Best Handgrip for M11

[roofus]

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I am looking for a handgrip for my M11. I have found three: the Leica Handgrip; The IDS works Handgrip; and the Really Right Stuff Hand Grip.  I tried a friends Leica Handgrip and it was very nice except removing the battery and sd card was difficult. Other than that it was fine. The RRS seems bulkier than it needs to be with the base plate running up the non-grip side. However, he mounting system for the RRS sling strap is excellent.

I am wondering if any members have the IDS Works Grip. I have no knowledge of this grip. It looks very promising. Any comments would be appreciated.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

Why a handgrip? I’m most definitely not saying you shouldn’t but I would be looking at thumb supports first (maybe you have??) before a grip.

For ME, a grip makes the camera too big. May as well carry an SL2. A Thumbie (from Steve Bennet) on the other hand gave me more than a stop better handholding and adds almost nothing to the camera.

Having said that, the M11 Leica handgrip does allow access to the battery, usb port and memory card but doesn’t have an Arca Swiss plate. It’s not like the M10 series plate. The RRS one is heavier. The L plate section is optional and removable. I had both for my M10 and slightly preferred the feel of the Leica one and the function of the RRS (also a QD mount fan). Neither stayed on my camera though.

Gordon

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[tedd]

I'm still on an M240, but I've Thumbie in the past and loved it until I had to carry the camera around (on a strap) for a day. Every step and that thing would jab me in the ribs. I'm now using the official Leica grip and love it. The camera doesn't look as good, but it isn't really any bigger (it still much smaller than the lens..) and the handling is much improved. 

I'll be getting another one when I eventually upgrade my body. 

[albireo_double]

The Leica handgrip for M11/M11M does have an Arca Swiss plate integrated in the design.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

1 hour ago, albireo_double said:

The Leica handgrip for M11/M11M does have an Arca Swiss plate integrated in the design.

Apologies.l That’s correct. I mixed it up with the new Q3 handgrip.

Gordon

[Photoworks]

I Use the Thumbie , it is quite good for larger lenses. Some people complain that it can rub on clothing eventually damaging them, I have not notice that.

My thumbie was on the M10-p, M10-R and not moved to M11 and fits the same. All the paint came off.

 

I used the kamerakraft from om M10-R and loved it. It was much nicer then Leica's grip.

I have large hands and the camera benefits for a grip. M11 is now with Leica grip. Well made, the bottom offers quick access true rubber door. and the arca plate is useful for me.

The bottom part extends very little of the camera. To me the handle part is to bulky.

I have gone with the Leica version because the other companies I do use USB port on the field when tethering with the ipadpro. 
IDS didn't even come up with that idea, and when I talk to them it seams something they can do in v2.
RRS is bulky, and the side mount is not removable.
The only other option left was a half-case that offered Arca mount and USB access. I have not came across one.

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[CDodkin]

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Leica - very ergonomic (which is the whole point), built-in arca plate, battery access and SD card access no issue after about 10 minutes of getting used to the new setup.

[Luke_Miller]

For my M8.2, M9, M240 & M246 I bought the RRS baseplate and grip since my tripod head is Arca-Swiss.  I also bought the Leica grip for less bulk. Over time I found I preferred to use the bodies without either.  The exception is when I use my SF-58 flash which makes the body almost unmanageable without a grip. 

[Segal]

I use the Leica handgrip. It's great compared to heavier and bulkier options I've used on Q2 and Q before. It barely adds any weight at 87 grams and makes the camera just a tad taller. I think it's necessary if you're using a wrist strap, but you might not need it with a neck strap, and could be fine with a thumb support. 

[kinetic]

I went to a Leica store and tried the handgrip, and that's what sold me. I shoot a fair amount vertically, and without the grip, it's enough of a bother to push me to not shoot as much vertically.

The design is sleek, it looks built-in and not an add-on, and I love that I don't need an extra plate to mount to my tripod. That means less bulk to carry around or fiddle with.

I use it in conjunction with a Hoage thumb support too. I don't know if it's really necessary, but I had it before, and now the camera feels very solid in my hand. The thumb grip doesn't really add much bulk either, so it's a no brainer for me.

[Tailwagger]

I have the Leica grip which I got with the camera at introduction.  In the past I've used RRS grips over the Leica. Given the ARCA now, I reluctantly went with the Leica as the RRS was going to be a long wait at the time.  While I still prefer the RRS, the Leica one is fine as a grip.  The key differentiator AFAIC, beyond the obvious drawbacks of looks and bulk, is that the RRS provides a rugged exoskeleton that can save your camera if you're unfortunate enough to take a spill with it... as I have more than once.  Far more protection. If that sort of thing is more important to you than being svelte, I'd go with the RRS. Otherwise the Leica is a fine option.

[kinetic]

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[jkcampbell2]

On 6/4/2023 at 10:00 PM, FlashGordonPhotography said:

Why a handgrip? I’m most definitely not saying you shouldn’t but I would be looking at thumb supports first (maybe you have??) before a grip.

For ME, a grip makes the camera too big. May as well carry an SL2. A Thumbie (from Steve Bennet) on the other hand gave me more than a stop better handholding and adds almost nothing to the camera.

Having said that, the M11 Leica handgrip does allow access to the battery, usb port and memory card but doesn’t have an Arca Swiss plate. It’s not like the M10 series plate. The RRS one is heavier. The L plate section is optional and removable. I had both for my M10 and slightly preferred the feel of the Leica one and the function of the RRS (also a QD mount fan). Neither stayed on my camera though.

Gordon

I don't think the L plate for the RRS is removable. On the old versions for the M9 and M10 both the grip and the L plate could be removed but it looks like the M11 version is all one piece. Cheers, jc

[AndrewK]

I really like the Leica handgrip. It allow me to grab on my M11 very firmly. 

I had consider a thumb supports before but end up going with the handgrip because i feel i have more control of the camera with the handgrip.

I don't use a camera strap most of the time, however i do have Peak Design anchor attached to the M11 and can easily attach a camera strap when i need it. 

[Woolly66]

Also look at the Gurippu handgrip. It's designed in Canada, but made in Hong Kong.  It's thinner than the Leica one (both base and grip) and a squarer design with a smooth finish, similar to the top/base plate rather than the leatherette style finish. It still gives access to the battery/sd and usb port as well as being arca swiss compatible but does not have the rubber base. To me it gives a more minimalist style to the grip/M11 combo. It's also almost half the price (I paid 175 gbp instead of 330 gbp for the Leica).

[Jeff S]

I use a Leica thumb support as the only accessory for all my M bodies.  Fits perfectly, easily removable, provides all the grip I need and protects the hot shoe, which otherwise isn’t needed. The SL2 better serves my EVF requirements, and I don’t use flash with an M.  Simple approach works for me.

Jeff

[Edwin Ho]

On 6/7/2023 at 2:05 AM, kinetic said:

I went to a Leica store and tried the handgrip, and that's what sold me. I shoot a fair amount vertically, and without the grip, it's enough of a bother to push me to not shoot as much vertically.

The design is sleek, it looks built-in and not an add-on, and I love that I don't need an extra plate to mount to my tripod. That means less bulk to carry around or fiddle with.

I use it in conjunction with a Hoage thumb support too. I don't know if it's really necessary, but I had it before, and now the camera feels very solid in my hand. The thumb grip doesn't really add much bulk either, so it's a no brainer for me.

Leica's handgrip for M11, together with Hoage thumb support were great. I am using this combo now.

[FrankF]

I just received my M10r.  It came with a RRS bottom plate with L Bracket ( portrait mode).  But not a grip.  I have an older M9 and now obsolete ( to me) RRS equivalent, but with a grip added.  I am going to see if I can take it off the M9 and add it to the M10 Model.  Zero cost.

But back to basic questions.... How do YOU use the camera?  Always in hand, never tripod mounted?  Then the Lecia grip or one of the Chinese copies will be the best choice.  You will like the combination.  What you do not get is fast access to the SD Card or Battery.    You must take the bottom off to get to the Battery or SD Card.  If this limitation is OK with you, then all is well and your search is over.  There is 1 Chinese version with a bottom door, but no grip.

However if you use a tripod, even occasionally, and especially the ARCA type of quick release (QR), then the Leica (24018 or 9 ) has none.  Some Chinese versions and the IDS version do have this option, and therefore, start searching on eBay for your best option, or go to the IDS Website. Leica models require you to add another base plate to your grip to mount it to your tripod ( using the ARCA QR).  All of these are limited to Landscape mode only, when tripod mounting. 

IDS offers two choices.... with a removable ARCA plate and bottom door, or fixed bottom with door.  Read on their website to figure it all out.  Neither has a L bracket for Portrait mode on a tripod.

Suppose you want to use the M10 on a Tripod ( and hand held), you want portrait and landscape mode on the tripod, and you want to get at your battery and SD Card without removing the bottom plate ( grip) AFTER you remove the camera from the tripod....   In this scenario, and for me the most important one, you are totally out of luck.  No one produced this type.... and yet it is the most universal.  RRS got close, but no trap door to access battery or SD Card.

As I said, I am not going to find my preferred do-all model. It does not exist ( yet???)... My order of preferences is

1)ARCA ,

2) Grip,

3) Portrait mode, and finally

4)Bottom door access.

In the meantime, I think I will be happy with the RRS with the grip and the L bracket.  90% of what I want.  Thumbie will be added for hand holding.

Note that THE most annoying thing on a tripod, is to have to change the battery or SD Card once you have things set up. 

Better and longer lived batteries, plus bigger SD Cards mitigate most of this hassle.

 

 

[RobW0]

7 minutes ago, FrankF said:

I just received my M10r.  It came with a RRS bottom plate with L Bracket ( portrait mode).  But not a grip.  I have an older M9 and now obsolete ( to me) RRS equivalent, but with a grip added.  I am going to see if I can take it off the M9 and add it to the M10 Model.  Zero cost.

But back to basic questions.... How do YOU use the camera?  Always in hand, never tripod mounted?  Then the Lecia grip or one of the Chinese copies will be the best choice.  You will like the combination.  What you do not get is fast access to the SD Card or Battery.    You must take the bottom off to get to the Battery or SD Card.  If this limitation is OK with you, then all is well and your search is over.  There is 1 Chinese version with a bottom door, but no grip.

However if you use a tripod, even occasionally, and especially the ARCA type of quick release (QR), then the Leica (24018 or 9 ) has none.  Some Chinese versions and the IDS version do have this option, and therefore, start searching on eBay for your best option, or go to the IDS Website. Leica models require you to add another base plate to your grip to mount it to your tripod ( using the ARCA QR).  All of these are limited to Landscape mode only, when tripod mounting. 

IDS offers two choices.... with a removable ARCA plate and bottom door, or fixed bottom with door.  Read on their website to figure it all out.  Neither has a L bracket for Portrait mode on a tripod.

Suppose you want to use the M10 on a Tripod ( and hand held), you want portrait and landscape mode on the tripod, and you want to get at your battery and SD Card without removing the bottom plate ( grip) AFTER you remove the camera from the tripod....   In this scenario, and for me the most important one, you are totally out of luck.  No one produced this type.... and yet it is the most universal.  RRS got close, but no trap door to access battery or SD Card.

As I said, I am not going to find my preferred do-all model. It does not exist ( yet???)... My order of preferences is

1)ARCA ,

2) Grip,

3) Portrait mode, and finally

4)Bottom door access.

In the meantime, I think I will be happy with the RRS with the grip and the L bracket.  90% of what I want.  Thumbie will be added for hand holding.

Note that THE most annoying thing on a tripod, is to have to change the battery or SD Card once you have things set up. 

Better and longer lived batteries, plus bigger SD Cards mitigate most of this hassle.

 

 

What does this have to do with the M11?

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[FrankF]

It is relevant to any Leica.  It gets to the matter of use and personal preferences.  Sometimes, and especially in photo circles, alternatives are not based upon need. 

The M11 is a lot easier to find the bottom door on a grip.  But getting portrait mode is still lacking, except for RRS that has it all.

I guess a different solution for me is to toss my M10R and get an M11??????