[Leica] Tripod ball heads / une mal apple - de Milo speaks

[MGMcGough@aol.com]

    There has been at least 50 different style Leitz B&S heads made since
    the first one in 1926 and in 3 basic sizes: sm, med & large,  Each has
    a definite "raison de etre".  I use all 3 - but for different purposes; 
the lrg.
    one allows you to brace the TT against a wall and use your Leica either
    horizontal or vertical with your left eye.  You can use the taller one 
just
    braced on your chest (breast) to steady a nervous hand.  Some b&s hd's
    come with a combination of both 3/8" & the 1/4" tripod socket.

    The only poorly designed b&s head that Leitz made was the small black
    paint 14119 on which the ball grooves were omitted for some reason and
    results in a weaker lock ---- the grooves are vital in such a small head.
    The 14100 designation has been used with most of versions of the tripod
    body, even though they have been made in both black & gray enamel as
    well as the early slightly smaller black flocking which command a premium
    price as it is more desired by collectors to display their early Leicas 
which
    are now so obsolete that they would otherwise probablybe consigned to the 
    "junk heap"  Viva Leica Collectors.

    Leicably yours,

    Mary (de Milo) McGough

In a message dated 3/20/00 2:09:59 PM Pacific Time, moore@rscs.net writes:
> 
>  Are there any "gotchas" to look out for when buying them used?
>  
>  I've seen several sizes of ball/socket heads -- any major
>  differences among them other than the obvious size?
>  
>  --Andrew
>  NO ARCHIVE
>