MP on a tripod?

[brickftl]

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I just got my MP last week and was going to take it out for a night shoot. I have a generic plate that screws into the tripod/plate screw hole on most cameras (such as my M11M), but realized that there is no such hole on the MP. There is what looks like a screw hole on the bottom of the plate under the camera cavity where film spools outside of the film canister. I tried gently to screw my generic Arca Swiss plate into that hole, but met with resistance before it was all the way screwed in, so I stopped for fear of damaging whatever that hole is for.

Any suggestions how to put my MP on a tripod?

[250swb]

I've never had any trouble using a standard tripod head or quick release plate with the cameras tripod socket, but it's far better to centre the camera on a tripod head using the Leica grip 14405. You do right not to force the Arca plate if it's not fitting properly, perhaps the screw is too long, or do you have one with a now non-standard thread like 3/8" instead of 1/4"?

Edited December 15, 2024 by 250swb

[LocalHero1953]

4 hours ago, brickftl said:

I just got my MP last week and was going to take it out for a night shoot. I have a generic plate that screws into the tripod/plate screw hole on most cameras (such as my M11M), but realized that there is no such hole on the MP. There is what looks like a screw hole on the bottom of the plate under the camera cavity where film spools outside of the film canister. I tried gently to screw my generic Arca Swiss plate into that hole, but met with resistance before it was all the way screwed in, so I stopped for fear of damaging whatever that hole is for.

Any suggestions how to put my MP on a tripod?

I have had problems with some AS-type plates and other cameras (can't remember which) where the screw is too long. In that case I replaced the screw with a shorter one.

[105012]

I use this one:

https://arca-swiss-usa.com/products/camera-plate-monoballfix-leica-m2-m7

[brickftl]

33 minutes ago, 105012 said:

I use this one:

https://arca-swiss-usa.com/products/camera-plate-monoballfix-leica-m2-m7

thanks!

[raizans]

Note: That plate is compatible with the monoball®Fix system. There is an adapter to use it on 38mm (Classic) heads.

The classic Arca-Swiss plate is this one: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/116073-REG/Arca_Swiss_802226_Camera_Plate_for_Leica.html

[trisberg]

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I like the Kamerakraft Leica M grips, they provide both a grip and Arca-Swiss plate - https://www.kamerakraft.com/product-page/kameracraft-lmgrip-v3-0

-Thomas

 

[Snoflo]

This is the best plate for your MP: it's the one I use. This plate doesn't leave most of the camera base floating in free space. 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/327848-REG/Acratech_2148_Quick_Release_Plate_for.html

[brickftl]

6 hours ago, Snoflo said:

This is the best plate for your MP: it's the one I use. This plate doesn't leave most of the camera base floating in free space. 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/327848-REG/Acratech_2148_Quick_Release_Plate_for.html

great thanks!

[davidmknoble]

I have found no trouble putting the Leica film cameras on a tripod using the off-center screw as long as the lens is lighter.  So, using any heavier lens could cause some issues (Noctilux or Summilux 75 for example).

I do like the arca Swiss plates that fit the film cameras like the one @raizans suggested.  They fit the curve of the M and add some stability to the bottom plate, are small and can remain on the bottom changing film.

@brickftl, it is likely worth that investment if you want to do tripod work and using a tripod makes a difference especially on the newer Leica lenses and slower films with tight grain.

[250swb]

The difficulty of having the tripod bush offset from the lens axis is the adjustment for horizontal and vertical movements are exaggerated. And given all the weight of the camera is also causing an exaggerated leverage on the tripod head you have two things going on at the same time. So buy something to centre the camera on the lens axis.

[Danner]

I use a Gitzo medium ball head on the M6, no adapter.  I never had an issue with the offset moiunt, maybe just got used to it?

[Fotoklaus]

I made some of those W1/4" Screws and plates by myself for different applications. A lot of devices use those thread size.

The maximum length of the screw to come out should not be over 5mm. Some cameras have deeper holes, some not.

if the screw is longer and is screwed in with too much force it might cause damage.

Perhaps a washer could be placed between the plate and the bottom of the screw to reduce it´s length?

Otherwise a lathe is the tool to go :-)

[davidmknoble]

Most tripods worth their weight have a friction adjustment to prevent the off-side weight from causing a problem.  I use the S system with heavy lenses and the SL with long lenses - none of which I want to slam into the tripod legs, so I set the friction higher so the ball doesn’t move as easily when I loosen it.

The M is much lighter than the S system, and I’ve never had problems on the tripod. You can get a grip with a center hole if you want to, but it isn’t necessary, just convenient.

[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello Everybody,

Different cameras have tripod mounting holes of different depths depending on brand or/& model.

Some are 4 millimeters, or shorter, some are longer. If a person tightens a too long tripod (Or other accessory.) screw they can break thu, or otherwise, damage the screw hole bottom.

First look in the screw hole to make sure there is not something in it.

If there is nothing extra in it: Take a 1/4 - 20 BRASS screw about 30 millimeters/1.25 inches long & file the bottom of the screw thread FLAT.

Then round the threads at the bottom of the screw slightly. Making sure to clean off any extra material.

Then, screw the screw into the hole until it stops GENTLY.

Mark the screw with a marking pen at the place where it comes out of the hole.

Remove the screw & measure the distance to the stopping point.

Put BRASS washers held in place with a WIDE thin BRASS nut on the ball head, etc. screw, to shorten the screw travel of the ball head, etc., to 2 millimeters less than the hole depth.  

In case something gets into the baseplate hole at a later date. 

 It is good to file the camera contacting side of the nut smooth & to put some masking tape on it.

Keep the 1/4 - 20 BRASS screw in a safe place for future use. Along with some BRASS washers & some WIDE thin BRASS nuts. Perhaps in a transparent film cartridge can in your camera case.

Best Regards,

Michael 

Edited December 30, 2024 by Michael Geschlecht

[brickftl]

well the good news is that I didn't force the screw. When I got the slightest resistance I stopped immediately.  I think for the time being I'm not going to shoot my MP or M6 on a tripod. Instead if I want to do night work I'll use my M11M.

Appreciate all the great responses!

[TomB_tx]

12 hours ago, Michael Geschlecht said:

Different cameras have tripod mounting holes of different depths depending on brand or/& model.

Some Pentax SLRs (MX, maybe LX) had a shallow thread, so they shipped with a plastic spacer disk about 2 inch diameter and 1/8 inch think to put between the camera base a tripod. Worked well, if you remembered to take keep the disk handy.

[250swb]

It is pretty bad if Arca are supplying plates with screws that are too long in this day and age. These problems with the length of the screw are from an era when there were no standard measurements, but in the modern era it shouldn’t happen. However I have come across a similar problem with a Chinese knockoff Manfrotto qr plate.

[Peter Zapp]

I use a Novoflex L-Bracket with Mini Connect MR (1/4" and 3/8").

Quick release and centered placement in landscape and portrait.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[George Collier]

I use this one for this on all 3 of my Leica M's (M4, M4-2, and M6 -

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/803102559-USE/nikon_ah_2_tripod_adapter_f_md_4.html/?smpm=bu_ull

Usually about 10USD or less used. Easy and firm. The width brackets on the bottom are slightly larger than the "front to back" width of an M, but it doesn't matter. Easy to find.