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L-Brackets and Base Plates: Quick Install and User Guide

This guide explains how to identify, install, adjust, remove, and maintain Really Right Stuff L‑Brackets and base plates for camera bodies.

plate-l-brackets

See these links for MC-LS and MC-LS-MK2 instructions.

1. Configurations at a Glance

l-bracket

L‑Brackets (L‑plates)

  • One-piece L‑Bracket: Base and vertical upright are one solid piece for maximum rigidity.​

  • Modular / sliding L‑set: Separate base plate plus L‑component that can slide/extend for port and screen clearance.​

base-plate

Base plates

  • Camera‑specific base plate: Low‑profile plate for the bottom of a single camera model, with anti‑twist features and full access to doors/ports.​

  • System base plate in L‑set: Base plate designed to accept a dedicated L‑component as part of a modular L‑set.​

Use L‑Brackets when you need fast, centered horizontal/vertical mounting on a tripod; use base plates when you mostly shoot horizontal and want the most compact mounting solution.

FeaturesL-Bracket

topview

​Features

  1. Optional strap boss

  2. Accessory socket 1/4"-20 threaded

  3. Mounting Screw

  4. QD Socket for optional QD strap

  5. Optional safety stop screw

  6. Centering index mark

  7. Anti-twist flange

What's in the box?

Your specific camera plate will include the tools necessary to install and adjust the plate. This can include, but is not limited to (2) hex keys, (1) mounting screw, and (1) safety stop screw. 

2. Installation (Base Plates and L‑Brackets)

Perform these steps for any camera body base plate or L‑Bracket set.

installplatetocamera

  1. Prepare camera and plate
    • Wipe the camera base and plate contact surface clean (no dust, debris, sand, or moisture) to ensure there is no slipping and movement.
    • Remove hex-key. If applicable: Remove l-component prior to installation.sliding l plates_1

  2. Align plate to camera

    • Line up the plate’s 1/4"-20 screw hole with the camera’s tripod socket.​

    • Seat any anti‑twist flanges or contour features firmly against the camera body edges.​

  3. Tighten mounting screw

    • Insert the supplied 1/4"-20 screw and tighten with the provided hex key until snug and solid. Do not over-tighten.

    • Confirm there is no rotation or rocking between camera and plate.​

  4. Verify access and function

    • Open battery door, card door, and key ports to confirm clearance.​

    • Mount in a clamp in both orientations (L‑Bracket) to verify smooth, secure engagement.​

3. Adjusting L‑Components (Ports and Screen)

For modular or sliding L‑sets only. Neck strap will need to be removed where applicable to ensure full connection to camera body.​

  1. Locate adjustment hardware and camera strap boss

    • Identify the screws that clamp the L‑component to the base (for example B107 screws in slotted holes).

    • If needed, hook strap boos anchor to the camera's strap boss for proper alignment, then guide the l-component into the slot on the base plate.​

  2. Set side‑port clearance

    • Slightly loosen the L‑component screws so the vertical rail can slide along its slot.​

    • Plug in your common cables (remote, HDMI, USB, mic) and slide the L‑component outward until cables clear comfortably.​

    • Re‑tighten screws while holding the L‑component in position.
      sliding l plates_2

      ​

  3. Check screen articulation

    • Open and move the LCD through its full range (tilt/swivel) with the L‑component installed.​

    • If the screen contacts the upright, slide the L‑component out just enough for full movement, then tighten screws firmly.​

  4. Use built‑in articulation slots when present

    • Some L‑components include slots/reliefs specifically for screen articulation; in these designs, you may not need to extend the L‑component away from the body—use the provided clearance features first.

  5. Final rigidity check

    • After adjustment, confirm the L‑set is tight with no flex and mounts securely in both horizontal and vertical orientations.

4. Removal

  1. Support camera and plate

    • Hold the camera securely over a padded surface.

  2. Loosen mounting screw

    • Use the supplied hex key to fully loosen the 1/4"-20 screw until the plate or L‑set separates from the camera.​

  3. Manage loose hardware

    • If the mounting screw is not captive, store it with the plate or in a small parts container.​

    • For modular sets, only loosen/remove L‑component screws if you need to reconfigure or deep‑clean the assembly.​

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

RRS® camera plates are anodized to protect against corrosion and mild abrasion. It will not protect from scraping or dropping on rocks, concrete, etc. Take precautions to prevent your plate from getting fouled in mud, dirt, or sand.

  1. Clean contact surfaces

    • Lightly rinse plate and camera mating surfaces.​

    • Lightly dampen with clean water if needed to clean stubborn surfaces, then dry thoroughly. Avoid harsh solvents.​

  2. Clean dovetails

    • Brush dust and debris out of the dovetail and safety‑stop areas so the plate seats fully in clamps.​

  3. Check fasteners

    • Periodically check all mounting and L‑component screws for tightness, especially after travel or heavy use.​

    • Keep the appropriate hex keys in your kit for field adjustments.​

  4. Inspect for damage

    • Look for deep gouges, bent areas, or deformed dovetails that could affect clamping; discontinue use if structural damage is suspected.

NO LUBRICATION IS REQUIRED BY THE USER

Artboard 1-Feb-05-2026-06-02-17-8092-PMA Note About Dovetails

nota about dovetailMost camera body plates have a single set of dovetail grooves that allow the camera to slide left/right when mounted in the quick-release clamp so that the camera can be centered.

Some medium & large format plates have a fore/aft dovetail so that the camera’s weight can be better distributed.

But some plates, known as bidirectional plates, have two sets of dovetail grooves. These allow the camera to slide left/right or fore/aft. Bidirectional plates, due to their design, do not have safety stop screws.

Mounting Plate In Clamp

mountingplateinclamp

LEVER RELEASE CLAMP

Swing the lever fully open and top-load the plate.

SCREW KNOB CLAMP

You may top-load or side-load the plate. Turn the knob a half-turn and the clamp will be loose enough to release or load the plate.

Know Your Gear

knowyourgearCLAMP: the quick-release part with jaws that is semi-permanently installed on your tripod head. We sell two different styles of clamps: lever-release and screw-knob.

PLATE: mounts to the bottom of anything (camera, lens, flash) that you want to sit in the clamp. Most RRS plates are customized plates, not generic.

DOVETAIL: is the 45° grooved edge portion of the plate that mates with the clamp. This tongue- &-groove concept was initially applied by the Arca-Swiss company. Equipment that meets this standard is commonly known as Arca‑style or Arca‑Swiss compatible. All RRS plates are Arca-style plates.

CAPTIVE SCREW: stays in the mounting hole or slot, even when the plate is removed from the camera. A captive screw has no threads under the screw head.

SAFETY STOP SCREW: If your clamp is not fully closed, the screw will hit the clamp and stop the plate from sliding through the clamp when you turn the head on its side to shoot in portrait mode.

 

Using The QD Socket

Our QD socket accepts industry standard push-button QD mounts. The QD socket must be kept free of dirt or grit to allow the QD mount to fully seat and snap into the socket. Always check that QD mount on your strap/swivel is fully Always check that QD mount on your strap/swivel is fully seated and completely engaged before use.