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X1 Thumbs Up Now Available


ChiILX1

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I found this video very interesting indeed. I am now using the Leica handgrip with my X1 and it improves camera handling considerably. Besides the ergonomic benefits of the handgrip I like how it protects the bottom of the X1 from scratching and I like how I can put the X1 on a table and not have to worry about it. The problem with the handgrip is that I really dislike the cheap plastic feel of it and I kind of think it ruins the camera's lines (I know this is not a beauty contest but the X1 is a beauty). The Thumbs Up is a real interesting invention and I am interested in reading others opinions of it compared to the Leica handgrip. I do admit that when I hold the X1, my thumb is usually resting on the LCD screen near the Thumbs Up grip, so I like the idea of having something there I can put my thumb on instead of the screen. On a subtler note, I find that the imprinting on the Thumbs Up is understated and elegant, again, echoing the minimalist aesthetic of the X1 camera. I am interested in reading more reviews of the TU-CSEP2. If you have used both the Leica handgrip and the Thumbs Up, please do a comparison here.

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I found this video very interesting indeed. I am now using the Leica handgrip with my X1 and it improves camera handling considerably. Besides the ergonomic benefits of the handgrip I like how it protects the bottom of the X1 from scratching and I like how I can put the X1 on a table and not have to worry about it. The problem with the handgrip is that I really dislike the cheap plastic feel of it and I kind of think it ruins the camera's lines (I know this is not a beauty contest but the X1 is a beauty). The Thumbs Up is a real interesting invention and I am interested in reading others opinions of it compared to the Leica handgrip. I do admit that when I hold the X1, my thumb is usually resting on the LCD screen near the Thumbs Up grip, so I like the idea of having something there I can put my thumb on instead of the screen. On a subtler note, I find that the imprinting on the Thumbs Up is understated and elegant, again, echoing the minimalist aesthetic of the X1 camera. I am interested in reading more reviews of the TU-CSEP2. If you have used both the Leica handgrip and the Thumbs Up, please do a comparison here.

 

Video? What am I missing ( been up a long long time)? All I saw were pics and quotes.

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I use a Thumbs Up on an M8 and I like it a lot. It gives just the secure grip you need for that heavier camera. On the X1 I'm happy with the Leica grip both for the gripping and for the bottom protection.

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I also use the thumbs up on my M8.2. It works great on that camera because it reminds you of how you hold the film Ms. This one looks good for the X1, but I think I'll pass.

 

Would not leave home without it on my M8. Best accessory bar none for it. X1 should be no different. You can attach a OVF easily.

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The Thumbs Up is an essential element in the handling of my M8. It helps to balance the camera, much as did the film advance lever on my earlier M-series cameras, and does this without adding any significant stress on the top plate or accessory shoe. In fact, it falls to hand just in the position occupied by the film advance of old and, If anything, it avoids the stress that would be placed on the strap lug on the right side of the camera if one were only using a wrist strap. By eliminating the bulk of a handgrip, it is a much more elegant solution to the problem of maintaining a solid grip. I am convinced that it adds one to one and a half stops equivalent of stabilization by virtue of allowing me to steady the camera more when shooting at eye level. While I don't, as yet, own an X1, I would not hesitate to consider this a means to a more secure grip.

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Moving the thumb between thumbs up and focus wheel could be awkward. Will wait for first users feedback before considering it. With the M8 it's different, the thumb of the right hand is not involved in operating the camera, only in holding it.

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It is not a question of either, or, with the handgrip. I have used a thumbs up with my M8 / 9 with the handgrip. Used with a wrist strap everything is literally to hand! I have now ordered a thumbs up for my X1 which I intend to use with the Leica handgrip.

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I've been playing around with the CSEP-2 on my X1 here at the store today and it feels pretty nice. Very similar to my CSEP-1 on my M9. I tried it with both the grip and without and works nicely either way. Accessing the thumb wheel is no problem, but it does block easy access to the shutter speed dial. Looks great and certainly improves gripability of the X1.

 

We do have them in stock if anyone else wants to try: :D

 

Thumbs Up CSEP-2 for Leica X1

 

David

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This is a product I'm not sold on.. I wish my local shop carried them. What's your return / satisfaction policy? It's a lot of money for what it is, definitely something I need to feel (with my larger hand size) to see if it works.

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This is a product I'm not sold on.. I wish my local shop carried them. What's your return / satisfaction policy? It's a lot of money for what it is, definitely something I need to feel (with my larger hand size) to see if it works.

 

I know the manufacturer / creator told me that if it wasn't what I hoped for, I could return it for a full refund.

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WOW! Mine arrived today and it's incredible how the experience of the camera changed! Absolutely solid- the quality deserves to be matched with a handmade Leica. I have very large hands and I don't need the handgrip at all when this is on. It's striking how much the grip makes a difference in how solid your control of the camera is!

 

Also the lens that the autofocus light comes through actually makes the light a bit larger and easier to see. The camera of course still recognizes that my optical viewfinder is attached (if you have that preference turned on for it to do so).

 

The designer's customer service, packaging, and shipping was first rate and so was his return policy- which I'm happy to say I won't need to use!

 

 

Overall I it increases the attractiveness of the camera, dramatically improves the handling and therefore the experience of the camera, and I won't be taking mine off! Highly recommended / two "thumbs up" haha :D

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Sounds very good. I may have to check it out because I can see that it would be really nice to be able to use just one hand sometimes to steady the camera. Thanks for your feedback!

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I am happy to say that I shot with the X1 and this thumbs up all weekend at Lollapalooza sticking one hand up in air in the massive crowds having no fear of dropping it! I would not have had that confidence without the Thumbs up. Here are some pictures of it's fit with my Voigtländer Viewfinder.

 

You can see how it raises the viewfinder a bit, how it looks from the top, and how it looks from the back. Also I included a shot of it recognizing that I have a viewfinder attached and another demonstrating how it allows the autofocus light to pass through (and enlarges it just a bit). After a whole weekend shooting about 2500 photos the bottom right tip rubbed the most is already showing a bit of gold from the CNC machined brass underneath the matching paint coat. It's nice to see and It's clear the paint is on perfectly well- I'm not worried about paint coming off unnecessarily.

 

Anyways- It's now my favorite accessory for my X1 and thats saying a lot considering how much I like my bag and Viewfinder.

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