Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/01/29

[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]

Subject: [Leica] Ball heads
From: "Gib Robinson" <robinson@sfsu.edu>
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 05:48:00 -0800

[Jeff Segawa Wrote]

Though it seems to be praised as a gift from the heavens, I do not think the
Arca B1 is the ideal ballhead for the M-system--it certainly works, but it's
really optimized for heavier cameras. The Arca-type QR system likewise seems
a bit oversized for an M camera, and though I like the Really Right Stuff
plate that works with it, it does add a bit of bulk and mass to the camera,
but it's the best off-the-shelf solution that I've seen so far.

Your point seems right to me. Perhaps the ideal "off the shelf" solution is
to use the Acra-type head for R cameras but stick with the Leitz large ball
head for M bodies. Since the Leitz head isn't dampened, personally I find it
tricky to use with the R larger lenses but it works just fine for the M. In
fact, I prefer it because it's quicker to move around, which is ideal for
shooting people in very low light (I don't own or operate one of those
night-owls -- the virus-inducing, relationship-enhancing f/1).

- --Gib