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RRS Tripod advise


ELAN

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I would like to buy an RRS TQC-14 travel tripod with a BH-30 ball head for my M-P 240.  Since I use the tripod very little I prefer not to mount and dismount camera plates that require Allen keys.  I would prefer a simple platform that screws directly into the camera's tripod hole.

 

According to RRS all their general-purpose plates that fit the M-P 240 require Allen keys to fasten, and they couldn't recommend other manufactures' platforms that will fit their BH-30 ball head and screw into the camera (without the need to rotate the camera around the stud, of course).

 

Does anyone use the BH-30 with a platform that screws directly into the camera?

 

I know RRS offers a special plate for the M 240, but I would rather not use it because it's big and another thing to carry, and according to RRS this MB240 plate isn't compatible with the M-P.  I read on this forum that some users reported success using the MB240 plate on their M-P.  Is there anyone who can't get the MB240 to work on their M-P?

 

Thanks in advance for any and all advise.

 

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Since I use the tripod very little I prefer not to mount and dismount camera plates that require Allen keys.

 

I cannot imagine not using an Arca compatible QR system with any camera these days. If you use a tripod its virtually essential as far as I'm concerned. I wouldn't want to risk damage to a baseplate (scratching may not bother you (its doesn't me) but poor assembly risks breakage), due to screwing it onto a tripod - which is as cackhanded a method as there is and should have been dispensed with years ago IMO.

 

There are numerous Arca compatible QR plates available if you search for them (I use the nice neat Kirk ones),; some are better than others and preferencies vary. Using an Allen Key though potentially saves a lot of damage IMO.

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Not only that, but there are quite a few that provide a slotted screw that can be tightened using a coin.

 

A real problem is -on the 240- that mounting a plate locks the baseplate which is a PITA for changing battery or card. It can be solved by using a Leicatime baseplate with flap.

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I know RRS offers a special plate for the M 240, but I would rather not use it because it's big and another thing to carry, and according to RRS this MB240 plate isn't compatible with the M-P.  I read on this forum that some users reported success using the MB240 plate on their M-P.  Is there anyone who can't get the MB240 to work on their M-P?

I use the MB240 baseplate on both my Typ 240 and 246 without issue. I believe with the M-P Leica changed the position of the magnet in the body that detected if the baseplate was installed.  RRS had to change the magnetic material in the MB240 to make it work on the M-P.  The MB240 I purchased had the change and works properly.  The MB240 baseplate allows the mounting of a grip and a vertical rail, but neither are required.  By itself it is slightly taller than the standard baseplte due to the Arcs-Swiss rail at the botthom.  Also it does not use the Leica baseplate latching system - instead it is secured by the tripod mountind socket  in the body. I find it to be the most elegant and secure solution for tripod mounting

Edited by Luke_Miller
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Perhaps I'm misunderstanding, but there isn't one more thing to carry if you go with the RRS base plate.  You remove the stock baseplace, leave it at home as the RRS replaces it. 

 

True for someone using a tripod regularly.  I, however, only use one occasionally and prefer to use the standard plate most often as it allows quicker access to card and battery.  But the RRS plate is every bit as robust, possibly more so (better sealing) than the stock plate.

 

The OP should contact RRS directly (call or email) with these questions; they are extremely knowledgable and responsive.

 

BTW, the TQC-14 and the BH-30 are terrific for an M.  I also use a bigger RRS tripod and head when using larger systems.

 

Jeff

Edited by Jeff S
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Sollico,

 

I respectfully submit that perhaps you fail to understand that the RRS base plate with grip and L-plate is actually a three-piece assembly / combination, and that only the grip and the L-plate are held on by Allen screws. The dove-tailed QR plate wich engages the QR on the bullhead (from BH-25 to BH 55 ) is an integral part of the baseplate, i.e. no Allen screws.

 

In addition, I find the base plate is a higher quality part than the standard Leica supplied component, fits better, the anodized finish matches the camera and is bullet-proof, it's more secure and is attached to the camera body by means of a very accessible, user-friendly screw-handlet. I literally takes mere seconds to unscrew it and remove the base plate for normal SD card or battery access.. If you choose to buy and use either the RRS grip ( I personally prefer it over the LEICA grip ) and / or the L-plate ( an item I highgly recommend, since it takes only a few seconds to flip the camera into the vertical postion on the ball-head and in my opinion makes it more pleasant and comfortable to hold and grasp the camera ), these parts are attched to the base-plate with allen-screws - nothing needs to be screwed or unscrewed when you remove the base plate.

 

The L-plate is exrtremely useful for tripod work, since one only has to unlock the RRS quick-release lever and engage the L-plate into the bullhead in the 'Portrait' format , both the baseplate QR rail and the L-plate dovetail have very precise optical center markings for perfect alignment in critical situations and panorama work.. I leave it on all the time for the following reasons:

 

A. its permanent presence doesn't bother me in the slightest, nor does it get in the way or make handling the camera awkward and / or uncomfortable.

 

B. because I bought all my photography equipment to fill my needs/ requirements for taking pictures, not to obsess over appearance or agonize over an ounce or two of weight, ( that also applies to the Thumbs-up  device, which, when combined with the RRS grip fits the hand and makes holding the camera much more positive ). 

 

C. because I find the L-plate exceedingly useful for switching from 'landscape' format to 'portrait' configuration in a blink of an eye, plus the additional edges and areas serve conveniently as a place for fingers and to maintain a better, firmer gripduring shooting.

 

I have attached a photo of my M240-P as I carry it full time for sports, portraits, landscape photography and anything else I want to shoot. I have taken over 8000 exposures since I installed this and the camera has never failed ( even RRS admits that the magnet story has no validity and that it was a mistake to even print it ).

 

As you can see. it also works perfectly with one of my favorite accessories, the endlessly useful LEICA table-top tripod.

 

JZG

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Thank you all for your thoughtful comments.

 

I understand the pros of the MB240 baseplate and I appreciate the beautiful refinment of RRS tripods, That's why I'm buying into it, although using the RRS baseplate isn't exactly what I wanted.

 

I shoot handheld 99% of the time. Sometimes I grab the tripod from the trunk of my car, take a few shots, then move on with my handheld photography. I carry my silver Leica M-P bare as the day it was born, without any accessories. I really like it that way. The RRS baseplate wouldn't stay on my camera for very long, so putting it on and taking it off will become part of setting up the tripod. I do appreciate the solidity the baseplate offers, but I had hoped for an easy screw-in platform so I wouldn't have to mess with baseplates when using the tripod for twenty minute before moving on.

 

Anyhow, I ordered the whole kit and I'm sure I will love it.

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Leica makes a couple of ballheads using a proprietary quick release plate.  A coin is necessary for placement and removal of the plate.  The plate is tiny and I find it unobtrusive when shooting off the tripod.  The small ballhead (Leica Ball Head 24will hold a Leica S with 180mm lens cantilevered and in a vertical position (not well) so it easily holds an M camera, the larger ballhead (Leica Ball Head 38) is rock solid.  

 

The other solution is to order the BH-30 with the 1/4' stud as you mention and simply place your camera on the platform until tight.  Not a quick process but you then can shoot with a simpler setup for the 99% handheld.   

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To the OP, as far as I know Manfrotto is the only manufacture who makes a baseplate that does not require an allen key or coin.

 

https://www.manfrotto.us/mini-ball-head-with-rc2

 

This is the head that I use and I have the base plates attached to both my Leica's. I also use a double sholder strap attached to the plates for all my handheld work, and the plates work fine. So you could still use the RRS TQC-14 travel tripod but with the Manfrotto head.

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To the OP, as far as I know Manfrotto is the only manufacture who makes a baseplate that does not require an allen key or coin.

 

 

 

Neither does the RRS plate designed for the M240 (as already noted).  It just takes a bit longer to unscrew than the Leica standard plate, but has its own easy open handle similar to the Manfrotto, only much more elegant.

 

Jeff

Edited by Jeff S
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Neither does the RRS plate designed for the M240 (as already noted).  It just takes a bit longer to unscrew than the Leica standard plate, but has its own easy open handle.

 

Jeff

I never knew that. That is a nice system but boy is it dear! Nearly $200 for a mounting plate. It is just €20 for the manfrotto plate.

 

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/BM240-L-Set-L-plate-for-M240

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I nearly always read these 'RRS' threads in the same vein of incredulity as I read boutique camera bag threads, the blind leading the blind into buy more and more over designed bling.

 

True enough they are superbly made bits of kit, but like a hand crafted leather camera bag for the style conscious man to be seen around town with, RRS equipment is to be 'seen around the forum' with. But they make things that work designed specifically for Leica you say, well other manufacturers make tripods that work for all makes of camera, so which is the best designed tripod? And then we have  comments such as "I respectfully submit that perhaps you fail to understand that the RRS base plate with grip and L-plate is actually a three-piece assembly / combination,....", sorry, did I mishear? Three components, ffs, does that make them better or worse than one? It's only a Leica M240!

 

The only sensible advice so far has been to use a Manfrotto head and a simple QR RC2 plate, the plates are cheap enough to have one in every camera bag, they work, and as a photographer who uses a tripod nearly all the time I can't find an engineering reason to make attaching a small camera onto the top of three legs any more complicated than this.

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I used a Manfrotto tripod with its QR system for many years, and became increasingly fed up with its fiddly spring lever system. Last year I switched to ArcaSwiss compatible, and find it simpler, quicker and safer - and you have a choice of a wider range of kit.

 

I've looked at RRS but they have never had the piece of kit that matches exactly what I want at the time, and it is too expensive to get it as a compromise. I don't use a tripod enough with the M to pay for their M baseplate, but their universal plate seems to be one of the lightest and slimmest around, so it lives on the SL.

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The only sensible advice so far has been to use a Manfrotto head and a simple QR RC2 plate, the plates are cheap enough to have one in every camera bag, they work, and as a photographer who uses a tripod nearly all the time I can't find an engineering reason to make attaching a small camera onto the top of three legs any more complicated than this.

 

There are plenty of Arca type QR plates and clamps which are well made, smaller, lighter and probably even cheaper than the Manfrotto (which I personally think is a very clunky solution) if that is you are prepared to buy such items from ebay or small businesses. RRS stuff is extremely good, but they so are a lot of other products which are way cheaper. I have a collection of clamps and bits and pieces for macro work and I don't think that any have failed to work well despite being, literally a fraction of the prices of others. It takes a few seconds to fit a QR plate, even with an Allen key which really isn't such a big deal ..... honestly! In fact I think that fitting a Arca type QR plate, then fitting the camera with this attached to the clamp on the tripod is no slower than screwing the camera onto the tripod bolt. Safer & easier.

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I'm not sure it is possible to give sensible advice without understanding the intended use.  I started with a Manfrotto head and legs, but as my equipment became heavier I found that its lack of a QR plate anti-twist feature became an issue.  Going into portrait orientation sometimes found the camera and lens rotating on the QR plate - stopping when the lens came in contact with one of the tripod legs.  Initially my solution was to mount a dedicated Arca-Swiss style plate on my body and firmly affix (using pliers to tighten far more than I would dare on the body) an A-S clamp to the QR plate.  This solved my twist problem, but eventually I found a ball head provided a real benefit in my shooting and I replaced my Manfrotto pan & tilt head with an Arca-Swiss (Brand) B1 head.  This dramatically reduced my set up time and allowed me to re-position the camera without having to adjust any of the head's controls.  I do have some RRS equipment, but no heads or legs. I put one of their lever-release clamps on my B1 and have several of their camera plates.  I also have Kirk plates and clamps as well as some by Hejnar.  Arca-Swiss is an open system and there are many suppliers of A-S components - not all are particularly expensive.

 

If deliberate setup with static subjects is the intended use then the any of the Manfrotto heads would be functionally and economically fine with an M and M mount lenses.  If the shooter was planning mounting something larger like a 250mm f4 Telyt-R then there are probably better choices.  

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I never knew that. That is a nice system but boy is it dear! Nearly $200 for a mounting plate. It is just €20 for the manfrotto plate.

 

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/BM240-L-Set-L-plate-for-M240

 

Apples and oranges, despite Steve's comment.  The RRS plate is a complete replacement for the Leica baseplate, sealed even better, and inserts directly and securely to the ball head QR plate with no screw-in and no additional attachments necessary.  

 

The Manfrotto is a cheap but functional accessory attachment to the Leica baseplate....I've used them in my film camera days.  

 

Each works as intended.  As always, buyers determine value.

 

Jeff

Edited by Jeff S
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I nearly always read these 'RRS' threads in the same vein of incredulity as I read boutique camera bag threads, the blind leading the blind into buy more and more over designed bling.

 

One could argue that this is the same notion that pervades most alternate camera forums about relative value of Leica lenses and bodies.  Is RRS worth the money? Well, in the case of the Leica grip, although I have and use one continuously, I'd be the first to say while the metal work is first rate, the grip itself is rather a disappointment as its hard, untextured plastic. Front button access is nigh impossible. Its particularly awful when wet and simply isnt up to their usual, thoughtful standard.  That said, as dear as it might be, its no more so than Leica's own offering which requires the addition of plates to boot. It fits like a glove and is, IMO, easier to deal with than Leica's own base design.  RRS gear, much like Leica's can certainly be seen as boutique, kitchy and over priced.  And despite their premium cost, neither can be seen as without flaw. But the overall level of quality and longevity mitigate, at least for some, the sting of original cost. 

Edited by Tailwagger
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.. I'd be the first to say while the metal work is first rate, the grip itself is rather a disappointment as its hard, untextured plastic.

My RRS BM240 baseplate and grip has no plastic components - all metal, just like the M9 version.  I agree with the rest of your assessment.  

Edited by Luke_Miller
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