Two questions about Handgrip M

[ho_co]

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1) Can the 14496 Handgrip M be unscrewed from the camera while a quick-release adapter plate (e.g. Arca, Gitzo, etc) is screwed into the handgrip?

 

2) Is the Finger Loop for Handgrip M useful?

 

Thanks.

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[DLS]

Yes, the 14496 will accommodate a quick release adapter plate HOWEVER, three things to be aware of: first, the tripod mounting is offset from center; second, the quick release plate must be small enough to avoid interference or pressure with the central, round handgrip attachment screw; and finally, the tripod mounting is quite shallow and not very robust, so do not over tighten! I use the Markins P20 (intended for much smaller camera) for this specific application, but ONLY when I'm going to be shooting on and off tripod.  If I know I'm going to be exclusively on tripod, I use a more robust Markins and do not use the handgrip.

 

When shooting handheld, I find the handgrip very useful, though I have not found the finger loop to be so and don't use one.

 

[ho_co]

Thanks for the info and especially for the photo! That's the first picture I've seen of the bottom of the grip, and it and your explanation are very explicit.

 

 

[DMJ]

I use the same as above but added a Blackrapid wrist strap attached to the tripod mounting as I did not trust the neck strap attachments on the camera body.  Use a small Billingham bag on my shoulder to store the camera when not using.

[hoppyman]

Howard I have the Multifunction grip (14495) and the RRS BM240 replacement baseplate (with the L extension). 
You definitely cannot fit both items simultaneously.
RRS have a small bi direction plate B9-E which does fit to the tripod socket of the MFG (only with anti-twist lip to rear). No vertical mount option with that little plate of course.
However you cannot then fit or remove the MFG to the camera as the RRS item fouls the thumbscrew of the MFG.

 

I swap the MFG and BM240 if I want to use the M on my RRS ballheads. 

 

I don't have any experience with the finger loops.

[MacPatrick]

I use the finger loop and love it after I put some glue on the threads so it does not come unscrewed which happened once and I almost dropped it.

[Brett Cambern]

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Like Hoppyman, I use the RRS B9 plate but I have the basic handgrip (14496) rather than the Multi-Function grip.  With the 14496, I am able to remove the grip with the B9 plate still attached.  While it does interfere somewhat with the thumbscrew of the handgrip, you can still attach and remove it without taking off the B9 plate.  In addition, I have the finger loop and find it very useful.  

[algrove]

I have finger loops and can taken gthem or leave them. 

 

Your base plate question is more complicated. First I use the MFG for GPS data. Next I had my race shop machine a RRS L bracket so that I could unscrew the MFG without having to remove the L bracket.  The important thing to remember about the Lieca grip is that after unscrewing the twist knob on the grip protrudes about ¼ inch and therein lies the problem. I have posted photos of this L bracket after machining about a year ago.

[hoppyman]

interesting. Could you find that photo to share again for us please?

[Peter Kilmister]

I use an M 240 M-P and a multifunction handgrip.

 

Before I had the handgrip, with my earlier M240, I realised that the body shape did not suit the way I wanted to hold the camera, even with a half case.

 

Being right-handed I had a tendency to hold the camera in my right hand, rather than supporting it with my left hand.

 

I know I should be supporting with the left hand under the body, but nature comes before nurture at times.

 

Anyway, the other benefit of the grip is that it allows me to download files to my PC without having to remove the base plate and extract the SD card. Enough tragedies occur after SD card removal, so that's now a simplified process.

 

The only time I remove the base now is to recharge the battery or do a FW update, for which I use a separate SD card from my normal one.

 

Downside is an increase in weight and dimensions. I can cope with that.

[algrove]

Hoppyman

I will look for it. I forgot to mention that with the grip + L bracket setup I use the OVF is at the top with the L at the bottom thereby making use of the M with L bracket much easier.

 

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[hoppyman]

Thanks for showing those. Very interesting. I had not thought about the universal one piece L Bracket. I have the dedicated design minus the grip component. One advantage that I notice with your bracket is that it would place the viewfinder uppermost for portrait orientation. Being left eyed that would be a big improvement .