The M-Plate Is One Smart Tripod Plate
One of the main issues with sliding straps solutions like the C-loop and Black Rapid's FastenR-3 is that they take away your quick release plate mounting point.
That means that you need to choose if you are going to use a tripod OR sling your camera each time you go on a shoot, and need to take the plate or connector off each time you wanna switch.
Custom SLR (the guys behind the C loop) aim at solving this problem (and a few others) with a new kickstarters project, the M plate (I wonder if they are going to run through the Alphabet).
The idea is to make a plate that connects both with Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-Swiss quick release systems while providing an array of additional mounting points for a strap, a hand grip and a few rig products which they say are in the pipe.
A short disclaimer, C-loop are DIYP sponsors, but we would have blogged the m plate anyway since it is so darn cool.
The M plate on Kickstarters.
Get the DIYP greatness via RSS, newsletter and Twitter
Connect with the community: Facebook Page, Discussions
Share Ideas, Setups, Images and Projects on DIYP's Flickr, visit Readers Photos
Comments
For Black Rapids straps, they
For Black Rapids straps, they have a replacement hinge for manfrotto plates already.
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Rapid-FastenR-T1-Manfrotto-200PL-14/dp/B0049...
too pricy
this plate costs too much ($50). A price reduction of the 15-20% and I will consider it. It should not be too difficult to cut that down since it's pratically ready for market.
may be just what i needed.
This is really worth looking into. as pointed out, Black Rapid already has manfrotto RC2 solution, and supposetly they're working on gitzo plates too (who knows when they'll be ready :/), but it's not always ideal, and here's why....
I use BR straps, but always a tad weary when i have to unhook the strap, and have the cam on a tripod w/out the extra security either for it becoming unstable accidentaly or even pushed over in crowded box. Something that's non issue with this plate, and that makes this design very attractive to me.
Several objections
One is that I don't like the lack of balance with having the camera so far over to one side. The other issue is that I, like many other photographers I know, have gone with an L bracket (Really Right Stuff, Kirk, one or two others). I use a Sun Sniper strap which is similar to the Black Rapid. I've just gotten in the habit of screwing/unscrewing from the tripod hole on the bottom of the bracket, but would love to see some kind of quick release device. Perhaps the Custom SLR people could puzzle that one out for their next project.
my tripod standard mounts
my tripod standard mounts already has a ring loop that I attach the R-Strap to. I don't use the threaded ring that the R-Strap comes with. I simply click off the strap when I want to use a tripod. Too easy already.
I use a Q-Strap with its
I use a Q-Strap with its L-plate:
http://www.qstrap.co.uk/lplate.html
Cheap but well built, I use it with my Canon 450D + 70-200L F4 IS.
QR plates and BR
Been using RRS. L-plate Qucik connectors and BR strap system. I don't remove the BR Qucik connect eyelet when attaching to tripod. In fact, I keep the strap connected. So far so good.
Why not use a L bracket?
As solely a tripod plate I do not think this is a good product. I have a Really Right Stuff L bracket that is pretty much permanently mounted on my camera. I use a Luma Loop camera strap system and I can connect their lanyard directly to the L bracket. Since the lanyard connects to the corner of the bracket it does not interfere with connecting my camera to my tripod in either vertical or horizontal orientation. Using a RRS L bracket allows me to attach my camera to the tripod directly on its center axis. I'm not a big fan of de-stabilizing my tripod by hanging thousands of dollars in equipment off the center axis. That’s specifically why I went with an L bracket so that I could shoot vertical shots without having to use the vertical scoop outs on my ballhead making my tripod unstable. However, I do like the idea of the M plate being modular. Being able to attach flash brackets and video rigs to the plate is a neat idea. I am interested to see if this “Kickstart” gets momentum.
Pro Wedding Photographer - I'm backing it!
Its a beautiful invention if you think about it -- that alone has my pledge.
It does more than just allow you to use a tripod and strap system at once. See the features.
@HenryH -They have a video on YT where they comment on the alternate mounting point, genius.
@Keith - No thanks, can't trust my D3S and 70-200 on 'cheap'.
A Bit Expensive
Since plates normall run $20-40 it seems that $80 is a bit high.
I'm in!
I've pledged my $125. This is a great solution for my needs and I look forward to getting it.
On an unrelated note, I know this is a photo-geek site but seriously, I have no friggin idea what "Been using RRS. L-plate Qucik connectors and BR strap system." means.
Go to reallyrightstuff.com
Go to reallyrightstuff.com and look at their L brackets. They attach to the bottom of the camera via the tripod socket and extend up the left side (looking at the back of the camera). The advantage of the L brackets is that they allow you to clamp the camera vertically and horizontally without tipping the ballhead sideways. Better balance and stability.
BR stands for Black Rapid, makers of the R strap. It was one of the first sling-style camera straps out there. There are many more on the market these days, but BR is probably the market leader. Personally, I use the SunSniper which is pretty much a rip-off of the BR design. The model I use has wires in the strap, making it slash proof, therefore more theft-resistant.
Loose RC2 connection
Take a close look @ 00:55 of the vid. I feel like the the M -plate does NOT fit firmly to Manfrotto RC2...
does it work on lens tripod ring?
Haven't seen any videos or pictures of M-plate mounted on lense tripod ring of a telephoto lense like 70-200 L 2.8
Wonder how it works on the lense ring
Post new comment