Really Right Stuff MC-LS Universal L-Plate Review

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What if a compact universal L-plate had the fit and functionality of a custom L-plate?

One of the first accessories I buy for my cameras is a custom, designed-for-the-camera, L-plate (L-bracket) with a pair of Arca/RRS standard mounting dovetails, and the Really Right Stuff model is usually my choice. The value of these plates is easily worth the price of the custom-fit model.

Backing up, why use an L-plate? An L-plate provides a camera in vertical orientation the same fast, secure, balanced mounting to a tripod head or other clamp as a camera base plate does for a horizontally oriented camera. The L-plate avoids the need to use the head's awkward drop-notch, which positions the viewfinder lower, sometimes significantly so, and unbalances the tripod. The drop notch remains available for clamp position flexibility.

L-plates also facilitate the mounting of a wide array of accessories to the side of the camera and provide physical protection to the camera.

While I usually buy cameras specific L-plates, many review cameras flow through the studio, and it is hard to justify purchasing a custom L-plate for a camera that will be moving on to a new home in a month or so. An additional issue is that custom L-brackets are usually not yet available for a new camera model just hitting the streets. Still, the functionality of the L-plate is valuable enough to warrant a solution, and universal L-plates are that solution.

Unfortunately, most one-size-fits-all L-plate models have downsides.

A primary universal L-plate design issue is twist prevention. It is highly frustrating to line up a shot and have a camera slip on the clamped plate, especially if in the middle of a multi-exposure capture. With camera depth dimensions varying significantly, the universal solution typically lacks anti-twist nubs that ride against the front or back of the camera. Instead, they increase friction via a rubberized surface to avoid twisting, and rubber is not an advantageous material for a solid lockdown. Stripping threads when tightening the mount screw sufficiently to avoid twist is a concern, and it is challenging for designers to locate the grip surface optimally for all camera models.

Another universal L-plate design challenge is the dimension between the left side of the camera and its tripod mount insert. Covering all size requirements means a large L-plate (if the vertical arm is not adjustable). If multiple mounting slots are used for this purpose, the bracket can block the battery door on smaller cameras, and the left side of the bracket extends to the side of the camera as the dimensions fall, instead of aligning flush against the side. If the vertical plate is adjustable, flex and vibrations are challenges to avoid.

Clearing the ports for use is another universal L-plate challenge. The larger the bracket, the more likely the ports will be accessible. Still, the standard dovetail dimensions must be retained, limiting that size. Adjusting the left side of the bracket to extend well beyond the side of the camera is an alternative access design strategy.

These design challenges are overcome by L-plates designed for one specific camera body. But, back to my opening question, what if a compact universal L-plate had the fit and functionality of a custom L-plate? Of course, asking that question in this review gives away the Really Right Stuff MC-LS Universal L-Plate's advantages.

The MC-LS uses a three-piece design.

A thin flange plate with a pair of anti-twist nubs designed to hook on the front or back of the camera body adjusts, significantly, front-to-back on the base plate and locks in place with a bolt. Indexing is provided for adjustment repeatability.

This adjustment permits the base plate to be optimally centered for depth on the camera.

The base plate features two long slots to accommodate cameras' varying tripod thread locations. A quick-release cup is located on the bottom of the bracket, ideal for attaching a neck strap. A neck strap loop is provided, and two clips hold a hex key wrench readily accessible in a recessed slot.

The third primary MC-LS piece, obviously removable (with a captive screw), provides the L-plate functionality. This plate slides into the base plate to the optimal distance to clear the side of the camera, or to clear port access. In addition to the base plate's fore-aft adjustability, the vertical plate can be fore-aft adjusted to provide optimal access to the ports, with indexing providing repeatability. The L-plate dovetail also features indexing, and 1/4" threads are provided on the base of this part.

The base and vertical plate feature recessed catches to self-center in the Really Right Stuff ARC-LR R-Lock Lever Release Clamp.

Here is the full L-plate adjustability illustrated:

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Universal L-plates generally limit vari-angle LCD range of motion as this one does. However, unlike most custom brackets, the vertical plate is removable, opening up that option.

For example, to capture the following image, the Canon EOS R5 was positioned on a Really Right Stuff TVC-24L Mk2 Carbon Fiber Tripod with its legs fully spread. The camera was positioned in the BH-40 Ball Head's drop notch and directed straight up. I simply removed the MC-LS's vertical plate and positioned the camera's LCD to the side.

This L-plate is not designed for a gripped camera – the vertical plate is not long enough to center the camera over a clamp. The vertical plate must be adjusted to nearly fully-open for access to the camera mounting bolt.

The MC-LS is compact and lightweight. Here are the manufacturer's specs:

Fully Collapsed:

• Length: 3.4"/87 mm
• Width: 1.5"/38 mm
• Height: 3.5"/88 mm
• Weight: 3.8 oz/109 g
• Measured Weight: 3.81 oz/108.2 g (including hex key wrench)

Measuring MC-LS Fit:

• Camera socket to anti-twist flange distance: Max: Min: 3.95 mm, 29.89 mm
• Camera socket to LC: Min: 3.95 mm, Max: 76.2 mm
• LC side port access window width: 28.1mm
• LC forward/back slide: +/-5mm

The build quality of the USA precision CNC machined anodized aluminum alloy MC-LS is typical for RRS products, impressive, and this design works superbly. Even with the vertical arm fully extended, this plate is solid. Properly adjusted, this plate rivals the fit and functionality of the custom options.

Here is the MC-LS on a variety of cameras:

I've been using the Really Right Stuff MC-LS Universal L-Plate since it was sent to me nearly a month ago. In addition to the above cameras, the MC-LS worked great on the recently arrived Sony Alpha 7C R, including for support attachment at Ricketts Glen State Park.

During use, I didn't think about the MC-LS being a universal plate, and I was frustrated by a second new camera I was testing with a universal body-only plate when awkwardly composing vertical shots using the head's drop notch.

Really Right Stuff products are rarely the least expensive, but they are usually the best you can get. The MC-LS is not inexpensive, but it is less expensive than most custom RRS L-plates, and a considerably better value if future camera models require support.

Summary

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Is the MC-LS the last L-plate you will ever buy?

When I get a new camera, I get a custom L-plate for it, because they are so useful. Unfortunately, custom L-plates are usually not yet available when new camera models hit the kit. Also, if not keeping the camera long term, it becomes difficult to justify the expense of a custom L-bracket, though I still want the functionality. These are scenarios where a universal L-bracket makes sense.

The compact, lightweight, solid, and anti-twist Really Right Stuff MC-LS L-Plate design provides custom-grade fit and rigidity to a wide range of cameras. It is so good that settling for a universal solution is not much of a compromise. Sorry, RRS, I will not be returning this L-plate (and I purchased five more at retail price).