Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/05/04
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hello Lugers, I need your opinion about the following. I just bought a superb wood tripod (model #8023) made by Berlebach of Germany (distributed here in Canada by Kindermann Inc.,the Canadian Leica distributor). It is as well made as a Leica, believe me. I will use it mostly with my M4-P. The ball head I want to put on this tripod is a Stroboframe Deluxe Studio Ballhead wich I bought used a week ago. This ball head is built like a tank and works well. Here are my questions. I want to put a quick release on this ball head. Is it really usefull or is it just another gadget I can't live without until I buy it? I have seen in Kirk Enterprises web site (http://www.kirkphoto.com) their quick release with a dedicated plate for M-6 (wich would work with my M4-P) which offset the tripod screw fitting to the center of the camera. The QR plate for Leica cameras (model PLM) is $US 54. The Quick Release to use with this plate seems to be either the QR-1 ($US 50.) or the QR-3 ($US 90.). I don't know which one yet. Does any one of you have any experience with these Kirk QR? Are they good? Usefull? Practical? Is a QR adapted to an existing Ball head as good as a ball head made w/QR? Is there another QR with a plate made especially for M cameras as this one is? I have read on a web site a letter from someone who was recommending the Stroboframe Quick release as a very good one. I have checked it on B&H website and can't see anything that would suggest it to have a dedicated plate for M cameras. Any one knows about this one? I have a couple weeks to decide myself as my M4-P is now at Kindermann for CLA. So I am asking you to help me make the right choice (if choice ther is!). Thanks, I am anxious to read your comments. ======================== Jacques Leonard j.leonarddesigner@videotron.ca