Custom SLR Solves Strap/Tripod Problem With M-Plate System
posted Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 2:48 PM EDT
There are two kinds of photographers in this world. One kind attaches their straps to the camera eyelets and the other to the tripod socket.
If you use your tripod socket for your strap, you've have to remove your strap to use a tripod. Until now, that is.
Custom SLR has designed a plate that screws into your tripod socket and provides both a Manfrotto RC2 and Swiss Arca quick release plus several tripod sockets for other quick releases, camera straps, holster pins and more.
It also includes as an optional removable strap attachment (illustrated above) that plugs into the side of the M-Plate. That little port may one day also provide a connection for flash brackets and video rigs, making the M-Plate a system in its own right.
We had a change to play with one for a few days. We mounted it on a couple of bodies and used a variety of accessories with it. We only had one issue. Read our review for the full story.
Press Release
Custom SLR Launches M-Plate Universal Quick-Release Camera Tripod Plate
Available Today, Crowded-funded Custom SLR Offers an Ergonomic Camera Tripod Plate Enabling Quick-Release to Any Tripod and Strap System; Custom SLR is the First Kickstarter Team to Deliver Three Projects to Backers
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- March 27 -- Custom SLR, a design company creating products that improve the shooting experience for photographers, has announced the immediate availability of the M-Plate universal camera tripod plate. The M-Plate is the world's first universal tripod plate to offer built-in Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-Swiss connections as well as attachment points for accessories. Produced with appreciation from the support of more than 400 Kickstarter backers and designed by a team of seasoned photographers, the M-Plate enables quick release from any tripod head and can attach multiple camera accessories into a single plate.
Crafted in the USA from aerospace grade aluminum, the M-Plate is sturdy, steady and lightweight and works with any camera strap system including the Custom SLR C-Loop strap mount, BlackRapid, Spider Holster, Sun Sniper, Cotton Carrier and virtually any system that would typically occupy the camera tripod socket. When using the M-Plate in conjunction with the C-Loop camera strap mount, photographers will find the additional benefit of a perfectly balanced camera for increased comfort and quick access. The ergonomic design of M-Plate relocates the tripod socket making it easier to shoot portrait shots. Designed as a part of a modular system, the built-in M-Link Port will connect with future photo and video attachments, including flash brackets and video rigs that are currently in development. A Kickstarter first, the M-Plate is the Custom SLR team's third project funded successfully through the crowd-funding Web site.
"While connecting with real photographers that use the C-Loop, we heard over and over that they also wanted something to connect with their tripod. That was the inspiration for the M-Plate but what grew from that inspiration is a system that will work with any strap system and any tripod -- improving the shooting experience for all photographers," said Ivan Wong, Chief Operations Officer, Custom SLR. "We started Custom SLR as a means to solve our own problems and it's amazing to be able to help so many of our fellow photographers as well. Thank you to all of our Kickstarter backers for help bringing the M-Plate to life."
The M-Plate comes in a black anodized finish for durability and a sleek, seamless profile when attached to the camera's tripod socket. An impact absorbent and textured layer between the aluminum and camera ensures a snug fit and eliminates scratching. Additionally, the M-Plate features an optional hand strap attachment accessory.
The M-Plate is available starting today, March 27 for a MSRP of $74.95. Photographers can purchase the M-Plate through CustomSLR.com or through many authorized dealers worldwide.
About Custom SLR
Custom SLR was started by a passionate group of photographers, Anne, Ben and Ivan, who like to design useful and innovative products. The company launched in 2010 with its first product, the C-Loop camera strap mount backed by funding provided via Kickstarter, the world's largest funding platform for creative projects. The ergonomic camera straps, Split Strap and Glide Strap, followed in 2011. With a constant focus on research and development, Anne, Ben and Ivan are always working on finding new solutions to improve the shooting experience for photographers. Custom SLR is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and for more information, visit http://www.customslr.com.