M9 and RRS universal L plate

[kbraun]

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Has anyone tried with the Really Right Stuff universal L plate (Really Right Stuff - If yes, does it fit well?

 

Thanks.

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[hoppyman]

The one you need for the M9 is the BM9-B-L. You can search the forum for quite a few posts on this. The first model proved to be too snug on most M9s. That current model does fit very well.

 

RRS don't do a universal L plate. You can get a (small square) bi-directional base plate which fits a number of cameras, but you can not fit an L Plate to that.

I think that there are some other adaptable brands around. No personal experience with any here.

[kbraun]

Hi,

 

Thanks for your response. I don't like the BM9-B-L. I am looking for a simpler solution that doesn't include a base plate, hence my question about the Universal L Plate (MC-L) which fits on the M8. I would be interested if anyone has any experience with the MC-L on the M9. I have read quite a few threads here but have yet to find anyone that has tried the MC-L on the M9.

 

I would also be interested in anything else anyone has tried with the exception of RRS's baseplate solution which isn't what I am looking for.

 

Thanks again.

[Joe S]

RRS does make a universal L plate and it works perfectly on the M cameras. I have had one for years now on my M8 and am very happy with it.

 

 

Really Right Stuff - MC-L: Universal L Plate

[hoppyman]

My mistake, sorry

Do know I have spent a LOT of time on the RRS site and with their catalog and never noticed that and I have bought lots from them. (I have the mentioned custom base plate and L plate combo). You learn something every day

Since this one fits the M8 it will fit just the same on the M9 of course. There are excellent clear photos on that page with it on the M8.

[Luke_Miller]

I use the RRS Universal L-Plate on my M8.2. As pointed out on the RRS site it is a close fit on the left side and can interfere with the left side strap connection. I changed to the Nikon triangular strap connectors and an Upstrap, which will just clear the L-Plate when installed. With the Leica strap you can slide the plastic connector cover up and install the L-Plate but run the risk of the (now exposed) metal strap connector scratching the body.

 

The BM9-B-L L-Plate portion covers the body strap lug and has its own lug for connecting the strap.

Edited October 9, 2010 by Luke_Miller

[5541Q]

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I would be interested if anyone has any experience with the MC-L on the M9. I have read quite a few threads here but have yet to find anyone that has tried the MC-L on the M9.

 

works perfectly. had it on the m8, now on the m9.

[Guest mc_k]

The drawback is connecting the strap, as detailed above, and the universal L-plate scratches the baseplate around the tripod thread. The plate fits fine on the M8, r-d1, Bessa, ...

 

How come you don't want the fancy baseplate?

Edited October 10, 2010 by mckeough_k

[hoppyman]

Since I blotted my copybook earlier and didn't know this universal plate existed, maybe I can make amends with some more input now?

Looking at the illustrations, it does have to be attached via the tripod socket of course so you could mark up the base plate in use. That may not be an issue for you. Depends whether you want to keep it pristine. Unlike with most tripod screw in studs this plate has a flange to index against the camera so it can't twist in use or fitting so maybe that marring wouldn't happen in practice?

One alternative there is to also use the Leica base plate/grip with this L plate semi-permanently fitted to it. You would have to find one at an acceptable price though. I had one left over from my M8 that I used with the much smaller RRS bi-directional plate on it. That was before getting the new custom plate arangement. . Again looking at the pics on the RRS page, the strap clearance (if you have one fitted) is no worse than with the custom plate. Actually you can mount this one further out from the body if you choose.

 

One other difference is that the custom plate and L section have laser engraved central marks on them whereas this one can't, by design. So if precise repeatable placement of your camera is important for your applications the custom ones are superior there. I use mine for panoramas with the camera in portrait mode and those index marks are very helpful.

Have fun, the RRS gadgets are addictive

Edited October 10, 2010 by hoppyman

[Luke_Miller]

Again looking at the pics on the RRS page, the strap clearance (if you have one fitted) is no worse than with the custom plate. Actually you can mount this one further out from the body if you choose.

 

Unfortunately you can't mount it further out from the body on the M8 or M9. Since the tripod socket is in the center of the baseplate the universal L-Plate's mounting screw must be in the inward-most slot in the universal plate. You would need to mill another slot in order to mount the plate further out. On a film M you could mount it very much further out.

Edited October 11, 2010 by Luke_Miller

[hoppyman]

Luke I follow what you mean. I presume that RRS on their web page are referrring to compared to using another slot rather than the one shown slot??? I don't know whether that is possible personally, I haven't tried it obviously. The room looks adequate as shown to me in that I would prefer not to have the L further out from the body for other handling. Depends how you use it naturally.

In any event the clear photos and dimensions are there for the OP to judge what is important for himself.

............................

*Note about fit on Leica M8: With MC-L mounted as close to side of body as possible, L-plate restricts free movement of camera strap.

Really Right Stuff - MC-L: Universal L Plate

....................................................

As it stands with the mounting screw in that slot you appear to have more clearance than with the custom L plate which is curved in the interior and sits much more closely to the camera body(intentionally).

The Universal L plate is a compromise as it needs to be. I would say quite adequate for some applications with an M8/9 and significantly cheaper of course.

The whole restriction doesn't concern me personally, since I use a wrist strap only. Just trying to be of assistance to the OP.

Edited October 11, 2010 by hoppyman

[Guest mc_k]

...Unlike with most tripod screw in studs this plate has a flange to index against the camera so it can't twist in use or fitting so maybe that marring wouldn't happen in practice?...

 

no I'm not the only one, it scratches the baseplate eventually. I have more than one and have used them for several years. I think you got the right L-plate.

[kbraun]

Hi All,

 

Thanks for all your replies.

 

mckeough_k - I am not mad keen on the fancy RRS baseplate as it seems 'inelegant' to me. I would take it off when I wasn't using it as I think my M9 looks good naked, and changing the baseplate when I want to attach the camera to a tripod seems a 'klunky' solution but maybe that is just me.

 

hoppyman - thanks for the detailed response. Much appreciated.

 

I am still undecided re: which to go for though...

 

Karen

[kanuck]

Hi,

 

I use the RRS base plate (non L) on my M9 and I think its great. I wanted this plate so I didn't have to worry about scratching or banging up the original obviously nicer base plate. I hated having to screw on a Markins or Acra Swiss plate for fear of scratches, but now this no longer concerns me. The RRS stuff replacement plate also fits in my markins ballhead as easily as it does my RRS ballhead so another bonus there as well. Yes it not as nice as the original plate, but I find it very useful.

[Tom_W]

You will not regret your purchase

[RoySmith]

Hi All,

 

Thanks for all your replies.

 

mckeough_k - I am not mad keen on the fancy RRS baseplate as it seems 'inelegant' to me. I would take it off when I wasn't using it as I think my M9 looks good naked, and changing the baseplate when I want to attach the camera to a tripod seems a 'klunky' solution but maybe that is just me.

 

hoppyman - thanks for the detailed response. Much appreciated.

 

I am still undecided re: which to go for though...

 

Karen

 

Another option is the Arca-Swiss V-HOLDER / L-HOLDER BRACKET.

It gives you options of the bottom bracket alone - or the L-bracket and is adjustable to fit other cameras.

I strongly considered it before getting RRS M9 L-Bracket.

 

Roy