Custom L Bracket for the M9

[hoppyman]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Rick the point of the base plate and the L plate attachment is to provide variable position quick release rails that can be moved or set within the RRS QR ballheads of course. Using the tripod socket in the baseplate means that you are at (or closer?) to lens axis which I guess may assist if you were attaching the camera to a specialised panorama arrangement. That's only incidental though, I would think. The whole point is to use a QR RRS ballhead, not the new tripod socket. It does provide a much more rigid base though and that is always a good thing for any tripod operation.

 

I can't speak for other RRS customers, but my intent is to keep the Base plate and L Plate assembled and fit them only when using the tripod for deliberate landscape photography (or a studio situation). Currently I use an M8 plate/grip for that.

 

On the differing fit situation, it does make sense that the black paint finish may have enough extra thickness vs. the black chrome to make a difference. Any owners of an MP that have bought the RRS plate?

 

My RRS items haven't arived yet but I shall be exercising the vernier calipers and on my M9 when they turn up.

 

I suspect also that the much more rigid nature of the RRS base plate may be a factor too. I thought that Leica Camera said that the original base plates were machined from brass, although RRS describes them as stamped steel. In either case they are thin and must have some flex when mounted. When you hook the slot over the locating lug, rotate the plate into contact with the other end of the camera and engage the lock you are placing some tension (by design) on the structure. You certainly won't flex the RRS design into position. No doubt they took that into account in the design of course.

 

Certainly their model for the prototype was a black chrome M8. I have corresponded with the owner that provided the M8 to RRS to make the design possible. I thought that he was a member here. It may be that it was from the LUG instead.

[hoppyman]

Please excuse this second post in a row here. I have now just received my Base plate/Lplate combination and the fit is too snug on my M9 as expected. Once fitted the only way to remove it on my camera is to push firmly on the top of the L plate part in to contact with the side of the camera until it levers the other (unlocked edge) down away from the body.

I am contacting RRS and providing the measurements taken from my particular camera in case they are of assistance. I'm sure that RRS will sort this out for all customers and shall post any response details that I receive here.

[Noel Holland]

My bracket has now arrived so here are my first impressions:

 

1) Weight. Leica M9 Base Plate = 59g. RRS base plate = 80g (only 21 grams more). Side Bracket and 4 Bolts = 45g. Hand grip and 3 Bolts = 81g. Overall increase for full set = 147g. Compared to a Leica M9 with 35mm f/2, a 16.3% increase in weight.

 

2) Base Plate: There are 7 holes in the base plate which need to be plugged if any of the other items are not used with it. RRS provided 7 rubber pegs which can be inserted and then trimmed to size. The fit is snug, on my M9 quite snug. It's a very good fit on mine but the tolerances are probably extremely fine and might not work as well on very M9. Given that RRS had already sent me a questionnaire on this subject I suspected that they are monitoring the issue to ensure that get as close as possible with the fit. The base has a locking lever which beats the standard Leica base plates HANDS DOWN. For this feature alone the base plate is a MUST BUY for all M9 owners who have short nails. It makes taking the base plate off a breeze compared to the frustration of the Leica plate.

 

3) The side bracket: The bracket fits with the 4 bolts provided via a hex key. Before fitting you should remove any attached to the left strap eyelet - even split rings. The fit is good and there is room to angle the base with the side bracket fitted to allow the whole assembly to be taken on and off without removing the side bracket from the base plate. There is an eyelet on top of the bracket which you can use instead. I use L brackets on all my cameras (RRS of course) and I hadn't expected to have any problem with the side bracket at all. However as soon as I put the camera to my eye I took an instant dislike to it. Quite simply it got in the way of my nose. It's a stupid thing but one of the great handling aspects of the Leica M series is that you can slap the side against your nose and viewfinder is instantly aligned with your eye. I'm used to that, I like that, I don't have to think about that... but with the side bracket fitted I have to think about where the viewfinder is again. For me, the advantages of the side bracket are outweighed by that one disadvantage so while I will be retaining the side bracket, it won't be fitted normally.

 

4) The hand grip: The grip fits with three bolts via the same hex key as the side bracket. I've got to completely honest, I'm not a handgrip person in the first place so it's not a massive surprise that I didn't take to it immediately. I bought it along with the other two items as a "try it and see" item. And it was easier for me to get the whole kit at one go given that I had to import it into the UK. The outside of the grip is smooth, I'd prefer some texture. The grip is not solid, there are two circular channels cut from the bottom of the grip which help keep the grips weight down. However those channels cause the wall thickness of the grip to be quite thin at places, meaning you would have to be very careful about cutting straight or diamond knurling to give texture. I reckon I might look at adding a strip of adhesive rubber to to the grip.

 

5) Full package: Well, after removing the split ring from the left side, the camera slid, somewhat awkwardly, down between the side bracket and the hand grip. I think RRS need to cut a channel for the left eyelet to make fitting a little easier. It does fit, but it's not instinctive. You have to lower the camera down straight until the left eyelet is below the top of the side bracket, then tilt the camera to the left slightly to locate the base plate edge, then back to the right to complete.

 

6) Overall - get the base plate immediately. Unless you like to use a half case all the time and don't want to give it up, then the base plate is a complete no brainer. Get it, fit it, store the Leica plate in a box at home. As for the side bracket and the grip it's less easy to say right now. Maybe I'll grow to love them later, but right now the jury is firmly out and having a smoke break round the back of the courthouse on those two features.

[Guest mc_k]

Thanks for a detailed description.

 

...For this feature alone the base plate is a MUST BUY for all M9 owners who have short nails...

 

less expensive solution is the plastic knife from a tableware set, which will not scratch the bottom plate.

[digitalfx]

RSS has started a "voluntary recall of BM9 base plates".

Unfortunatley, we have to wait 3 more weeks for a replacement

[lewis44]

Here is the email I received.

 

We would like to thank you for your participation in our BM9 fitting survey. In designing the BM9, we intentionally decided to improve the fit of Leica's standard base plate, which we found to be surprisingly loose and flexible. While dimensions naturally vary from camera to camera, even between two identical camera models, we could not predict just how variant it would be in Leica's case. Further, the Leica bodies used to fit our prototypes were on the smaller end of the spectrum. We now realize that a great deal of RRS BM9 plates fit too tightly on some cameras.

 

We therefore are proceeding with a voluntary recall of BM9 base plates.

 

If you feel that you are satisfied with the plate's fit, then do nothing. We will still honor your 5 year parts and manufacturing guarantee.

 

The fix of the base plate is pretty straightforward:

 

For U.S. customers:

 

1. Discontinue using the BM9 base plate immediately.

 

2. Contact Really Right Stuff via email: info@reallyrightstuff.com or phone: 805-528-6321 and request a return shipping label via U.S. Postal Service or UPS. We will mail or email the shipping label to you.

 

3. Immediately send us your BM9 base plate once the shipping label arrives. You will have to print the label and attach it yourself. Include a copy of your original RRS Sales Order, or a short note with your return shipping information and/or customer information.

 

4. In the meantime, new plates are being made with widened dimensions. They will become available approximately 3 weeks from today.

 

5. After the improved plates become available, one will be shipped back to you at no charge.

 

For international customers:

 

1. Discontinue using the BM9 base plate immediately.

 

2. Immediately send us your BM9 base plate using your country's local carrier. Indicate on any customs forms that the contents of the package are undergoing a warranty replacement. Indicate the shipping costs on the package itself if possible. Include a copy of your original RRS Sales Order, or a short note with your return shipping information and/or customer information.

 

3. Once the plate arrives here at Really Right Stuff, Your shipping costs will be reimbursed via credit card.

 

4. In the meantime, new plates are being made with widened dimensions. They will become available approximately 3 weeks from today.

 

5. After the improved plates become available, one will be shipped back to you at no charge. We will ensure that the replacement items are properly labeled to avoid duplicate import taxes and customs fees.

 

We will not ship your replacement plate until the original is received here at Really Right Stuff in San Luis Obispo, CA. You must send us your tight fitting BM9 during your 30 day money back guarantee period, which began the day you received it. We understand some circumstances will not allow such a short window. Please contact us to make any special requests.

[hoppyman]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I advised RRS that my plate was too snug and provided the actual measurements from my camera to assist with feedback. I received the return response same day and have sent mine back. It is to the credit of RRS that they have responded promptly and also are reimbursing the return shipping costs.

 

Out of interest I measured with a vernier caliper and found that my M9 original baseplate is 10 thousandths of inch larger than the camera base. My M8 combination baseplate/grip (the Leica accessory) is 9 thousandths of an inch larger. When unlocked, both original items have detectable play on the camera but are held firmer once locked.

 

My RRS baseplate is just 2 thousands of an inch larger than the base of my M9, which is admirable precision. It does fit but the fit is so close that removal is difficult by hand and risks contact marking of the camera on removal too. Without using the L plate extension as a lever mine is difficult to remove by hand at all. I know of three of these that have come to Australia for M9s with mine and one other too snug and the third apparently acceptable.

 

I understand the rationale that RRS have used for the design. Somwhere between the original 'loose' fit and current will be perfect. The other consideration is that too much tension on the locking lug in the camera body is a bad thing. We have seen very isolated reports here of latch failure.

[Rick]

Man, this sure seems like an overpriced piece of junk. I wouldn't trust it on my camera. This thing seems like hanging a pair of dice on the rear view mirror. Except, this thing can ruin your camera. No one has explained WHY you would even want this thing other than the fondle factor. Just my opinion.

[gwelland]

Man, this sure seems like an overpriced piece of junk. I wouldn't trust it on my camera. This thing seems like hanging a pair of dice on the rear view mirror. Except, this thing can ruin your camera. No one has explained WHY you would even want this thing other than the fondle factor. Just my opinion.

 

Well I guess it's not for you then is it?

 

Junk? Quite the opposite.

 

If you use your Leica on a tripod with an Arca based head you'd immediately notice the difference in rigidity between the RRS item and the flimsy Leica base plate. That difference is very significant.

 

Right now the plate is the victim of being built to too tight a tolerance but that's being addressed by RRS. The differences in fit between M8 & M9 was surprising to me although it's certainly true that Leica's approach to this has been to leave it up to the latch to handle locking things up (and no doubt part of the reason for the more flimsy feel on a tripod).

[Rick]

Well I guess it's not for you then is it?

 

Junk? Quite the opposite.

 

If you use your Leica on a tripod with an Arca based head you'd immediately notice the difference in rigidity between the RRS item and the flimsy Leica base plate. That difference is very significant.

 

Right now the plate is the victim of being built to too tight a tolerance but that's being addressed by RRS. The differences in fit between M8 & M9 was surprising to me although it's certainly true that Leica's approach to this has been to leave it up to the latch to handle locking things up (and no doubt part of the reason for the more flimsy feel on a tripod).

 

Well, thank you for pointing out the obvious to me that it is not for me at all. What is your point?

 

Of course it is junk. It is an over priced add on that serves no purpose except it is more rigid at the expense of bulk and weight and... well expense. But, what really makes it junk is that it can ruin the base of your camera.

 

So, again I see no use for it. Just my opinion... that's ok to have one, right?

[gwelland]

I just don't understand why something is junk because you don't see a need for it. You don't need it, don't buy it. Simple. That doesn't make it junk for those that do see a need.

 

Opposing opinions to mine are overrated btw

[hoppyman]

Rick I certainly disagree that it is junk. I have their ball head too and the fit, finish and design on their products is extremely good. In this case their manufacturing tolerances and workmanship are better than the original but ended up being a little too fine for convenience. There are good engineering reasons to have the base plate fit more closely than the original too.

 

As far as price that is subjective of course. Lots of customers like me that want to use their M9s on a tripod for some applications and do think that these are worth the money asked.

[Rick]

gwelland,

 

I think it is junk because it can ruin your camera. It has nothing to do with the fact that, it seems to me, to be a waste of money for something that is basically a way to make your M9 bigger, heavier and uglier. Again, that is just my opinion.

 

I am really struggling to see a use for this thing. What perplexes me is that hoppyman is all over this thing like it was new shoes. He is usually well reasoned. I just don't see what he sees in this overpriced paper weight.

 

Opposing opinions to mine are common.

[hoppyman]

Rick did someone kick your cat or something? :D:D Why so grumpy and down on this?

Yep I think it's a great design and I'm happy with the way that RRS are sorting out this initial issue.

I've got a trip coming up where I want to put good effort into some landscape shots and get the very best out of my camera and lenses. This on a good tripod will help.

 

Actually all of the Aussies I know that have got them so far want them for the same purpose.

[Rick]

Yeah, I know I'm being a grump. But, I guess I just don't see why not just mount the M9 onto the ball head (some or most have plates) and call it good? Again, just me. It does look well built and not junk from that stand point. And, you usually have most of this dialed in.

[hoppyman]

Hey Rick I just looked at your gallery for the first time. Looks like you had a fine time in Venice, I think? Travel photography is a great pursuit.

 

I do just use a ballhead now and it does work. What this gizmo does is give a more solid connection between camera and tripod for the best quality and the L extension thingie means your camera can be vertical and right over the centre too. This is good if you really want to see just how much quality you can extract from your camera and lenses!

 

RRS are sort of the Leica of ballheads too. I don't know what you use when you have a tripod need? The quick release plate setups that the RRS folks make stop any possible twisting on the plate too. This is all kind of a Gearhead technoporn thing!

 

As far as being called a grump, don't worry, I am sometimes called far ruder things on this forum in some pretty emotional tirades!

[gwelland]

I do just use a ballhead now and it does work. What this gizmo does is give a more solid connection between camera and tripod for the best quality and the L extension thingie means your camera can be vertical and right over the centre too. This is good if you really want to see just how much quality you can extract from your camera and lenses!

 

RRS are sort of the Leica of ballheads too. I don't know what you use when you have a tripod need? The quick release plate setups that the RRS folks make stop any possible twisting on the plate too. This is all kind of a Gearhead technoporn thing!

 

Somehow I think your rationalization is going to fall on deaf ears. Rick believes that screwing a plate on or just using a screw on tripod head mount is good enough so your logic isn't going to help. We'll just have keep the secret of the difference of a properly setup Arca plate system to ourselves

[digitalfx]

Rick,

RRS is far from junk, it is really nice gear...they just made a simple mistake. Where do you get that it will ruin your camera?

 

If you use a RRS ball head, then this plate is a great accessory. I have been using their plates for many years and they are worth every penny.

 

now go back to kicking your cat

[Rick]

Rick,

RRS is far from junk, it is really nice gear...they just made a simple mistake. Where do you get that it will ruin your camera?

 

If you use a RRS ball head, then this plate is a great accessory. I have been using their plates for many years and they are worth every penny.

 

now go back to kicking your cat

 

I get it now. Like hoppy said, "This is all kind of a Gearhead technoporn thing." Really nice stuff (notice I didn't say junk) that is over-kill for me. But, one man's over-kill is another man's $1,200 mag wheels for his truck, sort of. In other words, this thing is nice but, it just falls on deaf ears. See, gwelland, I read your posts.

 

Ok, all kidding aside. I would like to explain my POV. I have a Gitzo carbon tripod that has something like 5 extensions and is only a foot long when collapsed and weighs next to nothing. It came with this really small and nice ball head. My M fits on securely and I've even carried the whole thing over my shoulder with the camera attaches as I've walked around. A lot of those pictures on my photo site were taken with that light and minimalist set-up. I'm about the Zen of simplicity (and cat drop-kicking). That whole bottom-l-side-handle gizmo would ruin my whole carefree style of one camera and a couple of lenses in me pockets and no camera bag. I would like to get/try a nodal bracket, though.

 

I got to go find some incense and the cat...

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[kennedda]

I am amazed at this conversation. Really Right Stuff is a highly regarded company, with quality engineering and excellent customer service. I have been very pleased with their brackets for my Nikon equipment and was looking forward to their L bracket for the Leica M. The fact that they did not have it right and that there are minor differences between the plates and fit on the M8 and M9 is a surprise. However, they have responded promptly to customer feedback and will be reeginering the L bracket.

 

An L-bracket can be a very useful tool for landscapes, shooting in low light and short shutter speeds. I believe the L-bracket will be a useful accessory for some Leica M photographers (but not all as some will continue to do all their work handheld).

 

We want to encourage small companies to provide valuable and useful accessories to provide Leica M photographers with choice.