L Plate Bracket

I was wondering if anyone has had experience using one of these on a K20 or K5 link or L Plates in general

I could see a use for one of these when trying to do some studio type shots for a couple of recent PU competitions. Due to the movement limitations of the tripod head, a seemingly small change in composition resulted in a completely new setup, sometimes even resulting in a change from pan and tilt to ball head or visa versa.

Searches on the forum had me looking at models from Kirk and Really Right Stuff. However it seems these companies no longer manufacture models for the Pentax brand. In any case, as mine would not be in everyday use, I thought the cost was high. Which lead me to the FotoPanda L Plate on eBay (see link in OP), still pricy at £45, but my wife said I could have it for my birthday (not until April)

So I bit the bullet and bought one off eBay.

It seems well made. The actual L bracket is cast as a single piece with integral portrait mount. While the adjustable landscape mount, again cast, is attached to the bracket via a sort of mortise and tenon system. When adjusted, positioning is locked by four Allen screws. The mounts are copies of the Manfrotto 200PL-14 to fit RC2 heads, which suits me.

Attachment to the camera is by a single bolt utilizing the ¼” thread on the camera. The bolt moves in a slot allowing some front to back alignment of the camera. It also means it’s easy to square up the bracket and camera.

I’ve tried it on three bodies (K200, K20, and K5) and you can say it fits them all. However access to the left hand terminal cover and battery cover is obstructed on all of the bodies. The terminal cover may be more of an issue with K200 and K20 users as the connection for the wired remote shutter release is in there. Obviously not a problem at all, if you use wireless.

My first choice would be to use the L plate on my K20, as it’s fitted with a split screen to help me manually focus. I use Op/Tech straps with loop connectors
and found, with this combination, you could not get the L bracket close to the body. This meant that there would be a difference in the centre height of the lens, between landscape and portrait mounting, of approx 12mm. So some adjustment required in framing, more so for close up/ macro work.

Because the K5 strap mount is positioned further forward you can get the L plate closer to the body which results in about half the height difference. Similarly, with no strap fitted to the K200, the height difference would be about 6mm. I’ll have to go back and try the K20 strapless.

Showing the L plate mounted on:-

K200



K20



K5



These are test shots using the K5 with a 50mm lens about 30cm from the target.







From looking at these shots, I’ve also noticed that the portrait mount is not on the center line of the lens so combined with the height differences you end up with a double shift, down and to the left.

Might be of help to some I hope

I found that very helpful, thanks for going to the trouble of doing the write up for us.

It's a shame the mounts don't both line up with the centre axis. If the Kirks do, I guess that's why they are more expensive (if you can find them used). Otherwise yours seems a decently made piece of kit.

Ffordes have a used Manfrotto 341 elbow bracket for £25, which seems a very good price. I was going to buy it until I realised that only my least favourite tripod head takes a RC2 plate.

I like the idea of these but I thought that they were adjustable in both directions so that the centre line of the lens remains the same when the camera is switched 90 degrees.

I don't think any L-plate made for Pentax lines up the centre axis. 'T is the nature of the beast it seems.

I have considered one in the past but tbh the price of them put me off.

I have just found this one which is custom made and Arca-Swiss compatible. Tempted, but not sure I'll pursue it.

There are other universal plates, which do line up, but completely block both the side door and battery compartment.