Hand grip vs Thumbs Up Thing?

[DKbRS]

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Hello all. 1st post.

Thinking seriously about an M9. Is it generally recommended to use some kind of grip to make the camera easier to hold? And if so, what's the difference between the hand grip and the thumb thing? And there seem to also be various models of each of these. Recommendations and advice appreciated...

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[Dannybuoy]

I've got both and they both have their benefits. The grip makes the M9 very easy and secure to hold in one hand. But it does add considerable bulk to the camera. The thumbs up stays on my M9 all the time. It adds a very comfortable and secure layer of grip. I feel confident picking up the M9 with a thumb grip and not using a wrist or neck strap and holding at my side with one hand. You could do the same with the hand grip. If you use both at once the M9 becomes a very sturdy beast. You kind of lose the light, compact feel of an M9 with both though. I'd say the thumbs up has the edge for me.

[d2mini]

I just ordered a Thumbie. Looking forward to its arrival.

I just need to figure out how to modify my case!

[sblutter]

Thumbs up I believe is necessary its that good

 

I dipped the grip part in several layer of liquid rubber for better traction and feel

 

love it

 

only comes off when I'm using a Visoflex

[Viv]

I don't use either of them.

 

Don't see any need to.

[stunsworth]

The handgrip makes it easier to carry in one hand, I use one. I haven't bothered with a thumbs up.

[sblitz]

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i have the thumbs up and think it is necessary -- really steadies the camera in my hand. imho.

[1JB]

I have the grip and like feel. It hardly weighs a thing. The only way you can decide is to try it. If you order an M9 order it from a dealer who will let you try a grip and return it if you don't like it.

[d2mini]

Another option is a case with molded grip like luigi's or zhou's (more subtle).

[DKbRS]

Thanks all. Re the thumb grip, I see there's an EP-1 and a Model 3. What's the difference?

[tdtaylor]

Had the Thumbs up, and now I have the Thumbie. With just a little surgery, it fit my Luigi half case.

 

While different photographers like different setups, it is nice we have an assortment of devices to best adapt our cameras to our individual situations. I for one have large hands, and feel the naked camera is too thin (definitely not a commonly held thought)- my fingers get tired of squeezing it for hours. With the bump on the Luigi case and the Thumbie, don't even notice carrying it all day.

[AlanJW]

I have the RRS plate and grip and like it very much- better than the Leica grip. But it is all very much a matter of personal preference -- except lot's of people want to improve the "naked" grip of the M9 out of the box.

[alexmann]

I use the thumbs up EP-1 with a Luigi half case with his built-in hand grip. In my view this makes for a very comfortable and stable grip meaning you can hand hold at very slow shutter speeds. The half-case protects the body extremely well so you can walk around all day without a bag. In my view this makes the perfect combination and, for me, is not at all bulky.

Regards

Alex

[viramati]

I use both. Totally transforms handling

[jaapv]

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/152135-get-grip.html

[Guest]

The handgrip makes it easier to carry in one hand, I use one. I haven't bothered with a thumbs up.

 

plus 1

Brian

[lars_bergquist]

The M9 does not need to be clutterred up with extraneous doodads such as the Thumbs Up or a large handgrip. What it would benefit from would be a discreet little fingergrip bulge on the right side, to make the body less slip-prone – not least when you hold the camera in one hand for flash work. As usual in cameradom, this problem has been solved by everyone else decades before Leica even starts to consider it (and then apply their own misbegotten "that should cure it once and for all, bang!" solution).

 

Two decades ago, my OM-2 spot program and OM-4 cameras had an optional plastic fingergrip that sat flush with the body contour and was held by a screw in a bushing. Simple but efficient. My Luigi cases have a similar fingergrip – not a handle. Awake, ye Gnomes of Solms!

 

The old man who hangs on for dear life

[thighslapper]

The moulded grip on my Zhou leather half case is enough for me.....

 

Had a thumbsup for 6 months but found it was denting the body so I removed it. Haven't misssed it at all.

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[01af]

Was concerned about a hand grip's added bulk so I contemplated the purchase of a Thumbs-up ... however there I was concerned about the stress it might put on the hotshoe and about possible trouble when using the wide-angle accessory finder. Eventually I tried a Leica hand grip and was sold immediately. The added bulk is neglectible; the shape allows the fingertips to slip a tiny bit into the gap between grip and camera body; handling the camera is transformed for the better. Bought it immediately, used it ever since, and never wasted another thought on the Thumbs-up thing.

[dwbell]

I use the thumbs up EP-1 with a Luigi half case with his built-in hand grip. In my view this makes for a very comfortable and stable grip meaning you can hand hold at very slow shutter speeds. The half-case protects the body extremely well so you can walk around all day without a bag. In my view this makes the perfect combination and, for me, is not at all bulky.

Regards

Alex

 

As do I. Few added points from my experience. The Luigi case (or any I suppose) noticeably reduces the volume of the shutter wind actuation (which I hate anyway). Also makes handling in the cold much less painful. The EP-1 does add another level of firmness and I do like to have it on, however it does make over shoulder strap carrying very uncomfortable as it's a single point contact into your side. If I'm doing a day in the city / travel shooting I take the thing off, swapping slight lack of grip for way more comfort during the day.

 

I don't notice an improvement with hand holding slowest speed limit. With both on I can still hand hold much slower speeds with my Canon 5DMkII + IS lenses.