Having eyed them up for some time, I just bought a discounted lens carrier - the gadget that screws into the tripod mount and enables you to carry a second lens under the body.

I resisted it for a while since it seemed to destroy the camera's legendary compactness. However, having tried it, I suspect it might aid keeping the camera steady? Perhaps OK for occasional use...

I am wondering if anyone out there has any experience of using these things?

-- Paul Hart (paulhart@blueyonder.co.uk), April 17, 2002

Answers

From the archives: Lens holder 1 , Lens holder 2

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), April 17, 2002.

When the M bodies had a stud at the opposite end from the tripod attachment, things like flash brackets and lens holders might have been simply superfluous. With current bodies, unless they are supported by the bracket or carrier at all times, holding the body and letting the attachment hang by its own weight is asking for trouble vis a vis a deformed baseplate. My advice, don't put a heavy lens like a 75 or 90/2 on that baseplate mount. The best lens carrier is a camera bag, followed by a pocket.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), April 17, 2002.

I got a deal on a used M Lens Carrier and find it useful at times. I particularly like using it in indoor situations (museums, etc.) with a 35 and 50. Having my 90E on bottom is a bit much: too heavy and too long. Lens changing with it takes some practice and concentration, but it is much quicker than fishing for lens caps in the bag and that whole process. BTW, it is a royal pain in the (|) to use with a flash mounted. Again, I find it handy at times, but wouldn't pay full price for a new one.

-- Ken Geter (kgeter@yahoo.com), April 17, 2002.

You really need to check the archives here on this one. I had the same problem juggling the lens to change them when using the lens carrier and someone alerted me to a gizmo that helps with this on this site.

-- Bob Haight (rhaigh5748@aol.com), April 18, 2002.