[Leica] A very smart Flash Bracket for the R8, was TTL off-camera flash for R8

[lucien <director@ubi.edu>]

Gilbert,

If you are searching a flash bracket for your R8, have a look at the "Wimberley
Shape-Shifer modular Flash Bracket" (ouf!).
It is really a great combo, IMHO.
It has a recess for the SC-17 and a smaller recess for the TLA 100 cable, like if
it was made for both of them.

With the R8 you will need :

From Wimberley:

1) The Quick release arm
2) The Upright
3) The Tilt arm
Described at:
<http://www.naturephotographers.net/gsflashbracket.html>
<http://www.tripodhead.com/>

And from Really right Stuff

4) The B26 plate to attach it to the Camera (it works only with the plain R8 or
with the R8 Motor-Drive, don't work with the Motor-Winder)
<http://www.reallyrightstuff.com>

The B26 was originaly made for small size video camcorder. It has an integral pin
to prevent twisting.
The R8 is the only SLR 35mm camera that I know which is using the same tripod mount
as Camcorder, with that little hole.
More about the R8 tripod mount at: <http://nemeng.com/leica/#007c>

The RRS plate for the R8 motor drive will be available later this year and will
have the dovetailed foot on the wrong direction to attach the bracket to it.

You can also attach the bracket directly to the lens if there is a plate (ArcaSwiss
style) attached to it.
If your lens has a rotating tripod mount, it will keep your flash on top of the
lens in portrait mode.
If you use a Wimberley lens plate, it will be possible to attach the lens your
ArcaSwiss Ball head, and still attach the bracket to the same plate.

Look also at the following addresses for more information.

The Wimberley plates with double-dovetails:
<http://www.naturephotographers.net/gsplates.html>
More about the Wimberley bracket:
<http://www.naturephotographers.net/cg0301-2.html>
A report:
<http://www.moose395.net/wim.html>

I hope it was understandable.
;-)

Lucien