likealeica Posted June 16, 2010 Share #1 Posted June 16, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) Here is a thought on which I would welcome other folks' comments. When I bought my Dlux 4 I wanted a small pocket camera, or at least a camera that would fit in a small belt pouch. And it was just that. Then I added the handgrip, then the lensmate lens tube, then a uva filter, then a viewfinder and by necessity now, a cumbersome neckstrap instead of a nice clean wrist strap. Now my formerly pocketable DLux 4 turned into a big around-the-neck camera, way too big for a pocket or a small belt pouch. So why not carry a DSLR? Thus, I have just removed the lens tube and filter, removed the viewfinder, removed the neckstrap, added a wrist strap, kept the handgrip. Now the Dlux4 is back to being a pocket or belt pouch camera, which I have a feeling, is what it was intended to be. Comments? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 16, 2010 Posted June 16, 2010 Hi likealeica, Take a look here DLux4 Used to be a pocket camera . I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
elgenper Posted June 16, 2010 Share #2 Posted June 16, 2010 Here is a thought on which I would welcome other folks' comments. When I bought my Dlux 4 I wanted a small pocket camera, or at least a camera that would fit in a small belt pouch. And it was just that..... Comments? Exactly the same story for me.... The handgrip is mandatory; the "naked" camera is just too fiddly and slippery for my big paws. I happen to use the Leica original; there is an excellent, smaller alternative grip that actually has several advantages compared to the original (search this forum for "Richard Franiec", or go directly to his web site). A wrist strap makes far more sense than a neckstrap for a small camera, and is easier to put away in a small pouch. The adapter tube (I do own the Panasonic one) gives excellent protection, but it´s just too much bulk. So mine rests in a drawer. My pouch is a KATA DP415. Just the right size; even takes a spare battery and card. Very rugged, and far less expensive looking than the original leather one. If I can carry more, it won´t be the DL4, but my M9. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clickie McPete Posted June 16, 2010 Share #3 Posted June 16, 2010 I love mine and carry it everywhere in the leather case. The little handgrip that Richard makes is a must have addition and is reasonably priced. The external viewfinder is a nuisance and adds too much bulk, I agree, and it is not particularly accurate for framing. If I want to use it more like a DSLR I like the Hoodman viewing loupe, it really can't be beat. But otherwise I suffer through using it like a tourist and enjoy the fact that your average person barely notices you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dopaco Posted June 17, 2010 Share #4 Posted June 17, 2010 elgenper: I have D-lux 4 and want to buy hilt.. The Leica's original one seems to have more grasp.. Which is better?... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elgenper Posted June 17, 2010 Share #5 Posted June 17, 2010 elgenper: I have D-lux 4 and want to buy hilt.. The Leica's original one seems to have more grasp.. Which is better?... None is "better" than the other, both have a very good finish and look and feel great on the camera. I´ve had the opportunity to try both, and it was a very hard decision to choose one (the original one is easy to put on and take off as often as you want, but the Franiec grip is mounted with a strong adhesive. It doesn´t damage the camera if you follow the instructions for mounting and removal, but the adhesive soon wears out if you do it several times. So, one has to make a choice and more or less stay with it). As you say, the original has more grasp, and for me and my big hands, that settled it; I simply could hold the camera more steady. A person with somewhat smaller hands wouldn´t have any problem with the Franiec grip either; the shape and ergonomy is very well thought out. And even for me, the grasp with the Franiec grip is vastly superior to that of the camera without grip. Aside from the grasp, I have to say that the Franiec grip has several advantages over the original. It looks more like a part of the camera, it allows access to the battery and card without any additional steps, the camera + grip is smaller (it fits in the original leather case; it doesn´t with the original grip mounted) and more streamlined. And, not least, it is far cheaper than the Leica original. Now that I use the DL4 more as a backup for my M9 than as a "main" camera, I´m actually contemplating to change back to the Franiec grip to make it even smaller. We´ll see.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
likealeica Posted June 17, 2010 Author Share #6 Posted June 17, 2010 I have only used the Leica handgrip, but I can't imagine using the camera without it. As I mentioned in the original post, it is the only appendage that I left on the camera when I decided to bring it back to its intended (I think) walk-about configuration and it doesn't interfere with the newly gained pocketability. Sometimes if I am going to be in sunlight I put a Leica 28mm SLOOZ finder in my pocket, but I rarely use it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
slabwax Posted June 18, 2010 Share #7 Posted June 18, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) This is very funny. I just woke up this morning and took the viewfinder of my camera. I'm looking for the ring so I can take my lens mate off. I can't seem to find it. $40usd for a new one:( . I too will leave the leica hand grip on. Who knows what I'll do in a month. But for now If I want large I'll bust out my D2 or D90. If only the X1 had a built in view finder. Dean Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
symmetron Posted June 19, 2010 Share #8 Posted June 19, 2010 When through the exact same process, except now I use the Franiec hand grip which is great and fits in the the leather case. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
anderswi Posted June 20, 2010 Share #9 Posted June 20, 2010 Hello! I bought the case for Panasonic LX3. On that one, you have a little bump which function as nice grip on the camera. Still pocketable! Regards. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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