[Leica] quick release plates

[allen.graves at charter.net (allen.graves@charter.net)]

One thing that I didn't mention is that the RRS plates are so well designed 
that you can put them on the camera and leave them. They really don't affect 
the handling of the camera. The Bogen and Arca plates aren't designed for 
the camera or lens and can really get in the way.

A friend of mine has the Acratech ballhead. It's really light but stable but 
doesn't have tension control. He uses it only when backpacking and uses is 
Arca Swiss ball head the rest of the time because of its better 
controls.They have a newer model I haven't seen. It looks interesting.

http://www.acratech.net

Allen


---- "Jeff S. Matsler" <jeffmatsler@amaonline.com> wrote: 
> Mark,
> 
> You use a PB308 and you're telling me my ballhead isn't a "serious 
> choice"???
> 
> The 488-RC4 is a Manfrotto - "distributed by Bogen"...
> 
> So I guess now it meets your standards?   ;-)
> 
> BTW - this ain't no little hex quick release and it sure isn't a 308!  
> It's 
> the large finger grip release that only a trogdolite of extreme 
> proportions 
> could screw up...  check it out on the B&H site.
> 
> http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=272780&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
> 
> BTW, who cares how big a market share they have among pros?  If it works, 
> use it.  If it doesn't, get something that does.  How many people actually 
> own and shoot Leicas?  Does that mean we should all switch to Sony Alphas 
> and Canon Rebels?  Better yet, let's sell our Leicas and all get medium 
> format gear  and top-end DSLR's - as that's what most of my friends who 
> shoot for a living use.  The 488-RC4 works and is more than enough for any 
> Leica RF, even with the Visoflex and biggest lens attached.  For me, it's 
> not only a serious choice, it's pretty much the most sensible choice out 
> there.
> 
> Jeff M
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Mark Rabiner" <mark@rabinergroup.com>
> To: "Leica Users Group" <lug@leica-users.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 9:31 PM
> Subject: Re: [Leica] quick release plates
> 
> 
> A serious choice would not be Bogen which has a minute market share among
> > serous photographers and Pro's now. Its all swung to Arca Swiss in the 
> > past
> > ten years. And for good reason. Much better design and craftsmanship.
> > I never could get Bogens to work for me. I got good at catching my 
> > cameras
> > on a fly though as they fell from the top of my tripod at the spur of the
> > moment. Swore off quick release for good.
> >
> > Actually the ball head I'm using now on my Gitzo sport is a Manfrotto.
> > Which I'm told is Italian for Bogen.
> > A Manfrotto ProBall 308.
> > Cheap and elegant. Two words which don't usually go together in my world 
> > as
> > I know it darn it.
> >
> > But those Bogan hex plates and little square plates or ugly and 
> > unreliable
> > and inefficient. But otherwise just great.
> >
> > The Arca Swiss standard is maintained by Kirk and RRS and all the cool 
> > CCS
> > companies. Or is it CCI?
> >
> > Mark Rabiner
> > New York, NY
> > 40?47'59.79"N
> > 73?57'32.37"W
> >
> > markrabiner.com
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Leica Users Group.
> > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information
> > 
> 
> 
> 
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