A follow up on my previous post about the upcoming Leica L-plate from ReallyRightStuff:
“Here is the prototype design for our new L-plate. Small details may change, but the essential elements are all in place.
As we hinted before, the passionate voices of our Leica shooters dictated a fresh approach to the design of this plate. Instead of a standard L-plate that mounts to the camera’s tripod socket, our plate actually completely replaces the Leica base. This replacement base will have an integrated dovetail for mounting in a Really Right Stuff clamp. Use the base alone as a conventional plate, or add an optional vertical component to create the L-plate. This vertical component will screw precisely to the base using our standard hex key.
Continue to read after the break:
For shooters who prefer to add an optional grip to their Leica, we will also offer a special grip. The grip will screw to the other side of the base.
All pieces will be CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and then anodized satin black. For users who choose just the replacement base, this will actually shave off a few grams since the original Leica base is made from steel. Most users will opt to add the optional vertical component, though; total weight for the replacement base and L-component will be 4 ounces (113g).
A wonderful feature will be the ability to separate the camera from the base without even having to remove the camera from the tripod. Just leave the base plate mounted in the quick-release clamp; use the base plate release mechanism to free the camera. This will make SD card or battery swaps fast and easy.”
