jaapv Posted November 22, 2010 Share #1 Posted November 22, 2010 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) When the M8 came out many people, used to film M cameras, began to realize that they had been using the film rewind lever as a thumbrest. this gave rise to the construction of the "Thumbs Up" by Tim Isaacs, which is still the leading thumbrest on the accessory market. There are however, a few other options. First the venerable SNOB by Leicagoodies, which has been around for quite some time, and now there is a newcomer, the "Thumbie" by Steve Barnett ( 250SWB on this forum) How do they stack up against each other? The Thumbs-Up: Well built and designed. Ergonomically sound. (follows the thumb) Can be temporarily removed and replaced easily. Has a (limited edition) silver variant. Is the most expensive of the three. Blocks the hot shoe ( but has an accessory shoe for a viewfinder) Might damage the finish of the camera if grit gets under it. Throws some mechanical strain on the hot shoe. http://matchtechnical.com/CSEP1.aspx The SNOB Is very cheap. Does the job. Cannot be temporarily removed Has doubtful ergonomics. Looks funny http://www.leicagoodies.com/snob.html The Thumbie Very reasonably priced. Well built and designed. Excellent ergonomics ( Follows the angle of the thumb) Leaves the hot shoe free. Small and elegant. Cannot be temporarily removed Comes only in black mailto:barnet@globalnet.co.uk For the record: those that cannot be temporarily removed kan easily be taken off without damage to the camera! I never hung my thumb in the rewind lever of my film Ms, but on the M9 the Thumbie convinced me of its benefits, so that one is stuck on with me. 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! Edited November 22, 2010 by jaapv 13 Quote 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/137455-get-a-grip/?do=findComment&comment=1509521'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 22, 2010 Posted November 22, 2010 Hi jaapv, Take a look here Get a grip!. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Keith (M) Posted November 22, 2010 Share #2 Posted November 22, 2010 and now there is a newcomer, the "Thumbie" by Steve Barnett ( SWB250 on this forum) Actually, having just done a search, it is 250swb! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravastar Posted November 22, 2010 Share #3 Posted November 22, 2010 (edited) I have Steve Barnett's grips on both my M8 and M9 and find them to be very comfortable giving extra grip and security. Especially useful with heavy lenses like the Noctilux and chrome 90mm pre ASPH Summicron. I did find I had to adjust the position of the grip according to the length of my thumb. I have small thumbs and needed to mount the grip lower than the recommended position. No problem since in addition to the adhesive strip on the grip two spares were also supplied. All we need now is for the case manufacturers to provide suitable cut outs. Bob. Edited November 22, 2010 by gravastar Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted November 22, 2010 Author Share #4 Posted November 22, 2010 Actually, having just done a search, it is 250swb! Edited! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted November 22, 2010 Author Share #5 Posted November 22, 2010 All we need now is for the case manufacturers to provide suitable cut outs. Bob. I can -just- force my Leica neverready case over it. I hope it will stretch with time, but I would have to start using it more often Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted November 22, 2010 Share #6 Posted November 22, 2010 The Thumbs-Up:Well built and designed. Ergonomically sound. (follows the thumb) Can be temporarily removed and replaced easily. Has a (limited edition) silver variant. Is the most expensive of the three. Blocks the hot shoe ( but has an accessory shoe for a viewfinder) Might damage the finish of the camera if grit gets under it. Throws some mechanical strain on the hot shoe. I do not use one of these but, just as a suggestion, if double sided tape were added to it in the same way as it is used for the thumbie would this not stop grit getting under it and reduce strain on the hotshoe, at the expense of temporary removal? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted November 22, 2010 Author Share #7 Posted November 22, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) It would - but it would counteract the main advantage of it being removable. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick_Yoon Posted November 22, 2010 Share #8 Posted November 22, 2010 Interesting, I have a piece of Griptac on my M9 at the same position as the Thumbie...thanks for the headsup! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted November 22, 2010 Share #9 Posted November 22, 2010 The Thumbie is the first thumb grip that could persuade me to remove the 3M Bumpon that I use at present on all of my M bodies. The Bumpon at around £0.10 is an even cheaper and IMHO, due to its matt finish and square shape, "grippier" alternative to Rik's SNOB. I have asked Steve if he is doing the Thumbie in steel grey yet. It has the big advantage that it leaves the shoe free for a flash. Wilson Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Per P. Posted November 22, 2010 Share #10 Posted November 22, 2010 Excellent overview Jaap. I have recently replaced a Thumbs Up with the Thumbie on my M9. I think they perform equally well, and using either of them is significantly better than no grip. For me the Thumbie wins because it is less obtrusive and positioning is more flexible. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
newtoleica Posted November 22, 2010 Share #11 Posted November 22, 2010 I'm a big fan of the Thumbs Up, wouldn't handle an M9 without it. It enables me to hold the camera securely in my right hand with the strap wrapped loosely around my wrist. Perfect for the street. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted November 22, 2010 Share #12 Posted November 22, 2010 I put the Griptack covering on both my M8 and use the Leica grip base. I did have a rubber bumper on the back of the cameras but they did come off after several months. I've looked at the thumbie and found it to be interesting but decided not to get it. Thumbs up is a downer for me as it uses up the hot shoe. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted November 23, 2010 Share #13 Posted November 23, 2010 I'm a big fan of the Thumbs Up, wouldn't handle an M9 without it. It enables me to hold the camera securely in my right hand with the strap wrapped loosely around my wrist. Perfect for the street. Exactly how I use my Thumbs Up and strap! The new Thumbs Up SCEP-1 in black has a shoe for external VFs and NO lettering which I much prefer. Regards, Mark Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted November 23, 2010 Share #14 Posted November 23, 2010 I use a Luigi half case, with built in grip, and have no issues. The half case protects the camera well, and I don't use the picture review, so the screen is well protected. Looks nice too! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted November 23, 2010 Share #15 Posted November 23, 2010 I use a Luigi half case, with built in grip, and have no issues. The half case protects the camera well, and I don't use the picture review, so the screen is well protected. Looks nice too! I tried to contact Luigi on at least half a dozen occasions with NO reply:mad:, gave up ,and instead got a black A&A M9 half-case but it doesn't have the built in grip. Mark Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted November 23, 2010 Share #16 Posted November 23, 2010 Yes, other people have said that. All I can say is that I contacted Luigi on a Wednesday, paid the next day, and the half case arrived on Monday (in New Zealand). So, my experience was entirely positive. The case is very nicely made and fits very tight. Can't beat Italian leather! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted November 23, 2010 Author Share #17 Posted November 23, 2010 :confused:What has a case to do with a thumbgrip? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted November 23, 2010 Share #18 Posted November 23, 2010 :confused:What has a case to do with a thumbgrip? You're right. It followed on from John stating that the Luigi case with handgrip gave him adequate grip..I then commented that Luigi is uncontactable...free-flowing forum...flight of ideas! To get back on to the topic, I like my Thumbs Up:) Mark 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted November 23, 2010 Share #19 Posted November 23, 2010 Cause the topic is "Get a grip" and the case comes with a "grip" (D'oh!) Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted November 23, 2010 Author Share #20 Posted November 23, 2010 You hold the camera in a strange fashion if you use the case grip, which is on the front, for your thumb.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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