M240 RRS QR Plate

[gabriel]

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RRS are taking orders for a QR plate and L bracket for the M240.The QR plate incorporates a redesigned base plate for the camera.

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[hoppyman]

There is a photo of a prototype on the RRS facebook page. They expect to have photos on their own website in about a week.

[algrove]

To me the problem with the RRS setup for the M versus the M9 is that their new base plate does not replace the original base plate as their website indicates. But, instead it will fit under the original baseplate and will attach to the OEM base plate via the tripod socket.

 

This approach not only doubles the base plate height, but could make the whole arrangement too low if one is using the Multifunction Hand Grip especially since they will use the same hand grip they currently market for the M9. This means the hand grip might be around a half inch shorter than we are used to on the M9.

 

I currently use a 4 inch base plate (MPR-113) cantered to the left side of camera base for Eye-Fi usage. Once the MF Grip is available I thought that this base plate could screw to the bottom of the MF grip and with the grip's ability to easily unscrew it from camera via the dual sided opening thumb screw, one would not have to remove the RRS QR plate from the MF grip bottom.

 

This only leaves a problem for the L part of the equation. Perhaps an L bracket attached to the MPR-113 or MPR-1b will work. I called and the only item that "might" work but with less than rigid attachment would be the CRD rail. This seems it would work best onthe MPR 1b instead of the shorter MPR113.

 

I believe I will want to see a picture of the 240 setup before ordering. Does it cover the plastic section which currently allows for Eye-Fi? Is the grip a bit too short? How does one use the MF grip with this RRS plate and L brcket (without grip of course)?

[digitalfx]

To me the problem with the RRS setup for the M versus the M9 is that their new base plate does not replace the original base plate as their website indicates. But, instead it will fit under the original baseplate and will attach to the OEM base plate via the tripod socket.

 

 

I dont think this is accurate. It looks like from the image on Facebook it replaces the bottom like the M9 plate. If you look closely the RRS logo is on the front lip. I dont see the M baseplate in the image

[dante]

It does replace the bottom plate. From their site:

 

Remove the base of your Leica M240 and completely replace it with our elegant base that is CNC machined from T6061 aluminum. With integral dovetails, this base allows you to mount your camera directly into a Really Right Stuff quick-release clamp. Far more robust than the stock base, our replacement base delivers a better fit with tighter tolerances. And since you need to remove the base to access the battery and card on this model, we've developed a completely new attachment system that is tool-less. Just turn the built in wingnut closure to secure the base in place (base attaches to camera's integral tripod socket).

 

Dante

[hoppyman]

I spoke on-line a few hours ago with the man who just photographed the item. It will be interesting to see if the design varies at all from the preview on their FB page.

I had hoped that I could reuse the L attachment from my M9 set but the new one appears to have a different attachment arrangement.

I don't care about eye-Fi which must be blocked (?). Presumably we will have to thread the attaching bolt into the tripod socket several turns. That will be slower but I can live with that.

I don't have my M yet. Maybe I will wait until the tolerances are proved by the first deliveries. When I got my original M9 one it proved to be too tight and had to to be exchanged.

[The Clam]

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This looks interesting. Has anyone who has used the RRS bottom plate on an M9 been able to use one of the half cases (Luigi, etc) with the plate mounted? I realize the cover would have to be removed to mount the camera on a tripod. Just trying to envision how the two items might work together.

[MikeEvangelist]

The RRS plate on the M9 is quite a bit taller/thicker than the standard plate, so I doubt it would fit in any fitted half-case.

[MikeEvangelist]

from the image on Facebook it replaces the bottom like the M9 plate. If you look closely the RRS logo is on the front lip.

Here's the shot from their Facebook post. Definitely a replacement, not an add-on.

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[algrove]

This picture could be an add-on since it might COVER the original base plate not replace it. It looks very wide to me for a replacement which would not have to be that thick. I am looking at the Leica M base plate in my hands when I say this which is completely flush with the camera body. Also it does not look flush with the camera body unlike the RRS base plate for my MM and M9. It protrudes out from the camera body which makes me feel it covers the original base plate. Look at your M9 RRS plates they do not protrude-they are flush.

 

You just want it to be a replacement. I have the M9 model, but that in fact the M9 model has nothing to do with the M model.

 

Is all I ask is that you talk to RRS. The guy I talked to said SPECIFICALLY that it fits under the M base plate. This discussion came up when I asked how they kept it water tight when fitting their base plate around the tripod socket since the original M baseplate does try to keep water out through the use of an o-ring around tripod socket.

 

So I asked how they keep water out. That's when he said is is NOT a replacement like the M9 RRS setup, but rather they designed it to fit under the M base plate. I told him I have not seen any photos so I could not yet make a determination of its utility for me before ordering and he said photos will be forthcoming shortly.

 

Don't gang up on the messenger or even believe him. ASK RRS does it replace or add-on. Make sure you ask the person you talk to, if to use their baseplate do you take off the original M base plate and then put on the new RRS base plate on the camera. Get specific.

[cyron123]

HI,

 

it could not be a cover,because if this is a

cover the screws on the right side have no threat, or the threat go into the standart leica plate...

But agree it looks thicker than the leica plate. But the M9 plate is thicker too.

cyron

 

This picture could be an add-on since it might COVER the original base plate not replace it. It looks very wide to me for a replacement which would not have to be that thick. .....

[algrove]

HI,

 

it could not be a cover,because if this is a

cover the screws on the right side have no threat, or the threat go into the standart leica plate...

But agree it looks thicker than the leica plate. But the M9 plate is thicker too.

cyron

 

I am not talking of thickness regarding the height, but the area of the RRS plate which comes up under the lens. Hold up your M in hand and compare it to the photo. The part of the base plate that comes up under the lens looks thicker than my original Leica base plate. When I say thicker I mean the part that protrudes out from camera toward us the viewer.

 

Did you call them and ask a specific question?

[digitalfx]

The original M9 bottom plate was a replacement and I will guarantee you this one is too.

RSS is pretty bright people, they wouldn't be stupid enough to change the design to cover the Leica plate. Not sure why you guys think this is the case. Its a ridiculous idea.

 

From the website:

BM240: Replacement base for Leica M240

Remove the base of your Leica M240 and completely replace it with our elegant base that is CNC machined from T6061 aluminum. With integral dovetails, this base allows you to mount your camera directly into a Really Right Stuff quick-release clamp. Far more robust than the stock base, our replacement base delivers a better fit with tighter tolerances. And since you need to remove the base to access the battery and card on this model, we've developed a completely new attachment system that is tool-less. Just turn the built in wingnut closure to secure the base in place (base attaches to camera's integral tripod socket).

 

Not sure how much more info you need guys, this is NOT a cover.

[algrove]

Hey, I HOPE you are right, but have you talked to a guy in order to ask specific questions yet?

 

Website information, as we all should know, can be misleading. Just because it's RRS, it does not mean that changes could have been made to the base plate after they wrote the script. That perhaps was written before they realized the difficulty in getting their base plate to keep the integral M contacts on the bottom of the body itself completely dry at all cost. If one person has there M ruined because RRS did not provide a seal like Leica or better, they are opening themselves up to major expense. I would want to see a statement from them that they will replace the camera should their base plate leak if it in fact replaces the original base plate. If Leica's base plate leaks they will stand behind it and replace camera. Will RRS do the same?

 

Keep in mind that is a prototype you are looking at. In order for it to be what you will get when actually ordering, I imagine the turn screw would be black like on the M9 model.

[algrove]

The original M9 bottom plate was a replacement and I will guarantee you this one is too.

RSS is pretty bright people, they wouldn't be stupid enough to change the design to cover the Leica plate. Not sure why you guys think this is the case. Its a ridiculous idea.

 

From the website:

BM240: Replacement base for Leica M240

Remove the base of your Leica M240 and completely replace it with our elegant base that is CNC machined from T6061 aluminum. With integral dovetails, this base allows you to mount your camera directly into a Really Right Stuff quick-release clamp. Far more robust than the stock base, our replacement base delivers a better fit with tighter tolerances. And since you need to remove the base to access the battery and card on this model, we've developed a completely new attachment system that is tool-less. Just turn the built in wingnut closure to secure the base in place (base attaches to camera's integral tripod socket).

 

Not sure how much more info you need guys, this is NOT a cover.

 

Do you work for RRS?

[digitalfx]

Do you work for RRS?

 

No but I've used their products for 20 years.

What exactly is unclear on the website? The description cant be any clearer. "Remove the base of your Leica M240 and completely replace it "

 

Ive already ordered mine. RSS has never disappointed me and their customer service is exceptional.

 

I bought a ball head from them that was used on the roof of a building for two years for a time lapse sequence. When we finally removed it the head was stiff and discolored from being in the sun for two years. I sent it to RSS and the sent me a brand new head no charge.

[gabriel]

I hope that fitting the new L plate to the M240 does not involve having to remove the camera strap and reposition it each time the L plate is fitted

[hoppyman]

Algrove I chatted live with Jim at RRS the day that he took the photos of the plate for their web-site. He said that they would be on their site in a week.and pointed me to the preview on their FB page.

I had actually reviewed the prototype drawings for the M9 set prior to its release and made suggestions (via the person here who loaned his camera to RRS). This new plate appears to follow a similar design except for the captive bolt attachment using the tripod socket.

To my mind it would be bizarre to fit a complete full width plate encapsulating the original.

 

Sunday morning here, but anyone can use the new live chat function with RRS in their business hours if you can't wait.

 

 

One way or the other there will be a "told you so" in this thread then

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[digitalfx]

Algrove I chatted live with Jim at RRS the day that he took the photos of the plate for their web-site. He said that they would be on their site in a week.and pointed me to the preview on their FB page.

I had actually reviewed the prototype drawings for the M9 set prior to its release and made suggestions (via the person here who loaned his camera to RRS). This new plate appears to follow a similar design except for the captive bolt attachment using the tripod socket.

To my mind it would be bizarre to fit a complete full width plate encapsulating the original.

 

Sunday morning here, but anyone can use the new live chat function with RRS in their business hours if you can't wait.

 

 

One way or the other there will be a "told you so" in this thread then

 

 

Not sure why we are debating this. It pretty clear on the website. I've quoted it twice.

[Jeff S]

If Leica's base plate leaks they will stand behind it and replace camera.

 

Do you have a source? While I don't doubt Leica would do the right thing (repair or replace?), I have yet to see a definitive statement regarding damage due to insufficient weather sealing for either the camera or lenses. Not that I care, given that I carry insurance to cover damage or loss due to any circumstance, including my own stupidity. As I think everyone should.

 

And as 'dante' first quoted from the RRS site, it says that their plate is "far more robust than the stock base, our replacement base delivers a better fit with tighter tolerances." Can't imagine a reputable company like RRS would not stand behind this bold statement.

 

Jeff