Best Tripod Quick-Release system for M series?

[rmeskill]

So I have a Manfrotto tripod and a simple 486 head. Historically I only used it with my Hassy, but I've found myself using it more and more with my Leicas, so I thought I should probably get a proper quick release system. I've done some poking around, but it's all fairly confusing-does anyone have any suggestions for the best option? I have 2 M6s and a M9 and would like to have one QR for my film cameras and one for the M9. Thanks in advance, all!

 

[rxmd]

The best-suited for Leica M is probably Novoflex Miniconnect, which is basically just a little round button that attaches to the tripod socket, little larger than a soft release.

There was an older system called the Q-Top from a company called "ideesign" that was similar, bigger, a bit more solid for big cameras, but that has been sadly discontinued.

The industry standard would be any Arca Swiss-compatible system:

(picture from this site which explains the system, too)

An example of a good Arca Swiss-compatible system are the holders and plates available from Really Right Stuff. Their separate plates are a fair bit bigger than the Miniconnect though, which makes them work not so well with Leica M. Really Right Stuff also has Leica M baseplates with an Arca Swiss compatible holder built in (it's just the shape of the baseplate), with an optional L-bracket for vertical orientation:

They're expensive at $140 to $200 or so, and rather fiddly; they also have lots of extra little holes for accessories that you have to plug with rubber plugs, about which people have been complaining, while others have been happy.

 

[twopointeight]

I use the camera plates from Kirk Enterprises with Leica M, Cnon, and Hasselblad and and Linhof balheads. All well made. And, free shipping this weekend, I was just told.

 

[peter_n]

The Arca-Swiss type plates and clamps are pretty much standard. ClearSight make very good plates for Leica M bodies.

 

[cz23]

I use an RRS head and plate for my M9. I could not be happier with that combination. Expensive, but beautifully designed and built. I think they have plates for other M bodies.

John

 

[rmeskill]

Given that I already have a head I probably won't be going that route yet, but I'm intrigued by the replacement base plate-does anyone have experience with that? Would mean I wouldn't need to worry about scratching my existing plate when attaching/detaching the quick release and should be easier than fiddling with an allen wrench-does anyone have any experience with them? Do they work as intended/are they worth the extra expense?

 

[john_s]

I remember reading that the RRS and Kirk style plates don't have rubber to protect the camera base because it introduces movement which is definitely true. The instructions for, i think, RRS state that the plates should be attached quite tightly except for the Leica M. Presumably going too tight might strip the thread or cause some other disadvantage.

The RRS replacement baseplate is a fantastic idea.

EDIT: I see that it's only for the M8 and M9, not the film cameras. Pity.

 

[peter_n]

I have about seven Arca-Swiss type plates from different manufacturers. The Arca-Swiss dovetail design however is not a dimensional standard, and there are very slight differences among the plates that can make them incompatible with certain clamps. Read the manufacturers' web pages carefully before you buy.

 

[ChrisP]

Because of this it is reccomended that you pick one brand of QR plate and stick with it. RRS are gorgeous. Spend the extra money on one and never replace it.

If you want different brands than you can get a screw type QR clamp (the thing attached to the ballhead that holds the QR plate). This should work with any type of plate.

Or if you want a RRS plate but not ballhead, markins has lever style QR clamps (and lever is much quicker IMO) that can adapt for any diameter of plate. However, even if you go this route, its still recommended you stick to one bran of QR plate, as the markin takes a while to adjust the settings so it will save you some 4 letter words.

I have about seven Arca-Swiss type plates from different manufacturers. The Arca-Swiss dovetail design however is not a dimensional standard, and there are very slight differences among the plates that can make them incompatible with certain clamps. Read the manufacturers' web pages carefully before you buy.

 

[peter_n]

Yep I use Markins screw clamps on all my ballheads, Markins or not. They're excellent.

 

[Graham Line]

Shop around on the Acratech site before you order Arca-Swiss compatible plates. The Acratechs are very well-made and nicely finished. The design is secure, but at a minimum of added weight.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Monochrom in Germany MAY have reintroduced Q-top (check their catalogue, and call). My wife and I love Q-Top and have been using it for years: we have two production heads and one prototype. For bigger cameras, Linhof.

Cheers,

R.

 

[john_s]

Some early Kirk plates are a loose fit in RSS lever clamps, but ok in the screw clamps.

 

[peter_n]

Yes unfortunately the RRS lever clamps are not adjustable.