An L bracket is a tool that allows photographers to attach their cameras to a tripod in portrait orientation (vertical frame) rather than the standard landscape orientation (horizontal frame). While most cameras come equipped with a mounting socket at their base, very few feature a similar socket on the side. An L bracket can be attached to the bottom mounting socket and wrap around to the side of the camera (in the shape of the letter 'L') and provide another socket to attach to the tripod. L brackets can be expensive, but with some tools, you can make your own.
Material
Commercial L brackets are typically made of aluminum. This material is lightweight and durable, so makes a good choice for your DIY L bracket. Other alternatives include steel---which is more durable, but heavier, harder to work with and more expensive---and wood---which is cheaper, lighter and easier to work with, but is much less durable. Either aluminum or steel can be purchased in a sheet approximately 1 to 2 inches wide, 12 to 18 inches long, and 1/16 to 1/4 of an inch thick
If you are a professional or would like to look like one, you may be initially put off by the silver shine of aluminum, which contrasts with the black of your camera body and tripod. To remedy this, purchase a spray-on rubber coating from a hardware store and spray your L bracket with a few layers of rubber until it matches the look of your camera. This will also help to protect your camera from scratches from the aluminum, and also protect yourself from cuts on thin edges. Black hockey tape or electrical tape also works.
Construction
You will want to create a 90-degree "L" shape with your material with one side longer than half the width of your camera's body, and the other side as tall as your camera. It is likely the place you purchased your materials will be able to bend the metal for you. You should also drill two holes, one at each end of the L, to the thickness of your mounting sockets (1/4 inch holes are standard). Then, using a tap wrench, thread the holes on a setting of 1/4-20.
Attachment
Depending on the thickness of your L bracket, the standard attachment screws on your tripod's quick release plate may not be long enough to secure your camera. You will need screws that are approximately 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch long. A thumb screw is the best choice if you can find one, as it will allow you to attach and detach your L bracket without tools. A standard screw can work too, however, if you also coat the head of the screw with your spray-on rubber coating. This will give the screw head enough of a grip to be removed with just your hand. If your tripod came with two quick release plates, you may use both at each end of the L Bracket. If not, use the quick release plate to connect the L Bracket to your tripod, and a rubber washer on the side of the L bracket that will come in contact with your camera. A 1-inch diameter rubber washer super-glued on the camera side of the L bracket will suffice.
Tags: your camera, your bracket, quick release, side bracket, with your
