While I know Ms are best suited for available light work, there are times a flash is needed. Shooting flash shots vertically presents a problem with the flash mounted in the shoe. The solution for all my other cameras is a small flip bracket such as the Stroboframe Press-T, which is light and small compared to most other brackets. But the M cameras' bottom loading design would require a quick release plate to remove the camera for reloading. The off center tripod mount negates that possibility. And, while the motor M ttipod port is centered, the Stroboframe QR plate covers the motor release latch when mounted. Stroboframe makes a bracket to accomidate the bottom configuration of the Mamiya 7, which requires access to the reset buttons on its' base. To me, this seems to be a fundimental need for M flash work, yet I cannot solve it. Does anyone know of a practical solution, or of an existing bracket suitable for M use? In a related question; Does the Nikon SC-17 cord safely work with M TTL flashes such as the Metz 54MZ-3? Does the Contax also work? And finally, does Metz make an dedicated off-camera cord that works with its' flash and Leica module when mounted on a Leica M TTL? Sorry for the length of the post, but this is a really frustrating problem.

-- Marc Williams (mwilliams111313MI@comcast.com), May 21, 2002

Answers

There is no special flash bracket for the M camera. You could use a handgrip which will center the tripod socket and allow you to rotate the camera on the bracket. It is then easy (relatively) to reload the camera.

Both the Nikon SC17 and the Contax 100 TLA cords will work just fine. Also Pentax has a cord system that will allow you to mount finders.

I believe that Metz makes a cord that connects the adapter (still on the camera) to the flash. I would stick with the above cords.

-- John Collier (jbcollier@shaw.ca), May 21, 2002.

Marc,

Please do not use a fake email address and then request replies be sent to you. It bounces and I get the error messages.

-- John Collier (jbcollier@shaw.ca), May 21, 2002.

Marc, I use a generic straight bracket that I bought from B&H. I don't remember the maker, probably Hama. It's about 9 inches long and has a 1/4 inch hole on one side which I use to hold the flash end of an SC-17. It's also got a shoe, but it's really flimsy. I'm sure a machine shop could easily make a much nicer version for a couple of bu

-- Steve Wiley (wiley@accesshub.net), May 21, 2002.

can't you just use the adjustable flash bracket made for the M3: I forget what it's number or name is, but it fixes securely to the base and gives 2 tripod mounting positions. It has a wide diameter fixing and removes readily. It was made originally for the CEYOO flash bulb holder but has a normal accessory shoe James Elwing

-- James Elwing (elgur@acay.com.au), May 21, 2002.

CTOOM ?

-- adam lang (aglang@hotmail.com), May 21, 2002.

John,

Don't believe Marcs e-mail is "fake". Rather it ends with .net, as opposed to .com.

Guess he's never changed the error.

Best,

Jerry

-- Jerry Pfile (Jerry Pfile@MSN.com), May 21, 2002.

Sorry about the e-address everyone. It was a new one when I joined, and I mistakenly entered .com instead of the correct .net. If I don't correct it every time I post, it registers incorrectly. I asked Tony to correct it, but it was only fixed on the immediate posts at the time. Where can I see a picture of the M3 bracket mentioned? I really want to solve this problem. Thanks for the confirmation on the cords. One less thing to fret about. I have one of the Nikon cords that was shortened, so it'll be perfect with the smaller Leica.

-- Marc Williams (mwilliams111313MI@comcast.net), May 21, 2002.

Look in 1961 leitz catalogue, reprinted by Hove, or a Morgan & Morgan Leica book early 1960's, usually seen with flash mounted on top

-- James Elwing (elgur@acay.com.au), May 21, 2002.

The Leitz angled bracket IS called the CTOOM. It connects using a stud on the end of the M camera body that was supplied on earlier M's (but can be added to the M6).

The bracket is beautifully made and has a accessory shoe that permits using a flash with a PC cord. I have one that I use more for mounting my M3 to a tripod than for a flash although I have used a small Metz flash on it.

Once the bracket is mounted, it's very secure. It must be removed to change film.

-- Bud (budcook@attglobal.net), May 21, 2002.

Leica should make the Grip Adapter-M with a built-in tripod quick release feature. That would make the Grip Adapter-M more useful, IMO. They could then make a flash bracket that snapped on the new Grip Adapter-M. They would need the corresponding tripod head attachment, also. Does anyone concur?

-- Frank Horn (owlhoot45@hotmail.com), May 21, 2002.