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to Grip or Not to Grip, that is the question


daleeman

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I find the ThumbsUp to be excellent. I use it in conjunction with a Mr Zhou case bought from eBay. (I see that Mr Zhou no longer appears to offer an M8/9 case although I haven't asked about this). For me the combination of case and ThumbsUp works very well, the camera feels very insecure without them.

 

If you put a very small amount of oil on the ThumbsUp runners then it attaches very smoothly. The cold shoe versions have a central grub screw for adjusting the tightness. The only place it could mark the camera is along the back where your thumb applies pressure. I avoided this by putting a very thin patch of self amalgamating/rubber tape between the end of the ThumbsUp and the camera back.

 

The Leica grip is in effect a replacement base plate with grip attached, so it attaches in the same way as a base plate. Once attached there is a small gap between the vertical grip and camera body. The only way it could mark the body is if the grip flexes slightly and it's top contacts the body. This is easily avoided by putting a small rubber buffer between the top of the grip and body. The grip works well in conjunction with the ThumbsUp but I prefer to use the half case and no grip.

 

Bob.

Bob,

Very useful insight. I'm glad there is a bit of distance between the handle of the grip and the body. I would not like to spend the money on one and then mar the camera.

Lee

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I have to admit, I copied the idea, but its too simple. I made one for my Epson R-D1 a few years ago. The index and middle finger go thru the loops and have access to the shutter and other controls with very little chance of the camera slipping off the hand.

 

My marketing department is reviewing your "submission" of the "Leica Bondage" and will get back in touch with you at a later date. In the mean time, how about the "Figure 8"

 

Or, just steal the Sling name from Leicagoodies...that would make for a delightful lawsuit, I'm sure...www.leicagoodies.com

 

Jeff

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  • 1 month later...
I find the ThumbsUp to be excellent. I use it in conjunction with a Mr Zhou case bought from eBay. (I see that Mr Zhou no longer appears to offer an M8/9 case although I haven't asked about this).

Actually I have seen his ads on Ebay quite often. he is still selling M8/M9 cases there.

 

I have a Luigi for my M7 and a Zhou for my CLE. The Zhou is less luxurious in its feel but is lighter and doesn't bulk out the camera so much. Very well made. Fits very well - and at less than a third of the price I think that it is better value.

 

Delivery was prompt and communications were excellent.

I think that people worry because his kit comes from China but I don't think that they need to worry at all with this guy.

I'm considering a digital M and I'll definitely put it in a Zhou and use the extra money for a viewfinder or a thumbs up or an extra battery or something.

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I have used the thumbs up thumb grip for a while and wouldn't be without it. I also recently bought a 2nd hand leica grip and now use them both together. This has really transformed the ease of use and feel of the camera. with the leica grip it is really easy just to hold camera down at your side and when bringing it up to take a shot with the added grip of the thumbs up it makes for a really comfortable and stable feel.

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I was planning to get a grip for my M8, but decided to play around with this solution for a while before spending big money on the grip. This maybe with a thumb grip is a cheap answer?

4003255436_5b99ba1b03.jpg

 

Leicagoodies sell a similar one on their website. I've been using it for more than a year and a half on my M8 now and can't go out shooting without it.

 

Get your SLING for the Leica M!

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I agree with Hausen17. Two weeks ago I got the grip and the M8 is much easier to handle while walking around and to keep steady while shooting.

Even the shape of the camera looks better to me. It's quite little and it doesn't make the M8 look or feel bigger.

I recommend!

I agree; the grip transforms my handling and I would be lost without it. It definitely aids steady shooting and secure handling when waiting for that shot.

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IF you're comfortable with your M2 as is, the M8 will be fine as is. Have fun with your camera and don't worry about getting mud-flaps, chrome exhaust tips and fuzzy dice for your camera. It's great as is.

 

Fuzzy Dice, now that would be cool. Wonder how you could get 8.2 dots on a die face.

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the grip is highly recommended, you should give it a try (when you care for more than aesthetics)

 

i could never do without, you can handle your camera much more secure, fast and balanced in any situation

 

when you walk around in the crowds or in the street with the camera in your (one) hand, the grip is indispensable

 

combines perfectly with a wrist strap (also y strap) and is made for fast one-hand shots, hip shots, etc.

 

you won't need it when you are the type that walks around with the camera bouncing on his belly

 

cheers

sam

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I put a strip of Velcro - the rough side - about 3/4 of an inch wide on the inner portion of the grips so my fingers can rest on it and with a wrist strap I always feel comfortable carrying my M8. The Velcro gives your fingers a secure purchase on the grip.

Harris

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the grip is highly recommended, you should give it a try (when you care for more than aesthetics)

 

i could never do without, you can handle your camera much more secure, fast and balanced in any situation

 

when you walk around in the crowds or in the street with the camera in your (one) hand, the grip is indispensable

 

combines perfectly with a wrist strap (also y strap) and is made for fast one-hand shots, hip shots, etc.

 

you won't need it when you are the type that walks around with the camera bouncing on his belly

 

cheers

sam

 

I just can't get used to using my newly acquired M8 without something decent to hold on to, being just that bit thicker than say an M6 makes a big difference ( well to me with smaller hands it does!) and no wind on lever I find it quite unsafe especially with cold hands. Guess I've been spoilt by my Contax G2 which must be one of the nicest cameras around when it comes to holding securely and comfortably.

 

As you say the "Y Strap" is excellent but I find Mr Schaub's "Wrist Wonder" version of this even better on a RF camera and can then just pocket the camera in my photo vest.

I don't like the addition of an M8 grip or the bulk it adds so the Thumbs Up seems just exactly what I need. :)

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Another vote for the standard Leica grip. I had one on my M6 and now have one on my M8. Handling is more secure and in my opinion more stable. Based on my experience with the M6 I do not think the Thumbs-Up alone would be enough for me; and with the Leica grip I dont think I need anything else as well.

 

The grip re-positions your fingers somewhat and I have found that very occasionally I am inadvertently covering the rangefinder window. Otherwise, it has been great.

 

Robert

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