Thumbs up!

[billmary]

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I have had really good service from Match Technical.

 

I haven't thought of possible top plate problems from the thumbs up. I'll try to be aware of any changes.

 

I'm on my way to Home Depot to look for suitable tape for the thumbs up surface.

 

This is an interesting thread, there seems to be lot of interest in the thumbs up, and on improving the grip on the M8 in general. I wonder if this is because the digital Ms are a little thicker and heavier than the film Leicas? I never noticed this with the M4 I had several years ago. The M8 felt just perfect at first, but after much use "on the run" it's grip felt a little precarious to me, so I started experimenting with "add ons" The trick is to improve things without screwing up the appearance, the balance, the function or the "Leica feel".

 

Thanks to "shootinglulu" for starting the thread.

 

Bill

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[doubice]

I was unfortunate to have the top plate on one of my M8's work loose about a year ago resulting on it having to be tightened up under warranty. I like the idea of the thumbs-up but am reluctant to fit one as I think it might put unnecessary pressure or leverage on the plate. Have any thumbs-up users experienced loosening problems? Are my concerns valid?

 

Another thumbs up for the ThumbsUp - sorry, could not resist...

 

I have had one attached to my M8 for close to two years, bought the original one without a shoe and modified it myself. This was before Tim offered other versions and since I use accessory finders often, lack of a shoe would have bothered me.

 

As to 'Clook's' concerns - a flash would exert more force on the shoe and the top cover than the ThumbsUp ever will. I believe that the top cover was not properly tightened to begin with and that is why it worked itself loose... It is very easy to tighten anyhow - just use the search function and look for Mark Norton's M8 disassembly instructions.

 

Best,

 

Jan

 

Here's my modified ThumbsUp:

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[pharyngula]

I really like mine as well and think it improves the feel substantially - a lot like the rewind lever did on film M's and other cameras.

 

I use it with a Luigi half case, a soft release and often a Gordy's wrist strap (you can see part of it in photo). As for a "grip", I am looking forward to what Really Right Stuff will offer next month for the M8/M9. It looks like a complete replacement base plate that will be Arca Swiss compatible and with option to add a machined grip.

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[john_newell]

The one pictured below is mine, on my M8. I can't possibly say how great an improvement this is, in terms of safety and general handling.

 

[LeicaMSeattle]

The twin hotshoe design is great when things need to be level when shooting extra wide. As you can see use the camera a lot as my thumb has worn off some of the black paint!

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[thompsonkirk]

I'm a recent Thumbs Up convert. IMO the advantage isn't just 'feel' or safety – it's stability / shutter speed.. I had bad luck – a poor 'take' rate – with M8/9 slow shutter speeds, compared to Ms with film advance levers to steady my grip. The Thumbs Up makes the digital Ms as solid in my grip as film Ms were.

 

Kirk

[ady]

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So then no one has tried the Leica hand grip, only the Thumbs Up?

 

Hi

I got both; hand grip and thumbs up. Hand grip was first. I often use it in winter with gloves on. Later i got the thumbs and found the feeling ergonomic, but astonishing enough it uses more space in my pouch. For touring I use the smallest possible bag (fogg piccolo) A M9 with 28mm 2.8 Asph just fits in tightly ; no problem with the handgrip but no place for the thumb...

Ady

[pthompson]

I'm a recent Thumbs Up convert. IMO the advantage isn't just 'feel' or safety – it's stability / shutter speed.. I had bad luck – a poor 'take' rate – with M8/9 slow shutter speeds, compared to Ms with film advance levers to steady my grip. The Thumbs Up makes the digital Ms as solid in my grip as film Ms were.

 

Kirk

 

+1

With the thumbs up, I can shoot at insanely slow shutter speeds...and I'm a shakey old man.

[skommini]

Just got mine yesterday in the mail.

 

Oh my God, I did not realize what a difference it would be make in holding the camera. It feels so natural and I almost can't imagine the camera without it now.

 

Two "Thumbs Up" !

[shootinglulu]

Skommini,,my reaction was the same as yours.

I think the M8/M9's should come with the 'Thumbs up' as standard. Can't think why anyone wouldn't want it?

[GeorgeFoo]

I ordered one from LFI on the 8th of April and I am still waiting for it. I live in Europe so it should come in 10 days - it is now 15 days and they are not answering emails.

 

Has anyone else had issues with LFI?

 

No problem with LFI. I placed an order on April 4 and received it in 2 weeks. I live in Hong Kong. However, I did send them an email requesting a change in the order and there was no reply but the change to the order was still made.

[elmoslate]

 

No problem with LFI. I placed an order on April 4 and received it in 2 weeks. I live in Hong Kong. However, I did send them an email requesting a change in the order and there was no reply but the change to the order was still made.

 

Hi George, I tried one out at Tin Cheung last week and loved the way the camera felt in my hand. They didn't have #3 availabe so I'm wondering where you placed your order. Was shipping and handling reasonable? Thanks.

 

Paul

[steelduck]

Hi George, I tried one out at Tin Cheung last week and loved the way the camera felt in my hand. They didn't have #3 availabe so I'm wondering where you placed your order. Was shipping and handling reasonable? Thanks.

 

Paul

 

I ordered mine on the 8th of April and never got it. They took my money though... I would avoid LFI.

[digger1914]

I really like mine as well and think it improves the feel substantially - a lot like the rewind lever did on film M's and other cameras.

 

I use it with a Luigi half case, a soft release and often a Gordy's wrist strap (you can see part of it in photo). As for a "grip", I am looking forward to what Really Right Stuff will offer next month for the M8/M9. It looks like a complete replacement base plate that will be Arca Swiss compatible and with option to add a machined grip.

 

Can I ask, did you get the case altered to fit the the Thumbs Up or do it yourself? I looked at one last week but couldn't see how I could use it without hacking my case around.

 

Thanks

[Vern Dewit]

Can I ask, did you get the case altered to fit the the Thumbs Up or do it yourself? I looked at one last week but couldn't see how I could use it without hacking my case around.

Thanks

 

Yeah - I have the same issue. I think Luigi will actually customize a case for use with the thumbs up device. My wife is really good with sewing so I think I'll have to get her to modify mine. I got it 2nd hand and really like it...