Leica M11 L-Plate plus Grip

The Leica M11 series are fantastic cameras, but make few concessions to modern ergonomic handling. While most other cameras incorporate a handgrip into the body, Leica only added a thumb rest to recent digital M bodies. I consider that inadequate. The RRS M11 L-Plate plus Grip is nearly a perfect ergonomic upgrade, adding a grip plus Arca Swiss type dovetails on the left and bottom sides of the camera for use with tripods or monopods. I added some Talon peel and stick rubber to the grip to enhance hand-hold-ability, not trusting the smooth metal of the grip to be reliable in all weathers. I understand why some users dislike the grip as not matching the 1950s aesthetic of the M they fetish. For them a Leica M body is an expression of style rather first and a photographic tool second. That's a valid opinion, for them. But for serious photographers, optimizing the tool should come first, and this product does that very well. There is no fully equivalent product for the M11 from from Leica or any other accessory maker.

I love the RRS L-Plate plus Grip. It never leaves my Leica M11. Eschewing the modular design of plates for earlier Leica cameras, this is machined from a single block of aluminum for ultimate strength and stability at the cost of being able to only have the bottom plate, or bottom plus grip, etc. I don't mind. The design makes it easy to mount the M11 either vertically or horizontally on any Arca Swiss tripod or monopod head. The grip enhances the ergonomics of the M11 from the 1950s to contemporary standards. Very functional.

Why is this ugly and clunky L-Plate not modular? I only need a base plate like you offer for the Leica M10-variants.