Re: [Leica] tripods was RRS QR plate

[david place <dvplace@top.net>]

Which model of the carbon-fiber gitzo are you using???
Has anyone out there [seriously] tried any of the benbo tripods ?????
Info would be appreciated, dp

Jeff S wrote:

> After finally shaking off the worst of what was either a bad head cold or
> some sort of flu, I finally managed to get out with the M systems,
> carbon-fiber Gitzo and Arca B1 ballhead. It is very typical of me to get up
> in the predawn hours and walk maybe 40 minutes to the site, and the carbon
> fiber difference was very significant on my back and shoulders! I probably
> should look into a photo backpack someday, too.
>
> In a prior post, I had noted the arrival of a #B30 Leica M plate from Really
> Right Stuff, commented on it's excellent finish, and complained that it was
> largish, and that maybe the Arca B1 was overkill for such a tiny camera: I
> love the combo now!! It's just about the handiest, unfussiest setup I have
> had the pleasure to use. The Arca's progressive friction means that the
> tension can be left loose enough that the Leica seems certain to flop
> around, but it doesn't, so precise alignment is easy. This tripod has what I
> consider to be a genuinely useful center column, and for me, it brings the
> eyepiece of the M right up to a comfortable level. I want to stick a small
> bubble level on it somewhere.
>
> For what it's worth, the B30 appears to leave no marks on the baseplate, and
> is infinitely better protection than an adhesive plastic sheet :-)
>
> I may yet buy a smaller tripod for travel, but for most purposes, it looks
> like the B1/1228 combo is a winner, even with the little M system.
>
> Jeff