: 46
I found that I liked the setup very much, with one exception. The grip felt slippery to my fingers when I used it.
The solution for me was to cover it with the same leather covering material that I got from Morgan @ Camera Leathers.
I received the material this morning, and about 1/2 hour later these are the results.
An Exact-O knife and a little patience were the tools."
rickp
Well-known
that's a good looking job on the new RRS bracket. i'll bet it works well in your hands as well as on a tripod. thanks for posting with photos.
rick
rick
mikenic
BundyBro
Great job Randy.
icebear
Veteran
Yes indeed, I've got their medium size ballhead and followed their advice to shell out some bucks for carbon fiber Gitzo instead of the slightly cheaper basalt version. They were really helpful to get to right decision and the ballhead is just superb.
gchao
Member
RRS has just indicated the BM9 base is too snug to fit on the M9's. BM9-B is being created to fit for M9's! Wow, I guess the tolerance is extreme tight!
thrice
Established
Any risks involved with using the BM9 on the M9? Are they going to offer a swap for M9 users?
jaapv
RFF Sponsoring Member.
Is it just me, but doesn't this make the camera look a bit lumpy? Disclosure: I don't like handgrips on an M camera in general and this one looks a lot better than the Leica one... And I believe I suggested the combo with the L-plate in the first place.But RRS is a little disingenuous in their sales blurb: Stamped steel original baseplate indeed. Solid machined brass it is... Naughty-naughty
What surprises me is the need for different plates for the M8 and M9. The Leica plates are completely interchangable - and neither loose nor tight.
What surprises me is the need for different plates for the M8 and M9. The Leica plates are completely interchangable - and neither loose nor tight.
LightBender
Member
jaapv, I'm with you on this. I have never liked the side handles for the M. I also have never had a problem holding the camera, though.
The bottom plate doesn't make sense for me either. Never had a problem with the original equipment bottom plate. The side bracket adds even more weight and bulk. And, if on a tripod I can always flip the ball to the side much faster and easier. The whole set up is antithesis to the concept of the M, at least for me.
If, your bag is panorama, then there are several nodal brackets that work much better and are cheaper, such as those made by Nodal Ninja.
The bottom plate doesn't make sense for me either. Never had a problem with the original equipment bottom plate. The side bracket adds even more weight and bulk. And, if on a tripod I can always flip the ball to the side much faster and easier. The whole set up is antithesis to the concept of the M, at least for me.
If, your bag is panorama, then there are several nodal brackets that work much better and are cheaper, such as those made by Nodal Ninja.
gchao
Member
I am assuming if BM9 work on the M9 then you are fine. RRS claimed they will be contacting owners of BM9 for exchange of the base plate towards the end of July.
lewis44
Well-known
Here is the email I just received from RRS. It answers the questions that were asked.
"We would like to thank you for your participation in our BM9 fitting survey. In designing the BM9, we intentionally decided to improve the fit of Leica's standard base plate, which we found to be surprisingly loose and flexible. While dimensions naturally vary from camera to camera, even between two identical camera models, we could not predict just how variant it would be in Leica's case. Further, the Leica bodies used to fit our prototypes were on the smaller end of the spectrum. We now realize that a great deal of RRS BM9 plates fit too tightly on some cameras.
We therefore are proceeding with a voluntary recall of BM9 base plates.
If you feel that you are satisfied with the plate's fit, then do nothing. We will still honor your 5 year parts and manufacturing guarantee.
The fix of the base plate is pretty straightforward:
For U.S. customers:
1. Discontinue using the BM9 base plate immediately.
2. Contact Really Right Stuff via email: info@reallyrightstuff.com or phone: 805-528-6321 and request a return shipping label via U.S. Postal Service or UPS. We will mail or email the shipping label to you.
3. Immediately send us your BM9 base plate once the shipping label arrives. You will have to print the label and attach it yourself. Include a copy of your original RRS Sales Order, or a short note with your return shipping information and/or customer information.
4. In the meantime, new plates are being made with widened dimensions. They will become available approximately 3 weeks from today.
5. After the improved plates become available, one will be shipped back to you at no charge.
For international customers:
1. Discontinue using the BM9 base plate immediately.
2. Immediately send us your BM9 base plate using your country's local carrier. Indicate on any customs forms that the contents of the package are undergoing a warranty replacement. Indicate the shipping costs on the package itself if possible. Include a copy of your original RRS Sales Order, or a short note with your return shipping information and/or customer information.
3. Once the plate arrives here at Really Right Stuff, Your shipping costs will be reimbursed via credit card.
4. In the meantime, new plates are being made with widened dimensions. They will become available approximately 3 weeks from today.
5. After the improved plates become available, one will be shipped back to you at no charge. We will ensure that the replacement items are properly labeled to avoid duplicate import taxes and customs fees.
We will not ship your replacement plate until the original is received here at Really Right Stuff in San Luis Obispo, CA. You must send us your tight fitting BM9 during your 30 day money back guarantee period, which began the day you received it. We understand some circumstances will not allow such a short window. Please contact us to make any special requests."
All I can say is "Great Customer Service"
"We would like to thank you for your participation in our BM9 fitting survey. In designing the BM9, we intentionally decided to improve the fit of Leica's standard base plate, which we found to be surprisingly loose and flexible. While dimensions naturally vary from camera to camera, even between two identical camera models, we could not predict just how variant it would be in Leica's case. Further, the Leica bodies used to fit our prototypes were on the smaller end of the spectrum. We now realize that a great deal of RRS BM9 plates fit too tightly on some cameras.
We therefore are proceeding with a voluntary recall of BM9 base plates.
If you feel that you are satisfied with the plate's fit, then do nothing. We will still honor your 5 year parts and manufacturing guarantee.
The fix of the base plate is pretty straightforward:
For U.S. customers:
1. Discontinue using the BM9 base plate immediately.
2. Contact Really Right Stuff via email: info@reallyrightstuff.com or phone: 805-528-6321 and request a return shipping label via U.S. Postal Service or UPS. We will mail or email the shipping label to you.
3. Immediately send us your BM9 base plate once the shipping label arrives. You will have to print the label and attach it yourself. Include a copy of your original RRS Sales Order, or a short note with your return shipping information and/or customer information.
4. In the meantime, new plates are being made with widened dimensions. They will become available approximately 3 weeks from today.
5. After the improved plates become available, one will be shipped back to you at no charge.
For international customers:
1. Discontinue using the BM9 base plate immediately.
2. Immediately send us your BM9 base plate using your country's local carrier. Indicate on any customs forms that the contents of the package are undergoing a warranty replacement. Indicate the shipping costs on the package itself if possible. Include a copy of your original RRS Sales Order, or a short note with your return shipping information and/or customer information.
3. Once the plate arrives here at Really Right Stuff, Your shipping costs will be reimbursed via credit card.
4. In the meantime, new plates are being made with widened dimensions. They will become available approximately 3 weeks from today.
5. After the improved plates become available, one will be shipped back to you at no charge. We will ensure that the replacement items are properly labeled to avoid duplicate import taxes and customs fees.
We will not ship your replacement plate until the original is received here at Really Right Stuff in San Luis Obispo, CA. You must send us your tight fitting BM9 during your 30 day money back guarantee period, which began the day you received it. We understand some circumstances will not allow such a short window. Please contact us to make any special requests."
All I can say is "Great Customer Service"
LightBender
Member
Good customer service, but I wouldn't put in on a seven thousand dollar camera, if I had one.
lewis44
Well-known
Actually, It is perfect on my M8 and a better bottom plate than the Leica one.
It was tested and designed using an M8 and they got it right.
Who knew that the M9 was ever so slightly different?
My understanding is that owners of both (M8/M9) noticed little difference when using the Leica plates.
Seems that the RRS unit had closer tolerances.
tom_f77
Tom Fenwick
For what it's worth, RRS plates and clamps are the only equipment I've yet trusted to keep £3000's worth of camera and lens attached to a fully extended (carefully chosen) monopod while I hold the wrong end and try not to black out during a spiral dive on a tandem paraglider...
Tom
LightBender
Member
Ok, I can fully agree with this. If I were ever to find myself in a spiral (or any type) dive trying to stay conscious, the last thing I want to worry about is the base plate on my camera falling off.
You see, I get it now. We have two totally different levels of activity. My worst case scenario (in my life) would be my M9 falling off the ball mount I attached to my walker with a couple of hose clamps.
