Keith_W Posted August 15, 2017 Share #1 Posted August 15, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi all, you can tell I am new to the M system because of my non-stop annoying questions I have been shooting with Canon and Sony for years, and I have been using Arca-Swiss compatible plates. These were permanently attached to the camera, and I even had a shoulder strap with a Arca-Swiss clamp on it to carry the camera around (Kirk Camera Strap). Since I bought my M10, I do not want to use these Arca-Swiss plates any more. The reason is because I need to remove the bottom plate of the M10 to get at the battery and the SD card! It would be very annoying to carry my (easily lost) Allen key wherever I go, and use the non-captive screw on the AS plate (therefore also easily lost) whenever I want to use the tripod. I guess my question is twofold: 1. There is a Really Right Stuff AS plate for the M10, which attaches by wing screw to the tripod mount (same as the standard plate). Also, it looks much thicker than the standard base plate, AND it adds 125gm of weight. It wouldn't be so bad if they had a battery/SD card flap, but it lacks this feature. For this reason, I am not interested in their plate. Perhaps someone knows of another Arca-Swiss compatible plate which weighs much less and attaches by a wing screw? If I went down the AS route, the advantage is that I can use my existing ballhead, although I might be tempted to downgrade to something smaller and lighter, since it no longer has to hold a massive DSLR with massive lenses. 2. It appears as if Leica's own tripod head https://au.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-M/Technical-Equipment/Tripod-Accessories/Ball-heads-24-38 does away with a QR plate and requires you to screw the camera to the head every time you use it. Are there any opinions on how this ballhead compares to the RRS ballhead? Also, would it be possible to use an RRS ballhead (without the Arca-Swiss clamp) on a Leica M? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 15, 2017 Posted August 15, 2017 Hi Keith_W, Take a look here What ballhead for the M10?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
riswanc Posted August 15, 2017 Share #2 Posted August 15, 2017 I used the gitzo traveller tripod Hence i got the manfrotto ballhead too for its size Formerly using RRS system for my canon Instagram @jakontil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocalHero1953 Posted August 15, 2017 Share #3 Posted August 15, 2017 Just about any ballhead can screw directly to a camera - you're not limited to Leica's: most AS clamps are removable. Of course your're paying for a clamp you don't need. I can't answer Q1 - I have the RRS plate and I find it convenient. I don't find the extra weight and size a problem if I'm already taking a tripod etc with me for the day. If I'm not, then I just use the original plate. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lpeeples Posted August 15, 2017 Share #4 Posted August 15, 2017 Love the RRS plate. It's the best if you want to use arca swiss. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith_W Posted August 15, 2017 Author Share #5 Posted August 15, 2017 Just about any ballhead can screw directly to a camera - you're not limited to Leica's: most AS clamps are removable. Of course your're paying for a clamp you don't need. I can't answer Q1 - I have the RRS plate and I find it convenient. I don't find the extra weight and size a problem if I'm already taking a tripod etc with me for the day. If I'm not, then I just use the original plate. Why didn't I think of that! OF COURSE, I can mount the RRS plate only when I anticipate using the tripod, I don't have to leave it on all the time! I am used to my DSLR habit of leaving the plate mounted all the time, since it is so small and so light. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bocaburger Posted August 15, 2017 Share #6 Posted August 15, 2017 I have a few old small (1.25" square) Kirk arca-style plates which work well on many small bodies like Leicas. They have an oblong slot that the screw slides along, so the distance from the lip to the attachment point is variable. The screws are captive. I always have a couple allen keys stashed in all my camera bags, never found myself lost for one yet. That said, I rarely use the Leica with an arca-equipped ballhead. Leica is my travel kit, I try to keep the weight and volume down. I bring a 100-series CF Gitzo and a Leitz table tripod, along with an older Leitz medium-height ballhead which I swap between the two tripods. I really don't find that much slower than an arca clamp. The biggest time killer is removing and replacing the half case, as it has no tripod thread. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikemgb Posted August 15, 2017 Share #7 Posted August 15, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) Amazon carries a large range of Arca-Swiss compatible plates, I have bought many and they have all come with a captive screw with a folding loop on them, no separate tools required to attach. https://www.amazon.com/Fotasy-Arca-Swiss-Release-Premier-Cleaning/dp/B008OCNXDW/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1502808391&sr=8-7&keywords=arca-swiss+plate Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdemeyer Posted August 15, 2017 Share #8 Posted August 15, 2017 Exactly the same as bocaburger here. A Gitzo traveler with a screw on head for light packing and one of those small plates with a lip on one side and cork facing to prevent scratching for when I'm carrying a medium (Markins M10 head with RRS clamp) or the bug gun - an extra tall Gitzo Systematic Series 3 XLS with the Arca Swiss d4 head - although that's normally used with the Cambo Actus. Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tailwagger Posted August 15, 2017 Share #9 Posted August 15, 2017 Why didn't I think of that! OF COURSE, I can mount the RRS plate only when I anticipate using the tripod, I don't have to leave it on all the time! I am used to my DSLR habit of leaving the plate mounted all the time, since it is so small and so light. Although you can leave it on all the time, as it replaces the bottom plate. I leave the RRS (lplate and grip) on 24/7. A bit weightier, but more solid grip... I think of it as a 1-2 stop HIS system (human image stabilization). Just leave the Leica bottom in the box. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill W Posted August 15, 2017 Share #10 Posted August 15, 2017 I do not use a tripod very often but when I do, I use this RRS plate which is a universal plate 9E. I do not leave it on the camera, it is either in my camera bag or in a pocket of the tripod bag. I also have a latger one for my SL and S. It is the BP-CS. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/275717-what-ballhead-for-the-m10/?do=findComment&comment=3337728'>More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted August 16, 2017 Share #11 Posted August 16, 2017 Leica medium size ball head. I got mine in 1966. $25 according to price on box. Morrison Camera, Oakbrook Mall, Oakbrook, Illinois Get the large one as the medium is out of production. Do not get the small except for special purpose. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonewall Brigade Posted August 16, 2017 Share #12 Posted August 16, 2017 I have the Leica brand Traveler carbon fiber tripod, with the Leica 35 ball head. High quality craftsmanship. They are actually made in Germany by the firm FLM, and their identical tripod heads and tripod legs can be bought at B&H, etc Have now purchased a second Leica 35 ball head, both were used, and at a great savings off the new prices. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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