Leica Hand Grip

[Edwin Ho]

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Having placed an order for a thumb grip, I am wondering if a hand grip is necessary.

I would like to hear from those who is currently using a hand grip (with or without a thumb grip).

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[KenTanaka]

There are actually 3 grip-related accessories available for the M11 (and earlier M bodies, in fact): the HAND grip, the THUMB grip, and the FINGER LOOP which screws into the hand grip.

I -do- use the M11's hand grip nearly all the time.  Its new rubber-bottom design enabling battery and card changes without disassembly is terrific.  Only when I really need the camera to be as small as possible do I remove it.  I should also add that I've used the previous base-plate hand grips with all of my M bodies going back to the M7.  For me, I feel it's an ergonomic necessity and I don't feel allegiance to the camera's design legacy.  I wanna keep a good grip!

I -do not- use the thumb grip with the M11, mainly because I use the accessory EVF which attaches to the shoe. Even if I didn't use the EVF I probably would forgo the thumb grip because my thumb has sufficient purchase when using the hand grip.

I -do- use the finger loop when I'm not using a strap.  

But your comfort may vary.  Those who have arthritis, for example, may find other combinations comfortable.

[AandW]

I use the M11 hand grip about 80% of the time.   I find the grip as well as the 8mm extension to the base feel a bit more stable and comfortable to hold.  As example, when tab focusing a lens the base is supported by my middle finger with the grip attached. I do place the camera on a tripod on occasion and appreciate the Arca Swiss base.  The rubber bottom is also a nice feature.

Sometime I just like the smaller feel so I use my M11 without the grip.   It does attach and remove very easily and quickly.  The hand grip does not add too much weight (88g).  The black body with the handgrip is still a bit lighter than the M10. 

I have not used a thumb grip since my M240.  I do put a small piece of gaffer tape on the rest next to the thumbwheel to add a bit more grip for my thumb.  I replace it when it wears smooth.

No regrets on purchasing this hand grip.

[Edwin Ho]

8 hours ago, AandW said:

As example, when tab focusing a lens the base is supported by my middle finger with the grip attached.

 

This is a good feature worth considering; a premium user experience. I often shoot hand-hold.

Edited August 26, 2022 by Edwin Ho

[SoarFM]

I use the handgrip on my M11. I almost didn’t buy it, but the tripod Arca compatible dovetail tipped the decision for me. But after using it, I would never have another camera without it. It makes the camera so easy to handle.  I have the black m11, so even with the addition of the grip, it only weighs the same as a silver version with no grip.

I consider it an absolute must.

[idusidusi]

33 minutes ago, SoarFM said:

I use the handgrip on my M11. I almost didn’t buy it, but the tripod Arca compatible dovetail tipped the decision for me. But after using it, I would never have another camera without it. It makes the camera so easy to handle.  I have the black m11, so even with the addition of the grip, it only weighs the same as a silver version with no grip.

I consider it an absolute must.

Agreed fully! It does indeed make the camera much more comfortable to hold for far longer. The Arca connection did it for me, the main reason I bought it in fact.

[Erato]

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Initially I bought it for my M10M since they don't have a black paint version(M10M) and the solid brass thumb grip became a best alternative to me.

I added another solid brass thumb grip on my M10-P recently and it looks fine to me as well. The local Leica store told me this is a version hard to find at all. I doubt and I wish you a good luck.

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Edited August 26, 2022 by Erato

[Edwin Ho]

4 hours ago, Erato said:

Initially I bought it for my M10M since they don't have a black paint version(M10M) and the solid brass thumb grip became a best alternative to me.

I added another solid brass thumb grip on my M10-P recently and it looks fine to me as well. The local Leica store told me this is a version hard to find at all. I doubt and I wish you a good luck.

 

Do you see a need to add a hand grip to your M10-P/Thumb grip combo?

[Erato]

54 minutes ago, Edwin Ho said:

Do you see a need to add a hand grip to your M10-P/Thumb grip combo?

Hand grip increased stability and it's a great deal for thumb rest ergonomically.

[augustwest100]

I think the M11 grip is excellent and I use it most of the time. I take it off only when using really small lenses just for a different kind of experience. The tripod mount is a big functional improvement, as is the battery access.

They probably need an improved solution for the USB charging both with and without the grip. It’s not a huge deal but the plug coming out of the bottom just doesn’t feel right.

I use the grip with the A&A silk rope strap. Was wondering if anyone uses the grip with finger loop and no strap, and if so, how that feels. I am considering using the loop instead of the thumb support and instead of a strap, and then using the Bowery bag when not shooting.

[Jared]

On 8/25/2022 at 6:44 AM, Edwin Ho said:

Having placed an order for a thumb grip, I am wondering if a hand grip is necessary.

I would like to hear from those who is currently using a hand grip (with or without a thumb grip).

What I use depends primarily on the lens I have mounted and the type of photography I am doing.

For example, with the 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm Summicrons I tend to use the thumb support. I don't need more than that, and since I am unlikely to use the Visoflex with any of these lenses the thumb support gives me a little better purchase/stability without adding bulk. By the way, the M11 version of the thumb support is light weight (aluminum) and only available in black. The M10 version works also fits on an M11, but it is heavier since it's made of brass. It is available in either black or silver. If you have a black camera, save the weight and buy an M11 aluminum support. If you have a silver camera, you may prefer the older brass version so you can match the color. 

When I use my 75mm Noctilux or 50mm Nokton I am almost aways using the hand grip instead. It provides leverage for front-heavy lenses, and it doesn't conflict with the Visoflex.

[jakontil]

6 hours ago, Jared said:

What I use depends primarily on the lens I have mounted and the type of photography I am doing.

For example, with the 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm Summicrons I tend to use the thumb support. I don't need more than that, and since I am unlikely to use the Visoflex with any of these lenses the thumb support gives me a little better purchase/stability without adding bulk. By the way, the M11 version of the thumb support is light weight (aluminum) and only available in black. The M10 version works also fits on an M11, but it is heavier since it's made of brass. It is available in either black or silver. If you have a black camera, save the weight and buy an M11 aluminum support. If you have a silver camera, you may prefer the older brass version so you can match the color. 

When I use my 75mm Noctilux or 50mm Nokton I am almost aways using the hand grip instead. It provides leverage for front-heavy lenses, and it doesn't conflict with the Visoflex.

Do they come in different price too between the M11 and M10 version thumb grip? 

[Edwin Ho]

6 hours ago, Jared said:

What I use depends primarily on the lens I have mounted and the type of photography I am doing.

For example, with the 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm Summicrons I tend to use the thumb support. I don't need more than that, and since I am unlikely to use the Visoflex with any of these lenses the thumb support gives me a little better purchase/stability without adding bulk. By the way, the M11 version of the thumb support is light weight (aluminum) and only available in black. The M10 version works also fits on an M11, but it is heavier since it's made of brass. It is available in either black or silver. If you have a black camera, save the weight and buy an M11 aluminum support. If you have a silver camera, you may prefer the older brass version so you can match the color. 

When I use my 75mm Noctilux or 50mm Nokton I am almost aways using the hand grip instead. It provides leverage for front-heavy lenses, and it doesn't conflict with the Visoflex.

I only have non-Noctilux lenses, so the weight of one of my lenses together with the M11 is not heavy.

However, I have the silver version of the M11 which is heavier than the the black version. I am having thoughts whether just a thumb grip will suffice.

It is a tough decision. I have no doubt it will promote stability with the hand grip, but it will also make the overall combo a bit "larger" and "less sleek".

[Jared]

22 minutes ago, Edwin Ho said:

I only have non-Noctilux lenses, so the weight of one of my lenses together with the M11 is not heavy.

However, I have the silver version of the M11 which is heavier than the the black version. I am having thoughts whether just a thumb grip will suffice.

It is a tough decision. I have no doubt it will promote stability with the hand grip, but it will also make the overall combo a bit "larger" and "less sleek".

If I didn't have the Noctilux and weren't worried about mounting the camera on a tripod, I'd just use the thumb support. The M11 version is super light, but not available in silver (since it's anodized aluminum). The M10 version--which fits exactly as well as the M11 version--is made of brass so it's heavier, and comes in either black or silver. Personally, I'd get the M10 Silver version for your M11. In fact, I did exactly that!

The grip is well done and makes the camera more secure, but I don't think I'd bother if it weren't for the fast, heavy glass. I don't bring it with me when I'm carrying any of the Summicrons.

[Jared]

Oh, and the Match Technical thumb supports are every bit as nice as the Leica ones. They have a slightly different angle to the thumb placement so may fit you better or may fit you worse. I believe they are all made of brass.

[Herr Barnack]

I have the "official" Leica hand grip and the Match Technical Thumbs Up on all my cameras - M-P 240, Q2 and M10 Monochrom. 

IMHO they do not detract from the beautiful lines of the cameras and they make it possible to get a very secure grip on the cameras, which is my main  concern.  In addition to helping make the camera much less likely to be dropped, the setup I use helps in terms of hand holding at slower shutter speeds.

Edited August 27, 2022 by Herr Barnack

[jakontil]

I always use thumb grip with my leica M, being the film M an exception, it adds stability when slowing the shutter speed and when using the big lenses like noctilux, the mileage may vary but definitely improves my situation

[Edwin Ho]

6 hours ago, Jared said:

If I didn't have the Noctilux and weren't worried about mounting the camera on a tripod, I'd just use the thumb support. The M11 version is super light, but not available in silver (since it's anodized aluminum). The M10 version--which fits exactly as well as the M11 version--is made of brass so it's heavier, and comes in either black or silver. Personally, I'd get the M10 Silver version for your M11. In fact, I did exactly that!

The grip is well done and makes the camera more secure, but I don't think I'd bother if it weren't for the fast, heavy glass. I don't bring it with me when I'm carrying any of the Summicrons.

I tested the hand grip at my local Leica dealer today. It took me less than one minute to decide and I bought it.

While I appreciate the pros, I was concerned that it may be too large and cumbersome as a combo. But this is not the case and I do expect the hand grip will remain to stay attached on the M11 (regardless whether the thumb grip will be used).

I believe the hand grip will provide further stability when the 75mm lens is used.

Thank you all for your input.

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[Edwin Ho]

BTW I have an Arca Swiss clamp on my tripod. So it is a bonus feature for me as far as the hand grip is concerned. I hardly use the tripod but with beach 5 minutes walk from my place, I am tempted to take some sunset shots in the near future. 😊

[Edwin Ho]

2 hours ago, jakontil said:

I always use thumb grip with my leica M, being the film M an exception, it adds stability when slowing the shutter speed and when using the big lenses like noctilux, the mileage may vary but definitely improves my situation

I appreciate this too. Still have my thumb grip on my M9.