Losmandy GM8 Saddle Plate for D and V Series Dovetails

Product Overview

This is the saddle plate for the Losmandy GM 8, and Losmandy also lists it for Takahashi mounts. It accepts both Losmandy D-series and Vixen-style V-series dovetail plates. It measures 1" x 4.0" x 4.0", weighs 14.5 oz, and carries two hole patterns for mounting — two holes at 3" separation and two at 35 mm.

Who It's For

Two reasons to buy one: replacing a worn or damaged GM 8 saddle, or fitting a Losmandy saddle to a Takahashi mount so that a D-series or Vixen plate clamps straight in. The dual-standard clamp is what makes it useful — one saddle takes both the wide Losmandy plates and the narrower Vixen ones, so a mount fitted with it will accept almost any modern telescope plate.

Key Features & Design

• Accepts Losmandy D-series and Vixen-style V-series plates in the same clamp.
• Listed for the GM 8 and for Takahashi mounts.
• 1" x 4.0" x 4.0", at 14.5 oz.
• Two mounting hole patterns: two holes at 3" separation and two at 35 mm.
• Machined aluminium.

Recommended Uses

Replacing a damaged or worn GM 8 saddle plate. Fitting a Losmandy-standard saddle to a Takahashi mount. Building a GM 8 or GM811 head from parts. Adding a dual-standard saddle to a side-by-side platform or a pier-top adapter.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

• Mounts: Losmandy GM 8, and Takahashi mounts per Losmandy's own listing.
• Plates: Losmandy D-series — the 14", 19" and 24" — and Vixen-style V-series such as the 11" and 14".
• Axis rebuilds: if you are assembling or converting a head, see the GM8 DEC axis and G11 RA axis.
• Saddle hardware: the GM8 saddle plate threaded shaft is the replacement clamp shaft for it.
• Safety: a dovetail safety knob set guards against a plate sliding clear if the clamp is loosened.

Good to Know Before You Order

• This is the GM 8 saddle, not the G-11 saddle. The two are different sizes — tell us your mount and we will confirm which one you need.
• Takahashi compatibility is Losmandy's own statement. Takahashi mounts vary by model and vintage, so send us yours and we will check it before you order.
• Both hole patterns are on the same part, so it can bolt down at 3" or 35 mm depending on what it is going onto.
• Specifications are Losmandy's published figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to set up?

No. It bolts down through either hole pattern, and dovetail plates clamp into it as normal.

Does it take Vixen plates?

Yes — Losmandy D-series and Vixen-style V-series, in the same clamp.

Will it fit my Takahashi mount?

Losmandy lists it for Takahashi mounts. Models and vintages differ, so send us yours and we will confirm.

Is this the G-11 saddle?

No. This is the GM 8 saddle; the G-11 uses a larger one.

What if the clamp shaft is damaged?

The GM8 saddle plate threaded shaft is available separately as a replacement.

Bottom Line

In short: the Losmandy GM 8 saddle plate, 1" x 4" x 4" at 14.5 oz, accepting both D-series and Vixen-style V-series dovetails, with 3" and 35 mm mounting hole patterns.