Need ia solution for an issue with an Arcatech head and Gitzo tripod combination

[lcastric]

I've run into an issue that I hope is not unique. I have a Gitzo 1348 tripod and an Archtech Ultimate Ball Head. The issue is that to tripod platform where the ball head attaches is quite wide and has no center column. The result is that with a camera mounted on the ball head there is no clearance for shooting in portrait orientation. Is there a simple base to insert under the head to elevate it or an extender to move the camera away from the ball head. I'm afraid an extender for the camera would make the system rather unstable. Any feedback appreciated.
Lincoln C.

[DanielStone]

can you get an L-bracket for your camera body?

a'la a Really Right Stuff, or maybe even Acratech themselves sell one for your specific body?

here's Acratech's "universal" l-bracket:

http://acratech.net/product.php?productid=71

-Dan

[MarkL]

I have the 1325 and the same head. L bracket solves the problem as does buying their levelling base.

[brianrybolt]

I have the 1325 and the same head. L bracket solves the problem as does buying their levelling base.

I have their levelling base and it's excellent.  I think it would be particularly good with your Gitzo (I use it with mine).  It adds hardly any weight and quick to use plus the added height.

Brian

[Ken Bennett]

Not only does the L-bracket solve your immediate problem, it provides a much better solution for shooting verticals over what you are doing now. The weight of the camera remains centered over the center of the tripod, rather than hanging off to one side. The camera no longer tries to twist the attachment plate off the top of the tripod. And switching from horizontal to vertical keeps the lens in roughly the same place, which means I no longer need to raise and lower the tripod legs just to switch from one to the other if I want to keep exactly the same perspective.