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EP-SL Thumbs-Up for SL


John Z. Goriup

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Thanks to the excellent service and dedication to customer satisfaction that permeates the CAMERA WEST organization, yesterday I received the 'Thumbs Up' bracket specifically designed to fit the SL.

 

It's an extremely well made item, matches the SL in attention to detail and finish, fits perfectly, and features an ingenious fastening feature which looks like it will positively prevent loss of the Thumbs-Up and scratching or damaging either the camera or the bracket.

 

I remember having already read on this forum that it allegedly gets in the way of the 'joy stick' and the click wheel, but so far I haven't found that to be the case at all. I genuinely wonder if these Naysayers have even seen or actually tried this item on their SLs. I can report that nothing seems easier than sliding your thumb to the right side of the protruding thumbs-rest to operate the click wheel, or dropping your thumb a fraction of an inch to use the joy-stick in all directions.

 

What i do find somewhat surprising is just how much this bracket improves my grip on the SL body. Let's face it, if you're using either of the dedicated AF zooms designed for this body, it makes for a substantial, heavy & somewhat unwieldy lump, which, with the Thumbs-Up installed ( it comes with the correct Allen wrench ) becomes a more nimble and managable package which can be aimed, comfortably controlled and swung into position more readily than the 'bare' SL camera.

 

I find the 'Thumbs Up' to be significantly more effective on the larger and heavier SL ( no matter which lens ) on which I'm positive it'll become an essential accessory over time, as opposed to the M240, where I view it as merely a helpful addition.

 

JZG

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I'm not a "naysayer", I'm just very skeptical. I have a long long history of trying add-on "soft releases", grips, and thumb rests with a huge variety of cameras. It's always ended up that I spent the money, used them for a couple of weeks, then took them off and left them in the drawer at home.  :blink: 

 

If the Thumbs Up works for you, that's great. What happens when you need to use a flash unit or RF trigger for a flash unit?

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Hi, I think I was one of the early posters, or "naysayers."  Let me clarify.  Regarding the joystick, when I said that the TU interfered with its operation, I meant exactly what John described above, i.e., I had to drop my thumb a fraction of an inch to use it.  To me, this reduced the ease of use of the joystick.

 

Also, I own neither of the SL zooms though I've rented both.  Unfortunately, I returned the 90-280 the day before my TU arrived, so couldn't try the TU with that heavier lens on it.  I agree with John that with either of those lenses mounted, the thumb grip may well be a real benefit and for this reason I've kept mine, though am not currently using it, in cas I ever have either of those lenses again, at which time I'll reevaluate the TU.

 

Given the size of my hand and the length of my fingers, for me, with the M and R lenses I use, he SL is much more comfortable as is, without the Thumbs Up on.  Finally, I'd like to add that I'm a big fan of Match Technical gear and have used a Thumbs Up on the M9 and the MM.  On the Type 240, because I was also using the EVF, I tried a Thumbie and found that to be fine for its purpose.

 

hope this helps to clarify.

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What's unclear to me is the problem that this is attempting to solve.

 

After 6 months of carrying the SL and the 24-90, many times for several hours, I have not had an issue that a thumb-rest would possibly solve. Maybe, if the SL did not have a grip it might help. And I do use a hand-strap so when I'm walking between shots some of the weight is held by the strap over the back of my hand, but I can't see how the thumb-rest would help. And, you lose access to the hot-shoe.

 

To each their own.

 

 

Regards

Peter

http://www.peterwalker.com

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What's unclear to me is the problem that this is attempting to solve.

 

After 6 months of carrying the SL and the 24-90, many times for several hours, I have not had an issue that a thumb-rest would possibly solve. Maybe, if the SL did not have a grip it might help. And I do use a hand-strap so when I'm walking between shots some of the weight is held by the strap over the back of my hand, but I can't see how the thumb-rest would help. And, you lose access to the hot-shoe.

 

To each their own.

 

 

Regards

Peter

http://www.peterwalker.com

 

Ditto ...... I use the same hand-strap as you and find it easy to carry the camera letting gravity, the grip and hand-strap hold it effortlessly and safely ..... even with the 90-280, to the extent that I have given up on neck-straps on this camera for the foreseeable future. 

 

Can't see any use for a thumbs-up on this camera at all.......

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I tried the Thumb Up on my SL yesterday at the store. Personally, I find Thumb UP much more useful on M camera as there is not much grip to talk about and Thumb Up was very useful. SL substantial grip

was enough for me for 24-90. I also did not find Thumb Up got in my way when accessing wheel or joy stick. When my 90-280 arrives (whenever that is), Thumb Up may be more helpful then.

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After the fast response from PopFlash in Thousand Oaks CA, I received my Thumbs Up for the SL about a week ago. It is just the perfect addition to the SL. Even though I use the a strap from Tie Her Up that is made for the SL, I find that when shooting, the Thumbs Up gives me a steadier grip and is much more comfortable to hold with one hand. 

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Ditto ...... I use the same hand-strap as you and find it easy to carry the camera letting gravity, the grip and hand-strap hold it effortlessly and safely ..... even with the 90-280, to the extent that I have given up on neck-straps on this camera for the foreseeable future.

 

Can't see any use for a thumbs-up on this camera at all.......

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What hand strap you are using? Does it work on the SL without any additional accessory?

We both use this superb handstrap from Herrinbone:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Herringbone-Heritage-Leather-Camera-Strap/dp/B00FR75THA?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

 

The quality of the workmanship is very obvious. Rich leather. It's easily adjustable and it looks like it was made for the SL, matching the color and design.

 

So comfortable you can wear the SL / 24-90 on your hand for hours. Strong enough you can confidently let it it take all the weight. Nothing that can scratch the camera. No need to remove it to mount the camera on a tripod. Does not flap around in the wind - important when shooting video.

 

It mounts straight on to the strap bar on the camera. No rings or extra adapters.

 

For the mount below the camera, you can either buy it with their own QR plate or, as I do, use with the RRS BP-CS QR plate. Both have a bar to which the handstrap fits neatly.

 

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/BP-CS-Multi-camera-conventional-plate

 

I tried 3 other handstraps before I found the Herringbone. On the SL, it's perfect.

Edited by Peter Walker
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I use the Peak Design "Clutch" on all my cameras. Fantastic hand strap. Easy to adjust on the fly- tighten with one pull to secure it, pull up too loosen it for easier access to various buttons. Takes half a second to tighten or loosen. Very comfortable and very convenient. Most hand straps need to be fiddled with to tighten or loosen, thats a deal breaker for me. The Peak Design is the hand strap equivalent to the Artisan and Artist upslider neck straps which I also use. 

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For shooters with smaller hands the Thumbs Up EP-SL is fantastic.  I've used it now for a week and it is the first thing my hand grips when I pick up the camera for a quick shot.  Found it greatly improved balance and steadiness while reducing fatigue shooting MF in an highly active street scene today.  For me, the EP-SL is a must have for a secure hold when using the 90-280. Liked the thumb grip on the M, love it on the SL.

Edited by CiraCrowell
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