Leica LTM Tripod thread adapter?

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
martinjames

martinjames

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I've owned quite a few Leica camera bodies over the years so it seems like I would have had this issue come up before, but no...

Now I have 2 cameras for which I need thread adapters (IIIc and IIIb). I bought adapters from 2 different sources but it turns out both were exactly the same. (These are the standard adapters from B&H and similar suppliers). They are too tall (approx. 8mm) to sit flush with the base plate. It appears Leica allows only about 7mm to be inserted.

Anyone here have a known source for a shorter version of the 3/8-16 to 1/4-20 adapter?

Thanks!
 
If you have access to a grinder, here is what to do. Get a 1/4 20 bolt several inches long and a 1/4 20 nut. Thread the nut onto the bolt and the the adapter that is too long. Let about 1mm of the adapter protrude past the end of the bolt and tighten up the nut. You can then grind off material as needed. Be sure to remove material from the blank side of the adapter. Good Luck, Joe


PS If the adapter is aluminum, do not use a grinder but a sanding belt or file.
 
Hi,


I don't know a modern source for them, other than the various auction sites (and a bit of luck), but the one on the left should suit you as they are about 6½mm proud.


Thread%20Adapters%201-L.jpg



I'm guessing the modern one is the one on the right. The other answer to the problem is to find a camera cradle but, again, that means haunting ebay...


Regards, David
 
Jack the Hat sells a 3/8 to 1/4 adapter, but it doesn't screw tight into the baseplate (of a IIIf, anyway). It does work if left on a dedicated quick release platform.
 
There was an older thread about this and, if my memory is good and I wouldn't count on it, one of the suggestions was to mount the adapter in the baseplate hole, put masking tape on the baseplate, and then use a hacksaw or a file to reduce the height of the adapter. I have the same problem with a couple of IIIa cameras and have not tried this myself.
 
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The Manfrotto adapters are much shorter.

martinjames said:
I've owned quite a few Leica camera bodies over the years so it seems like I would have had this issue come up before, but no...

Now I have 2 cameras for which I need thread adapters (IIIc and IIIb). I bought adapters from 2 different sources but it turns out both were exactly the same. (These are the standard adapters from B&H and similar suppliers). They are too tall (approx. 8mm) to sit flush with the base plate. It appears Leica allows only about 7mm to be inserted.

Anyone here have a known source for a shorter version of the 3/8-16 to 1/4-20 adapter?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Finally, I was able to get a few from a local source and they fit much better. It turns out they are made in Germany by Hama. They are definitely shorter than the others I tried so these are the ones to look for if you are in need. It still is not exactly flush on my IIIb but close enough.
 
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