TacTZilla Posted December 16, 2009 Share #1 Posted December 16, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I like the look of the thumbs up, but it's expensive and I'm not sure about the force it must apply to the hot shoe. A simple wedge shaped piece of rubber with self adhesive backing would do the trick pretty well, especially if it was a curved wedge. Anyone have any alternatives? Regards Bob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 16, 2009 Posted December 16, 2009 Hi TacTZilla, Take a look here Any alternative to the 'Thumbs Up'?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Nick_Yoon Posted December 16, 2009 Share #2 Posted December 16, 2009 I've seen online one made with thinner metal, but can't remember where. There are also small round or square rubber self-adhesive furniture/floor protectors which can be used as thumb rests. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanJW Posted December 16, 2009 Share #3 Posted December 16, 2009 I like the look of the thumbs up, but it's expensive and I'm not sure about the force it must apply to the hot shoe. A simple wedge shaped piece of rubber with self adhesive backing would do the trick pretty well, especially if it was a curved wedge. Anyone have any alternatives? Regards Bob A wedge of wood with a groove in it sized for an automotive hose clamp? Seriously, a $7,000 camera and you are worried about what something to make its grip more secure costs? I happen to prefer the Leica handgrip but if I didn't I would use the Thumbs Up as it is ergonomic and elegant. You get what you pay for. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elgenper Posted December 16, 2009 Share #4 Posted December 16, 2009 Maybe here? Look at the "SNOB". Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjrose Posted December 16, 2009 Share #5 Posted December 16, 2009 I went for years with a motor grip on the M7, and have the Leica grip on the M8. Didn't realize that I needed a Thumbs Up until I got it. Except that it loses the hot shoe, it is about perfect. The combined grasp of the grip and the Thumbs Up is extremely stable. It is a solid piece of painted brass (I got one without the white lettering). I doubt that the pressure on the hot shoe is a problem. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robofc Posted December 16, 2009 Share #6 Posted December 16, 2009 Why would you want an alternative when the thumbs up csep is the best accessory available of any kind? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TacTZilla Posted December 16, 2009 Author Share #7 Posted December 16, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) A wedge of wood with a groove in it sized for an automotive hose clamp? Seriously, a $7,000 camera and you are worried about what something to make its grip more secure costs?I happen to prefer the Leica handgrip but if I didn't I would use the Thumbs Up as it is ergonomic and elegant. You get what you pay for. LOL! Yes. I spent my last penny on getting the M9 and don't really have another £130 to spend even though I'd like one. It's no coincidence I'm dressed like a tramp ;^). B Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashwinrao1 Posted December 16, 2009 Share #8 Posted December 16, 2009 I feel that the combo of the M grip with the thumbs up (I have the CSEP-1) works very well and gains me a stop or so of stability, maybe more. There are a few different off-market grips and the like. Surely you could fashion something useable, but trust me, the Thumbs up is totally worth it.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted December 16, 2009 Share #9 Posted December 16, 2009 I have been using 3M Bumpons for years on M cameras. I use the 20mm x 20mm x 12.5mm size. They work perfectly, particularly with a grip (M digital or film) and enable very secure one handed operation. They cost pennies and have the advantage of leaving the shoe free. I have now given away lots to Leica friends. I buy a strip of 20 at a time. They need to be replaced about every 18 months as they eventually go hard and shiny from finger grease. Wilson Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/106893-any-alternative-to-the-thumbs-up/?do=findComment&comment=1153745'>More sharing options...
Bo_Lorentzen Posted December 16, 2009 Share #10 Posted December 16, 2009 Sometimes its not worth finding a alternative, ThumbsUP works. Not sure what the leica grip cost though. LOL... Wilson, THAT is brilliant.! . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erl Posted December 16, 2009 Share #11 Posted December 16, 2009 I stuck a small cut-out of self adhesive velcro (loop) where my thumb goes. On the M9 I added a small 'bump' under the velcro. Gives a non-slip grip and works fine for me. Costs 'nothing', but importantly, it works. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJones Posted December 16, 2009 Share #12 Posted December 16, 2009 I have been using 3M Bumpons for years on M cameras. I use the 20mm x 20mm x 12.5mm size. They work perfectly, particularly with a grip (M digital or film) and enable very secure one handed operation. They cost pennies and have the advantage of leaving the shoe free. I have now given away lots to Leica friends. I buy a strip of 20 at a time. They need to be replaced about every 18 months as they eventually go hard and shiny from finger grease. Wilson That's about perfect. Although I have a thumbs up I may try this just to see. third on the list would be about right 3M Specialty tapes & products : 3M™ Bumpon™ Cylindrical Protective Products Anyone try something on the front. I have the grip but don't really use much. I might try one these Bumpons on the front lower area. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rennsport Posted December 16, 2009 Share #13 Posted December 16, 2009 Expensive it may be, but it really works, even half-way in on the EP-1. The new one has a hot shoe on top, so there's very little compromise. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebelfocus Posted December 17, 2009 Share #14 Posted December 17, 2009 I have the CSEP-1 on my M9 and although it is a bit expensive, I find it hard to imagine anything being as good. The design and attention to detail is very impressive and finish is of excellent quality. If you want to save some money buy directly from Tim Isaac at matchtechnical in dollars and benefit from the weakness in that currency (it will cost you less than £100 sterling that way). I had mine within a week of sending a paypal. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ballyscanlon Posted December 17, 2009 Share #15 Posted December 17, 2009 i think the thumbs up is the best product out there for the job. but if you do any flash work then it is useless. make no mistake, the EP-1 has a shoe that can hold a viewfinder, but it is a cold shoe, not a hot shoe. when i use flash i still need that thumb grip. and thats why ill will be selling my thumbs up. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_x2004 Posted December 17, 2009 Share #16 Posted December 17, 2009 Problem with all these thumb things they are in the wrong place. You need a ridge under the heel of your hand, and your lower fingers, so both your thumb, and your first finger are free to operate the camera properly. I'd go for a griptac or a couple of strips of elastoplast on the back of the body, but then I dont give a flying what it looks like only that it works. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted December 17, 2009 Share #17 Posted December 17, 2009 I like the look of the thumbs up, but it's expensive and I'm not sure about the force it must apply to the hot shoe. Then you should consider the force a Leica SF58 flash gun must exert on the hotshoe. Thats a lot of weight and leverage on top of the camera. The Thumbs Up is a superb ergonomic design, offering enough grip without getting in the way and allows easy use of all the controls. But so does the Leica grip and that also leaves the hotshoe free. Wilson's solution is excellent, but I like the Thumbs up for its feel, the solidity of the brass, and the more discreet back of the camera position. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhoersch Posted December 17, 2009 Share #18 Posted December 17, 2009 LOL! Yes. I spent my last penny on getting the M9 and don't really have another £130 to spend even though I'd like one. It's no coincidence I'm dressed like a tramp ;^). B Apparently, some people do get their priorities right... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
exile Posted December 17, 2009 Share #19 Posted December 17, 2009 I will never buy a thumbs-up because I need to keep the hotshoe active for fill flash. I also think that it would be nice to have some grip on the front of the camera as well as the back for one-handed operation. For the same price as a Thumbs-up, I suggest getting a sculpted leather half-case instead. It does all of the above and gives your camera some protection. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonoslack Posted December 17, 2009 Share #20 Posted December 17, 2009 Hi Bob As a fellow tramp in the cause of Leica. I agree that the thumbs up is expensive - even if it's good value (I haven't tried one, but I quite believe everyone else that it's great). I had a Leica grip for a bit . . . which I found comfortable but clumsy. Nowadays I use my cameras 'naked', and, do you know, I've never dropped it once (and my hand doesn't slip either!). Just something to get used to I think. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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