Tripod Head for Leica

[starless]

I got the Gitzo 1531 tripod for my Leica M6 + 35mm summicron (basically the only setup I will use with it). Now I need to decide what tripod head to get and I am at a loss. I needs to be very light and compact, yet comfortable to use.

Any ideas?
Thank you!

 

[john_s]

It's worth having a look at the Really Right Stuff mounting hardware, for quick and secure mounting. For 35mm lens only, you could get away with the smallest ballhead. The only downside is that when you're using the camera handheld you will probably find the plate on the base of the camera adds to its bulk.

 

[starless]

Thanks, John. Do you think these heads are better built than the Gitzo ones? How about the G1178M? Will it be convenient for my Leica?

I realize the problem with the quick release plate but this solution is much more flexible than the head without one, isn't it?

Thanks again!

 

[andrewteee]

It's not necessarily compact, but I like the Acratech ballheads best. They clamp down tight and feel very solid. I also have the smallest RRS ballhead and it's enough for the Leica.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Take a look at Novoflex and at the Monochrom Q-Top. Arcane but Google 'em and you may see why I say this.

Tashi delek,

R.

 

[peter_n]

Gitzo make great tripods but not-so-great ballheads, so avoid the Gitzo ballheads. There are many good brands, Arca-Swiss, Markins, Kirk etc, etc. Although I don't use one myself (I use Linhof) I think the Markins ballheads are excellent. There is a firesale on the Markins Q-3 on eBay at the moment, worth looking at.

Whatever you get, strongly consider the Arca-Swiss type quick release system as among it's other attributes it will center your M on the ballhead.

 

[footnoteblog]

Just adding my vote for Arca-Swiss (Really Right Stuff/Kirk Photo) plates and releases. Absolute gold standard.

 

[john_s]

I agree with the above comments about the quick release system. I have RRS and Kirk quick release plates on several ball heads, including Manfrotto and Linhof. I have had some other types of old-fashioned mounting plates on heads (Gitzo and Manfrotto) and I've not been happy with their tendency to allow some movement (twisting and movement against the rubber pad that's supposed to protect the camera base).

 

[peter_n]

I highly recommend Joe Codispoti's Leica M to Arca adapter.

 

[Graham Line]

The Clear Sight piece looks nice. Acratech also makes a nice one. I have the RRS plate (bargain bin discovery) but it's heftier than in needs to be. Any of the a/s mounts are easier to use and more secure than mounting the body off balance with a screw.

 

[starless]

Thank you guys. After too much thinking and browsing 100s of pages, I think I will go for the BH-25 from RRS with the Clear Sight adapter. I hope it is a good combo.