Thumb grips….mainly the CL….but will apply to other models?

[davidrc]

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Moderator….please feel to share this over other M and Q sections….

I have been trying a DIY route to improve holding ergonomics with the CL, which will apply to other models I feel sure.  I have suspended a sugru improvisation and concentrated on a metal attachment, and on the back of those trials, I have now thus acquired a Leica CL thumb grip. And worked on it when confident that it will work…and boy does it!!

Leica (or third party) have very squared off edges to thumb grips, the Leica CL is no exception….in fact the Leica is very sharp edged when pressure is applied and does not allow for any variation of thumb alignment on it, to try to negate this discomfort.

Fear not users, this discomfort (even if you don’t notice it too much or simply put up with it) can be totally eradicated.

The edges, top, side, and bottom all need rounding off.  The side, and bottom more so, to create a slight angle rather than have it left totally vertical either. Reducing the thickness at the bottom and edge by about 30%.  No loss to rigidity.

Tape up the grip obviously, all over. But leave the edges exposed to work on otherwise the masking tape rags away.  These later stages show a mask cut to shape that needs drawing, cutting and pacing on to finish off.

Tools.  Masking tape. Craft knife scapel. Small type and sharp to cut the mask. Needle files. Finishing blocks, course and fine finish for a polished finish.  Fit at all stages to get to the round edge amount you need, slowly do it, checking you don’t round or take off too much. 
Take your time!!! Practice first.  If you need help, ask.

In the end I will spray paint finish, but this is now super smooth and and so comfy I cannot describe how much better!  Feeling is believing.

i can now hold in complete comfort, secure, less tendon tension and move the thumb at any angle and even place it low down the grip for a lower profile closer to the camera thumb hold.

If you are in doubt….try a good sized layer of felt taped over the grip, and you will instantly feel what can be achieved….then, imagine it even better! 😀

I make things, being a craftsman working in brass, but any competent DIY’er can do this, with some thought and prep.

Any questions, happy to help.

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Edited February 1, 2024 by davidrc

[davidrc]

The grip has now been filed down some more, made edge smooth and the top filed to give good access to the left wheel,

such an improvement, particularly for smaller hands. I would say that is not the only reason.

The grip will be repainted at some point, but not a lot of the repainting will be visible, as since it is slimmer where the pad of the thumb rests, I am sticking on a piece of thin self adhesive black material which is genuine camera finishing leather.This provide a nice non slip key which these grips need.

So, both wheels have better access, the grip is less in the way, will have a contoured end which allows the thumb to sit at various angles more easily.

Recommend to anyone who does not like thumb grips (though they would like to) to consider, as alteration makes for a perfect grip when also combined with the camera hand grip.

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