Leica M5 on a tripod (off center tripod socket)

[shorelineae]

So the Leica M5's tripod socket is on one corner. I am about to embark on a project with a tripod and my question: does any M5 owner here use a base plate or clamp of some sort, or do you just use the given socket?

Thanks.

 

[Rob-F]

I just use the tripod screw hole. Sounds like you want it more centered. You could use a tripod head that uses an Arca-Swiss type QR plate to get it more centered.

 

[jcb4718]

I had always thought having the tripod socket more or less under the shutter button was rather clever. It helps keep the camera steady when the shutter is fired...I assume that is the reason it is placed at the corner?

 

[css9450]

I always assumed the removable bottom plate created some clearance or interference issues which necessitated locating the tripod socket at one end.

 

[splitimageview]

There are centered tripod solutions (on the optical axis) for some Ms (like this) but don't know of one for the M5.

 

[shorelineae]

I had always thought having the tripod socket more or less under the shutter button was rather clever. It helps keep the camera steady when the shutter is fired...I assume that is the reason it is placed at the corner?

Interesting, I never thought of this. The one convenience of this is that if i use a table top tripod braced against my chest, the M5 is easier to bring to my eye. It feels very natural. But this is too unusual of a use-case to be the reason, no?

I'm just worried that it will make the camera awkward to carry around on a tripod for an extended period of time. 😀

 

[mbisc]

Regardless on where the tripod socket is, I would always recommend using a cable release to avoid camera shake...

 

[madNbad]

If you have a tripod head with a Arca-Swiss mount, Arcatech makes a plate designed to fit all of the film Ms’. https://www.acratech.net

 

[dourbalistar]

If you have a tripod head with a Arca-Swiss mount, Arcatech makes a plate designed to fit all of the film Ms’. https://www.acratech.net

I haven't purchased one myself, but I have confirmed directly with Acratech that their 2148 plate is compatible with the M5:
https://www.acratech.net/categories/quick-release-camera-plates/leica/leica-m.html

 

[Richard G]

There was no room for a centred tripod bush with the early Leica’s so compact. The shutter cover plate is very close to the base plate. Maybe the extra stability of the baseplate perforated cowling and the body lug and semicircle of solid body that part of the plate is applied to adds to the stability and lowers the risk of damage by tripod linkage. In short: the tripod bush in film Leica’s has to be where it is.

 

[Huss]

Huh I have never even looked at the tripod mount on my M5!