Finger grips for small cameras….DIY

[davidrc]

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Thumbs up accessories are not for everyone. Unfortunately they seem to stick out a little too much.

After some weeks of using my new CL, I came across a silicone moulding / glue product. It is called Sugru. There are similar alternatives, but since the original sets and is said to remain slightly flexible…..here I go.

I have of course taped over the camera. The Sugru is removable, but not too easy.  No risk to the camera.

The whole point to doing this, as with my trial of blu tac showed, there is a need to have the thumb resting aside a “hump”.

The Sugru moulds very easily, and it has been left to set. I have used white, so as not to use up valuable black, and I have put some round a broken apple ipad cable (these are commonplace breaking) 

White is also easy to see in photos, so I can see where, if, It needs alterations in shape and size.  I have put a little too much on I feel, possibly, but before the final black one is to be done, I can check.

It is moulded on two sides, so the right wheel is not restricted.

More in days, when I get to the next stage.  Any suggestions are welcome.

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Edited October 30, 2023 by davidrc
Typos

[davidrc]

The camera has a grip on it, so there is the finger grip on the front.  Fingers on a grip actually makes the lack of any thumb “stop” all the more apparent.

[davidrc]

18 hours on…..after 10 hours you can still press with a little pressure to mould.  It is a fair thickness, so that’s in line with the instruction guidance. Can be up to 48 hrs for full curing.

It is feeling very effective. Very much akin to a back thumb “hump” on a (dare I say) a Fuji XT camera.

I dare say you could make all manner of shapes to suit the individual.  But, combined with the commonly used camera grip Leica or otherwise, it really does help to have something for the thumb, without having to stretch over for a “thumbs up” type attachment.

More later…..

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[Njhaley]

I’ve thought about this for the TL2 I want just a small dot of grip on the glassy back. Maybe tape + this is a good plan

[davidrc]

13 minutes ago, Njhaley said:

I’ve thought about this for the TL2 I want just a small dot of grip on the glassy back. Maybe tape + this is a good plan

I have been meaning to update.  The Sugru unfortunately does come off.  My pack I bought may be out of date, or pressure may dislodge, or material has a greasy surface.

If attempting yourself, I would use a straight domed dot. This could then be taped over.  Probably a better way.

Anyone who does dislike a thumbs up style, could install one of those and file down the end curl.  This would then be more comfy as they do stick out a lot.  And a lower profile curl would still work.

Tape to begin with before doing anything is a good idea.  Protect the camera.

You can see how the M10 and 11 got to have the stub with wheel on them.  Really helpful.  The all simple CL needs something.

[Njhaley]

I think I just want this sort of size. Would probably give it an extensive stress test above a squishy bed first though 🫣

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[davidrc]

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That is interesting.  If you taped the camera, and whatever that is, had an adhesion layer, it could be secure. 
As anything which stops the thumb slipping would work.  It’s all you need.  I may have ‘over engineered’ my trial and being big liable to move.

a blob with texture, and an adhesion layer, would create what is stuck to your computer?  Gives texture. You can do that with sugru. 

[davidrc]

In the end, getting the right size and adhesion without being totally permanent will take some time.

reshaping and making the thumb grip smaller is the solution for the time being, as a thumb grip is quite hard edged and not comfy, too big, and blocks the left wheel…..well, not any more. 😀 

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[KitW]

I like the little red dot idea. I have the aluminium thumbgrip. I don't find it uncomfortable but it does block the dials. The other advantage of it though is that it protects the screen a little.

[davidrc]

What we know is often all we know, and sometimes only actually physically experiencing…..

This is why I said IF you find the grip uncomfortable, you will appreciate the difference. And making the wheels more easy to get at is indisputable, reshaping does that.

The grip dictates, reshaping it gives more comfort, freedom of movement, access. I also should add I use it in conjunction with a Haoge camera grip for the fingers. It has a tripod bush which the Leica does not have.

Think of the stub hump and wheel on a M 10 or 11, it would be great on a CL. As yet I can’t come up with a way…..but I will one day.

And a third control wheel on it….would have made the CL perfect, it needs that extra function help.

Making a stub type hump is better, but it probably means it will still be a strip of metal coming from the hotshoe. Just more low profile and more suitable angle.

watch this space.

Edited February 3, 2024 by davidrc

[jaapv]

The thumb grip made in a small series by a forum member seven years ago is still stuck on without any problem He supplied the double sided foam tape by 3M that is used for car badges. 

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[davidrc]

22 minutes ago, jaapv said:

The thumb grip made in a small series by a forum member seven years ago is still stuck on without any problem He supplied the double sided foam tape by 3M that is used for car badges. 

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That is rather neat. Something I could have easily done, but I chickened out at first base, as I didn’t want to adhere directly.

If covering protection could be achieved first, I would have done so.  There is some material in the uk which will adhere but can be removed. Something to try.

[jaapv]

I tried the tape out on another camera (M8) It sticks tightly but comes off without residue. The paint as less permanent over the years…

[davidrc]

9 minutes ago, jaapv said:

I tried the tape out on another camera (M8) It sticks tightly but comes off without residue. The paint as less permanent over the years…

I used such car mirror tape to put a folding flap on the side of a Hasselblad prism, to allow an eye to remain open during focussing. Light blocked to it. Long hours of pro work and a tensed eye closed muscle can cause strain.
An optician gave me that trick, eyes are tested both open, one blocked off.
It’s the only camera you could do it with. 30 years and I can’t get the b’thing off without brute force.

That’s a shame. Odd that paint would be more greasy, which probably is why.

The other side of that ‘tab’ is also usual for parking the thumb on the right….which you can do with the thumb grip too.

The trimmed thumb grip is much better than when new, but it takes some effort and care to trim. But well worth doing.

Thanks for sharing that, there must be some way of securing in a semi permanent way.

[jaapv]

Normally you should be able to twist it off. Otherwise pull dental floss through with a sawing motion. 

[edstock]

I bought a Leica thumb grip, and have used it without any problem of snagging on clothing or pulling out of a small bag. I find the grip allows me to "one hand it". I only use/have the one 18 kit lens.

[davidrc]

1 hour ago, edstock said:

I bought a Leica thumb grip, and have used it without any problem of snagging on clothing or pulling out of a small bag. I find the grip allows me to "one hand it". I only use/have the one 18 kit lens.

Possibly only using the smallest lens is the key….no weight, hence no issue for you.

Small adjustments even can make a huge difference.