Tripod for Leica IIIa [Archive] - Rangefinderforum.com

writingwithlight

11-23-2008, 01:31

Hi all, would anyone tell me where I can get a tripod for my Leica IIIa? The conventional screw thread size that I can fit on all of my other cameras does not fit onto my Leica IIIa.
Thanks!

Roger Hicks

11-23-2008, 01:46

All you need is a 3/8 to 1/4 (inch) adapter. Any camera store (if you can find a camera store!) should have one.

Actually, 3/8 inch was historically the internationally agreed standard. For reasons that are not entirely clear, the UK and USA chose to ignore this, leading to a general taking-over by 1/4 inch as a de facto standard. Many German MF and LF cameras have twin sockets, 3/8 and 1/4; so do some Leica lenses and accessories.

Cheers,

R.

John Lawrence

11-23-2008, 05:02

You may also wish to consider the R G Lewis camera cradle.

You can usually pick these up cheaply on ebay or from dealers, and the idea is to take the strain off the baseplate and afford some protection to the camera body.

writingwithlight

11-23-2008, 05:20

Thanks once again. =D

writingwithlight

11-27-2008, 06:02

I tried looking for the camera cradle on evil bay. Nothing turned up at all. Is there anywhere else that I can get the camera cradle from?
Thanks

Roger Hicks

11-27-2008, 06:06

I really wouldn't bother with the cradle. I started using screw-mount Leicas in about 1970 and have never felt the need of one (and yes, I've tried them): extra weight, extra bulk, no real advantage. The tripod socket adapter is a lot easier, smaller, and cheaper -- fit & forget.

Cheers,

R.

writingwithlight

11-27-2008, 06:08

Lol.Thanks for the advice.

John Lawrence

11-27-2008, 07:07

I like the camera cradle. Apart from protecting the base plate from warping, it also centres the camera, and I find it far easier to use on a tripod.

If you're interested in one, you can usually pick them up here:

http://www.croydonphotocentre.co.uk/

Stu W

11-27-2008, 07:23

All you need is a 3/8 to 1/4 (inch) adapter. Any camera store (if you can find a camera store!) should have one.

Actually, 3/8 inch was historically the internationally agreed standard. For reasons that are not entirely clear, the UK and USA chose to ignore this, leading to a general taking-over by 1/4 inch as a de facto standard. Many German MF and LF cameras have twin sockets, 3/8 and 1/4; so do some Leica lenses and accessories.

Cheers,

R.

3/8 is a good tripod socket size for an 1100lb camera. :D

L39UK

11-27-2008, 12:44

Get in touch with Jem Kime at the Real Camera Company at e-mail jem.kime@ntlworld.com
he has a couple of secondhand R.G.Lewis camera cradles available in his camera shop.The cradles are ideal for using with Barnack (LTM) Leica's on a tripod.

Artorius

11-30-2008, 13:00

Try to find the Leica head with changeable 1/4" and 3/8" head screw.

http://www.rcartworks.com/images/Posted/LeicaHead/Screw_combo.jpg

I sometimes need a tripod, Leica for the Table, and Feisol for bigger stuff. This head attaches to either as it also has a changeable 1/4 or 3/8 bottom screw plate as well.