Leica handgrip

[herbet]

has anyone tried these knock offs of Leica handgrip for the film based M series being sold on eBay? I've been thinking about adding a grip to my M7 for a while but can't come to terms with how much Leica charges for it.
(*For Leica Hand Grip M Camera - eBay (item 320266101565 end time Jun-26-08 16:05:35 PDT))

[RITskellar]

Originally Posted by herbet

has anyone tried these knock offs of Leica handgrip for the film based M series being sold on eBay? I've been thinking about adding a grip to my M7 for a while but can't come to terms with how much Leica charges for it.

That's not a knock off. It's the Leica M Grip, and I used to use it on two M6's and it was great (good grip, lightweight, and complimentary lines), but ultimately I went back to a bare body and strap.

[ron110n]

They're good, I have one each on my M7 and M6. Don't forget to buy the after market soft-release.

-Ron

[I.H.G.]

Originally Posted by herbet

has anyone tried these knock offs of Leica handgrip for the film based M series being sold on eBay? I've been thinking about adding a grip to my M7 for a while but can't come to terms with how much Leica charges for it.
(*For Leica Hand Grip M Camera - eBay (item 320266101565 end time Jun-26-08 16:05:35 PDT))

If you are looking for a knock-off handgrip for LEICA M go to www. photoequip.net!
Smashing, but more expensive. Handling is for both very good!!

[bill]

I don't want to start a grip war but if you have larger hands there is simply no substitute for the Abrahamsson Rapidgrip.

It has a compartment in the base that holds spare batteries (I wrap mine in a paper "spliff" on which I write the date and my address, just in case) on top there is a threaded hole to "park" your softrelease.



It's also worth pointing out to the OP that the Abrahamsson and GMP M-Grip at least actually predate the Leica grip, so are hardly "cheap knock-offs"...

Regards,

Bill

[stunsworth]

Another vote for the Rapidrip. I only wish Tom could come up with a design for the M8, I used a Rapidgrip and Rapidwinder all the time on my M6.

[peter_n]

I'm with Bill & Steve. Seriously consider Tom A's Rapidgrip. More expensive but you get what you pay for.

[herbet]

Originally Posted by RITskellar

That's not a knock off. It's the Leica M Grip, and I used to use it on two M6's and it was great (good grip, lightweight, and complimentary lines), but ultimately I went back to a bare body and strap.

nope. look at the bottom. it says FOR LEICA instead of the original LEICA CAMERA GERMANY.

[RITskellar]

Originally Posted by herbet

nope. look at the bottom. it says FOR LEICA instead of the original LEICA CAMERA GERMANY.

Ah yes, I stand corrected. That's some knock off! It appears to be in all other design respects, even down to the little nub that rests against the body covering, to be the exact M-Grip design. So, it's a good question to ask, as to whether or not anyone has actually used one of these and if the manufacture of them is on par with the actual Leica quality.

[kodaktrix]

I bought one of those chinese M-Grips. I thought it would be alloy.
It is full plastik and feels that weak and flexible on a M that I did not yet dare to use it in action. I would go for alloy types that are more expensive but are sturdy and give the feeling that you really have a grip to hold on.

Regards

Oliver

[RITskellar]

The Leica M-Grips are plastic as well, and they felt plenty sturdy to me. This knock-off that is the subject of this thread... I don't know how they got away with making it, as it's an exact copy of the Leica one, not just close.

[JBA]

Some guys were raving about this wooden grip a while back.

*Hand Made* Chinese HARD WOOD GRIP FIT LEICA MP M6 M4 M - eBay (item 310018167600 end time Jun-25-08 09:09:53 PDT)

[honcho]

Originally Posted by JBA

Some guys were raving about this wooden grip a while back.

*Hand Made* Chinese HARD WOOD GRIP FIT LEICA MP M6 M4 M - eBay (item 310018167600 end time Jun-25-08 09:09:53 PDT)

Look here to save searching through the whole forum:

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-...-my-mp-21.html

[darkstar2004]

Originally Posted by peter_n

I'm with Bill & Steve. Seriously consider Tom A's Rapidgrip. More expensive but you get what you pay for.

What he said - anything Tom makes is very high grade, on a level playing field with anything Leica offers.

[herbet]

thanks everyone. I ended up getting a used Leica grip from popflash.