Leica CL CL + handgrip?

[jay968]

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I usually don't use a handgrip as I don't really like the extra bulk but the CL handgrip is an exception. The base is so thin that I find it wonderful on the CL. I just wish it had a cutout to allow opening of the battery door without having to take it off the camera.

Sometimes when using the 23, I prefer that the camera be as small as possible so that I can be able to fit it into a jacket pocket, so I purchased the Leica thumb support to use in those instances, instead of the handgrip. What happened is that I have ended up keep both on the camera 90% percent of the time. Both together make the camera very ergonomic and a pleasure to use.

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[ramarren]

If you'd be buying a CL over again, would you buy the "Handgrip CL" for it, or not?  

As well, would you chose the "EP-CL Thumbs Up Grip" for it, or the "handgrip"?  If you could only get one of those two extra items. 

 

 

I tried the handgrip as well as the thumbs up that the dealer had in stock before I bought the CL. Neither tickled any urge to buy. I also tried the half case, or "Leica Protector" as they call it. That felt good to me: It gave the body a little more thickness and height for me to grip, which feels good with my largish hands. I got that, and I'm happy with it; the more use it gets, the better it feels too (typical nature of leather in this kind of use). 

 

It seems to me that a lot of the problem with the 'wandering AF focus point' that people talk about are solved by using a half case, because the four-way controller pad is slightly recessed with a half case on the camera and the buttons thus just a hair more difficult to press by accident. With the half case on, and using my often somewhat bulky R mount lenses, I have no difficulty gripping the camera to hold it steadily when shooting. 

 

The only improvements to the Leica Protector that would be nice are a means to fit a tripod plate without taking it off and a small grip bump on the front right of the body. It looks like the Arte di Mano half case has these two features as well ... so I have to decide whether they are worth enough to me to spend another bit o' cash for that half case as well.