Custom L-plate for Nikon D5000.
Last two images in Image Gallery show this plate mounted on the Nikon D3100; all other images show this plate mounted on the Nikon D5000.
Note that the dovetails on this L-plate are not on-axis; i.e., not in the same plane. The dovetails are offset so switching from horizontal to vertical requires an adjustment to maintain the lens alignment; meaningful only when shooting panoramas. The offset is exactly 10.0mm. Unfortunately, this had to be done to allow full access to side ports. This design keeps the plate as compact as possible.
(Images of BD5000-L plate on Nikon D3100 courtesy of RRS customer Joseph A. Massey of Deer Harbor, WA.)
This plate was designed specifically for the Nikon D5000. Customer with a Nikon D3000 or D3100 who absolutely MUST have an L-plate can also use this plate. Unfortunately the fit on the D3100 is not perfect, but is the only L-Plate we offer for this camera body. The characteristics making this a less than perfect fit is the L-Plate sits almost ½ inch in front of the D3100 in the landscape position, taking away any anti-twist, and there is also a minimal gap between body and plate in the portrait position. However this fit will not hurt the functionality of the camera in landscape or portrait mode and there is still complete access to battery door and cable inputs.
L-Plate User Manual