Tripod Quick Release

[M like Leica M6]

Sometimes it is a bit dark and though I do not really like to carry a tripod with me I have to use it sometimes.

The good news is that I have a good tripod (a german Berlebach tripod made of wood) and a good ballhead (a large FLM head) which has a normal 3/8" screw.

Until now I do not have a quick release for the tripod and my numerous cameras and lenses.

What do you recommend? My equipment is somewhat heavy, so I would like to go for a stable solution...

 

[peter_n]

I highly recommend the Arca/Swiss style of quick-release clamp and camera-specific plate. It has become something of a standard over the last few years because several 3rd party manufacturers have made both clamps and plates, such as RSS (Really Right Stuff), Kirk, Markins etc. Clearsight USA make a great Leica M specific plate.

The key is going to be whether your FLM ballhead's camera mounting plate will unscrew out of the ball so that you can replace it with an A/S type clamp. Not all ballheads do this and I bought mine (a Linhof Profi II) with the express intent of replacing the camera plate.