Originally posted by C_Jones I have something like I have listed below (shortcut) on all of my Pentax bodies. It covers the battery compartment a little bit when I am using it, but if I have to access the battery compartment all I have to do is loosen it slightly and move it, exchange the battery for a charged one, and put the L plate back in place.[/url]
I bought a 'universal' L-bracket from B&H that looks identical to this one, and it's what I use too on my K-1 (and whatever I'm rocking as my backup body).
As C_Jones mentioned, it covers the battery door. I didn't like this and went for some weekend modification. Being from Texas, my natural intention was to just simply shoot the offending parts off. Unable to decide on the proper gun or bullet caliber, I opted for the dremel tool and metal file instead.
Edit: I also agree with Interested_Observer... see if you can stomach the migration over to Arca Swiss for your tripods. It makes life a zillion times easier. I too have swapped clamps on Manfrotto heads, but everything else is native Arca for me and it streamlines compatibility of everything. End edit/resume normal.
This is what it looks compared to an un-modified one, and what it looks like on the camera body.