Leica LTM Tripod thread adapter

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
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filmshooter
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My ltm cameras all came with the European thread tripod socket on their baseplates. I've bought adapters from a local camera store but they all have a collar that sticks out below the baseplate. Does, or did, someone make an adapter that threads all the way into the European thread?
Thanks.
 
One of mine came with an old adapter that fit flush, but I don't know of any new production. The easiest solution is to sand/file/grind down the collar until it sits how you want it to.
 
If you use the Arca Swiss type tripod clamp, it's simple enough to buy a plate with the correct 3/8 x 16 tpi screw in it.


The even better alternative for Leica cameras is Leica's own CTOOM bracket. It incorporates a camera screw on one end (slides to fit the LTM as well as M cameras), and a rounded portion to fit the other end of the camera (with the baseplate holding peg). You also get a nifty little cold flash shoe, so that you can keep using your accessory viewfinder while using a flash.


Here's a random example to give you an idea of what it looks like.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Leitz-CTOO...562585?hash=item23a0f98599:g:jJMAAOSwLpda9d~A
As you can see, you have two tripod mounting holes in the middle. So the last advantage is that it can center your camera over the tripod.


They came with the 1/4" x 20 tpi screw for North American cameras, and the 3/8 x 16 tpi screw for European cameras. Make sure you buy the one with the right thread size.


The only camera that I own that won't work on the CTOOM is the M5. The body is too big, and the wrong shape to fit.
 
Hi,


You can get a cradle for Barnacks, probable made for or by R G Lewis, but you have to watch ebay and so on for them. Here's one with a FED in it:-


FED%20on%20tripod%20%26c.jpg



And you'll often see small adapters for the 3/8 to 1/4 thread. Here's one (on the left) screwed into a 3/8 bush:-


Leitz%20Tripod%20Bushes-XL.jpg



Hope this helps.


Regards, David
 
David,
The adapter you pictured is the one I'm looking for. I have the Promaster ones and they have shoulders on them. I know some people who can grind the shoulder off, but if they do that, the slot will also disappear. And, they've told me, holding something that small while grinding the end off will be problematic. I will ask some of the older Leica dealers if they have any adapters in stock. I will also look for the cradle on eBay. Thanks.
 
The idea is to leave the adapter screwed into the camera so you A- have something to hold onto, and B- know when you've ground enough off. A simple flat file will suffice. Turn the camera over and set it on a folded bath towel on a counter top, cover the bottom of the camera w/ a towel to protect it from filings (just leave a little place accessible for the adapter), and file it flush. You could use a power grinder or Dremel tool, but a file will work fine. I would also place masking tape around the camera's tripod hole to avoid any issues.

The tripod adapter can be easily extracted at a later date by using a screw driver that is a little bigger than the threads and tapping it into the adapter. If you wanted to be fussy you could use a small chisel to put two grooves into the adapter to insert a wide screwdriver and screw it out, but those things screw out easily enough using the first recommendation.
 
For grinding, the easiest and least risky approach is to screw the adapter into an appropriately-sized nut, clamp some vice grips on it or clamp it in a vice (depending on your preferred grinding tool), and go to town. The threads are protected by the nut, which also gives nice solid flat surfaces to hold it by. Once you get it where you want it, use a file or Dremel cutting wheel to cut in new slots for a screwdriver.
 
Steve,
I will give that a try this weekend and let you know how it goes. I just have to find the file I put away years ago. Thanks
 
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