Leica LTM Leica/Leitz Baseplate accessory?

[raydm6]

From the auction site: What is this base-plate accessory?

I am guessing it is non-Leitz add-on to center the tripod bushing and to add more rigidity? Pretty wild. Never seen one before.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

This looks custom made- I have never seen one like it. Also it is elevated, not flat. Looks like a special purpose "application specific" device.

 

[raydm6]

Yes, when I first viewed the small images, I though the base-plate was "bent" 🙂 What a curiosity!

It looks well machined with a polished aluminum surface. Unless it was cast?

 

[David Hughes]

I have seen them or something very similar advertised. I have looked in the obvious places (WH Catalogue) but so far haven't found them. My first guess is 40's. R G Lewis made something that centred the tripod bush called a cradle and my guess is that one of their rivals made this for the after-market.

Regards, David

 

[Dralowid]

I think Photax and probably others inc R G Lewis made the cradle type. This one seems unnecessarily odd unless I am missing something.

 

[Doug A]

Centering the camera on the tripod bush is helpful for shooting panoramas but this one is not centered on the lens axis. Odd.

I've been looking at this one http://www.metro-case.com/grips/barnack but haven't ordered one yet.

 

[Dralowid]

A typical version

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/15440308...Sr3FNV6X1LxV6hzy5AMaAhZLEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[farlymac]

I first thought that it could have been made for a different camera, but then because it allows the base plate to be removed without taking the cradle off first it makes perfect sense that the tripod screw hole would wind up not on the optical axis. A little redesign could have helped that.

PF

 

[David Hughes]

I reckon it's been bent. The camera would tilt downwards in use and perhaps someone wanted that. Straighten it out and untwist it and the tripod bush might or should be on the lens axis.

Regards, David

PS Still looking but haven't found the picture of it I was expecting; trouble is I've a small mountain of old magazines and catalogues.

 

[Glenn2]

Is it possible that it could be a belt clip? I’ve got something a bit similar to go on over the base of a Barnack to allow you to clip camera on your belt. Mine didn’t have threaded hole for tripod and wasn’t quite as thick. Never used the thing, didn’t trust the security and am more of a strap over shoulder person.

Glenn