Leica LTM Removing tripod adapter from Leica III baseplate

[Steve George]

I've just got an ERC for my Leica III but the bit of the ERC that screws into the baseplate is of a larger tripod thread size than the hole in the baseplate. It looks like an adapter has been put into the baseplate (there's even a very small amount of movement in it) but I can't get it out.

Any tips? I'm assuming it's been screwed in so I've tried using a tripod head to try and get some leverage, screwdrivers covered in rubber bands for added traction...all without success...I'm sure it must be relatively simple and I'm probably just missing something. 😕

Thanks

 

[Vickko]

The thread adapter should just unscrew.

I do recall some having a tiny little set screw - is there any visible on yours? If there is, that could be why you can't remove the insert.

 

[Tom A]

You can usually use a coin and slot it into the two "cuts" on the adapter. It could be that the installer has used some LocTite or glue to secure it too. If you have access to a "broad" blade screw driver that should work too. It is a fairly "crude: thread - less than 2-3 turns and brute force usually wins over.

 

[Vics]

All of my adapters come out with a screwdriver. Does yours have the screwdriver slot?

 

[Landshark]

But weren't some of the bottom plates made with a 1/4" thread?

If the hole in the plate has two slots in the thread it is removable. If it doesn't it's not.

 

[Vince Lupo]

Is it the kind that has an outer flange with two slots? If so, try a dime or a quarter - usually works for me.

 

[Steve George]

Thanks for the great tips everyone. I'm starting to think its been glued in. :bang:

 

[Landshark]

A little heat may break the bond.
Hot enough to make it uncomfortable to hold, unscrew it while it's still hot.

 

[johannielscom]

Post a shot of your bottom plate?

They were made with two different sized bushings, IIRC one is 1/4 inch and the other 3/8 inch or something like that?

Seen from the outside, the whole bushing might look like a separate part that is screwed into a bigger diameter bushing, while it's not.

You might be trying to remove something that is actually a factory-fitted bushing...😱

 

[Mr_Flibble]

I would think it's likely that Leica manufactured some base plates with the 1/4" tripod sockets for their cameras that were exported to the USA in the pre-war years.

 

[V-12]

Thanks for the great tips everyone. I'm starting to think its been glued in. :bang:

Apply the tip of a soldering iron to the adapter. Ideally you would apply it to the tripod socket direct because you'd want the outer area to expand, but it may bring the black paint off. So heat the adapter and this should break or soften the glue, try turning it while still hot just in case its the sort of glue that goes solid again when cool.

 

[Steve George]

Thanks again - all making sense now. Although it looks like an attachment it may not be (or at least may be factory fitted and not supposed to be removable). The comment about different sizes for different markets makes sense - my previous III had "Auf" and "Zu" on the baseplate, where this one has "Open" and "Close" so my baseplate looks like an export one for sure.

I've sourced a cheap low profile thread adapter though that will hopefully mean the camera can be screwed into the ERC without any issues.

Thanks again everyone for taking the time to respond. 🙂

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

Will this help?

On the left is the usual sort of adapter, showing its screw slots and one the right is a base plate from a model II (D in the USA) which has a 1/4" bush fitted. The II is from i935 but the II was made until 1948 and the standard (E in the USA) until 1950. So the base plate could be post war and fitted when a wicked dealer played "mix and match" to sell the model II.

I've never known an adapter be a tight fit...

Regards, David