Quick release plates or brackets, 50mm lens

[mtwo]

At the risk of becoming a pest, let me ask a question or two:
Is there an Arca style bracket made for the M8. Once in a while you need a tripod and mine has an Acratech ball head which I would like to keep. I have looked and can not find much except for film Ms which may not work.
Second, my old 50mm collapsable Summicron, has developed some hesitation, sticky spots, if you will, in the close focus area. Makes it difficult to focus down under 5 or six feet since you often miss. Anything you can do yourself which is not just stupid or should I think about sending the old gal off for a fix.
As a side note, after comparing the VF on the M8 with the one my M6 the 6 could use some help. Any suggestions? Thanks, John

[Ken R]

Try Kirk Photo: Quality Photographic Equipment for Outdoor & Nature Photography for the plate. Great products and service.

[cyberean]

Really Right Stuff is another option, for your bracket needs.

[pascal_meheut]

Sure, I'm using a RRS one, the B9 I think:

Really Right Stuff - B9

[albertknappmd]

I have the Kirk product for both M8s. Beautifully made and worked flawlessly last month in the Pyrenees...

[Bill Wendlandt]

I got the Really Right Stuff B9 for my M8. It is small and I keep it in my bag. I just put it on when I need to use it. I put a piece of clear tape on the surface that touches the camera bottom plate.

[guy_mancuso]

I use RRS brackets there smoother to touch than the Kirks. There on all the time

[Shootist]

To answer your second question. YES send the lens in to be CLA'ed.
Of course you knew that already but a little push form another M user always helps.

[mtwo]

Ed, you are right. The m6 and lens need to make a trip to the doctor. I have been putting it off and now there is no need to do so. I can live without film for a while, and even if I could not, bet I could find something to shoot if the withdrawal gets too bad. John

[DaveSee]

Originally Posted by mtwo

At the risk of becoming a pest, let me ask a question or two:
Is there an Arca style bracket made for the M8. Once in a while you need a tripod and mine has an Acratech ball head which I would like to keep. I have looked and can not find much except for film Ms which may not work.
[snipped]
Any suggestions? Thanks, John

I've RRS plates on my film Ms, and so too the M8, a "BP-CS"(as suggested to Guy, and pictured by him on this site with some sort of strap...). I use the Acratech as well--despite the slight "drift" whilst locking--and with my monopod fitted with a Bogen/Manfrotto 3232 and RRS B2-pro clamp. While RRS promotes the "B-9" for the M8, the BP-CS fits just so to access the bottom plate release, and offers more stability(and finger holds)... I've not removed the original bottom-plate plastic because I've kept the RRS plate attached. Weight? Well, a bit more with the CV15, but useful with the 75 Cron . I've also threaded my camera strap M5-style with the RRS plate: one end at the plate, one on the right lug which makes "chimping" easier. Also keeps me from losing the bottom plate(yawn).

hth+rgds,
Dave