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Hello David,

 

It has been my experience that the smallest thing of the lightest weight, that takes the least space & is easiest to use, that most expands my photographic capabilities is: 

 

A small, solid, table tripod, with soft, non-marking slippers. That has a large ball head & a cable release.

 

Against my chest it gives me +2 stops of added stability. Regardless of lens.

 

Against a wall (Soft, non-marking slippers.), inside of or under the top of a doorway, against a rock or against a tree, On a car with the motor turned off. And even on a table top: It gives all of the additional stops of stability necessary.

 

A photo taken at F8 & 1/8 can look different than the same scene photographed at F2 & 1/125.

 

Sometimes the cable release alone can add a stop or more of added stability.

 

The more you use it & the more you think about using it: The more possibilities you discover.

 

I use a home made (Cosmetically challenged.) version of a Leitz/Leica table top tripod. I use a medium sized version of a Leitz Large Ball Head. The large size ball head has come in different sizes over the years.

 

The cable release I use is a Linhof version similar to a Leitz cable release. Even though it is the same length as the Leitz version (Both Linhof & Leitz have made cable releases in a variety of lengths.) it looks like the Leitz release's big brother. They are both equally well made.

 

I have found this combination so useful in so many situations that : For the most part: I have generally left a full sized tripod at home for years.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael

Edited by Michael Geschlecht
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Micha

 

Hello David,

 

It has been my experience that the smallest thing of the lightest weight, that takes the least space & is easiest to use, that most expands my photographic capabilities is: 

 

A small, solid, table tripod, with soft, non-marking slippers. That has a large ball head & a cable release.

 

Against my chest it gives me +2 stops of added stability. Regardless of lens.

 

Against a wall (Soft, non-marking slippers.), inside of or under the top of a doorway, against a rock or against a tree, On a car with the motor turned off. And even on a table top: It gives all of the additional stops of stability necessary.

 

A photo taken at F8 & 1/8 can look different than the same scene photographed at F2 & 1/125.

 

Sometimes the cable release alone can add a stop or more of added stability.

 

The more you use it & the more you think about using it: The more possibilities you discover.

 

I use a home made (Cosmetically challenged.) version of a Leitz/Leica table top tripod. I use a medium sized version of a Leitz Large Ball Head. The large size ball head has come in different sizes over the years.

 

The cable release I use is a Linhof version similar to a Leitz cable release. Even though it is the same length as the Leitz version (Both Linhof & Leitz have made cable releases in a variety of lengths.) it looks like the Leitz release's big brother. They are both equally well made.

 

I have found this combination so useful in so many situations that : For the most part: I have generally left a full sized tripod at home for years.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael

Michael, excellent option. I have a vintage  Leica table top tripod and have shopped the RRS small ball head (without pulling the trigger). Are you using a plate and quick release, or just screwing the tripod in the camera.

Cheers.

D

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Micha

 

 

Michael, excellent option. I have a vintage  Leica table top tripod and have shopped the RRS small ball head (without pulling the trigger). Are you using a plate and quick release, or just screwing the tripod in the camera.

Cheers.

D

I use an old Leica table top tripod with a small ball head which I simply attach direct to the Q. For the times when I need it works just fine. As Michael says, small versatile and at times entirely indispensable. The only thing is I am not aware of a cable release for the Q so make do with a gentle push on the shutter release. I also find the Thumbs Up means I can confortably hold the Q for a long time simply secured round my wrist with a Tie Her Up wrist strap. Less noticeable than swinging round your neck!

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I hope this thread doesn't give me ideas for my new Q !  I am still trying to decide on a strap :) 

 

I found one, pink/grey but it was limited edition and no longer available, so might have to be red/black...  to go with my new bag !

 

Keeps eye on thread....  :p

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Micha

 

Michael, excellent option. I have a vintage  Leica table top tripod and have shopped the RRS small ball head (without pulling the trigger). Are you using a plate and quick release, or just screwing the tripod in the camera.

Cheers.

D

 

Hello D,

 

I just attach the camera to the ball head directly.

 

Don't forget to get soft, non marking slippers for the table tripod.

 

I am pretty sure that Leica supplies them as an after market option. Altho I found some soft, colored key covers to use on the feet of my home made alternative in a local hardware store.

 

Soft, non marking slippers make your table tripod a much more welcomed guest in a number of places where a metal tripod foot is not welcome.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael

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Just buy a nice leather half case that emphasizes the vintage look and provides some protection. Thats all you need!

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You are in the right place there are more posts on this Forum about straps than you can shake a stick at! Do a search.

 

Yes, I have already been through lots of pics on the forum with straps, and keep revisiting them :)  Quite a few look really good !

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Yes, I have already been through lots of pics on the forum with straps, and keep revisiting them :)  Quite a few look really good !

Personally I think the rope ones are best because if you want to hang the camera round your neck or over your shoulder you can but you can also wrap the rope round your wrist and use it like a wrist strap.

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Personally I think the rope ones are best because if you want to hang the camera round your neck or over your shoulder you can but you can also wrap the rope round your wrist and use it like a wrist strap.

And for this type of strap, I find the Artist and Artisan silk cord straps excellent.

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Leica handgrip was my top priority, it makes a huge difference to handling and safety.

 

David, thanks for yours. Have you found that the girth and configuration of the hand grip materially changes the perception of size in the hand? I have the RRS hand grip for the M9 (along with a thumbie), and it does make the camera look and feel considerably bigger. Not meant as criticism because the box feels so much better in the hand. But it does change the mass of the camera.

Cheers.

David

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A spare battery.

 

Everything else is personal to the user. Dressing your camera is unnecessary, IMO. I make my own straps for cameras.

 

For a Christmas present, perhaps a good book on photography...maybe "The Digital Negative"

 

...

Edited by david strachan
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David, thanks for yours. Have you found that the girth and configuration of the hand grip materially changes the perception of size in the hand? I have the RRS hand grip for the M9 (along with a thumbie), and it does make the camera look and feel considerably bigger. Not meant as criticism because the box feels so much better in the hand. But it does change the mass of the camera.

Cheers.

David

Not significantly, the camera just feels more complete and safe in hand. The flat face is perfect for three finger-tips (middle to little fingers). Regarding bulk, the hand-grip is insignificant compared to the wonderful lens which dominates the front mass. The grip lessens the need to squeeze the body for secure purchase. That alone makes for less stress in the hand muscles.
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