Experience with the Multifunctional Handgrip?

[Dr. G]

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Has anyone used the multifunctional hangdgrip?  Cosat aside, I'm just wondering about the ergonomics and if it's worth the extra bulk on the camera.

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[slimsnapped]

I have one to use with my SL2/SL2-S. For me it has been worth it. When shooting corporate events and having the camera in hand a good portion of the day it just feels right. The added bulk/weight is noticeable, especially on days when it is being used with a dual harness and 24-70 for 8 hours.

[Dr. G]

The only reason I'm considering it is because I shoot at events where I'm sitting next to other people and when I turn my camera to portrait orientation my elbow ends up in someone else's space.  

[dpitt]

I have one.
When I bought my SL, I thought it would be nothing for me because it just adds size and weight to a camera that is already bulky compared to my M9.
I use my Leica SL mostly with my R lenses, and it is great for that use. I found that if I use it with the multi function grip it actually feels much better in my hands than without. Even with shorter lenses the balance is much better and my hands do not get cramped as easily. Of course the portrait mode is much easier to use too.

Funny enough I like the balance best when there is no extra battery in the grip. That way the combo feels lighter in my hand than the naked SL does. It is mounted on my SL permanently when I am at home, or close to the car.

Only when I take the camera further (traveling), the multi function grip is left behind. The extra weight  is not worth it when I need to carry it for longer periods before or after shooting.

So, I would probably never bought it new because it is not cheap, but now that I have it anyway, it is an essential part of my SL experience.

[davidmknoble]

I like it when shooting landscapes in part because of the extra battery.  In colder weather the battery dies more quickly, but in an all day ‘hike’ or ‘outing’ it makes it easy. The vertical v horizontal is nice and it adds some weight for balancing heavier lenses.

[robb]

I have two.  Bought one new and one at half price once more hit the used market.

great for extra battery.  Pretty good for controls.  Not that heavy.

def great for keeping elbows in.  I primarily use them with my two sl2-s cameras more than my two sl2.  I don’t use them with tripod.  Also helps in video use with sl2-s.  

Robb

 

[MediaFotografie]

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I used every SL with the handgrip, for me very useful (and well build).

Loving the new grip because of it's new back side: the back is very advantageous for high format shots because of the notch.

 

 

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[Dr. G]

1 hour ago, MediaFotografie said:

I used every SL with the handgrip, for me very useful (and well build).

Loving the new grip because of it's new back side: the back is very advantageous for high format shots because of the notch.

 

 

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What notch, the one under the joystick?  Was that not there on earlier versions?

 

I just ordered one.  I figure if I ordered the Oberwerth Large SL bag, I may as well take advantage of the extra space

Edited April 5, 2024 by Dr. G

[MediaFotografie]

vor 49 Minuten schrieb Dr. G:

What notch, the one under the joystick?  Was that not there on earlier versions?

 

I just ordered one.  I figure if I ordered the Oberwerth Large SL bag, I may as well take advantage of the extra space

no, I mean the space under the display - that's really new; you need this to "tilt" the display, but it gives better grip for high format also

[MediaFotografie]

SL2 with hand grip for comparison

 

 

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[Dr. G]

8 minutes ago, MediaFotografie said:

no, I mean the space under the display - that's really new; you need this to "tilt" the display, but it gives better grip for high format also

Ah, I see it now.  Suddenly I wish the tilt screen was fully articulating

[dpitt]

On 4/5/2024 at 7:10 PM, MediaFotografie said:

SL2 with hand grip for comparison

 

 

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Thanks for posting this with the wrist/hand strap.
Seeing this made me realize that I have such a strap that came with my old R8+motor winder, and that it would fit my Leica SL when the multi grip is mounted.
I like the handling with this kind of strap much better than a neck or a standard wrist strap..

[MediaFotografie]

vor 34 Minuten schrieb dpitt:

I like the handling with this kind of strap much better than a neck or a standard wrist strap..

same to me!

there will be a new Leica strap at the end of May, we will see

[Dr. G]

3 hours ago, MediaFotografie said:

same to me!

there will be a new Leica strap at the end of May, we will see

Is that the Elk Leather hand strap?  I've been thinking about getting the peak design clutch, but I don't like the way it mounts to the bottom of the camera.  the Micro clutch seems like a better system but I'm not sure there's enough slack in it for my giant fingers.

[MediaFotografie]

vor 5 Stunden schrieb Dr. G:

Is that the Elk Leather hand strap?  I've been thinking about getting the peak design clutch, but I don't like the way it mounts to the bottom of the camera.  the Micro clutch seems like a better system but I'm not sure there's enough slack in it for my giant fingers.

yes, eddycam Sling-2 M; fits perfectly to SL2/3 with handgrip

[Stuart Richardson]

9 hours ago, dpitt said:

Thanks for posting this with the wrist/hand strap.
Seeing this made me realize that I have such a strap that came with my old R8+motor winder, and that it would fit my Leica SL when the multi grip is mounted.
I like the handling with this kind of strap much better than a neck or a standard wrist strap..

The R9 and motor drive had a handstrap like that and it was really nice. Certainly made a big and heavy camera feel more secure, and even allowed you to release your grip a bit as you were carrying it to give your hand a bit of a break. Never used the SL2 handgrip, but the design of the SL3 version does look like an improvement here...at least in terms of ergonomics. The flat back on the SL2 version looks like it would be a bit slippery by comparison, but I guess it is hard to tell without them in hand.

[Mikko Kankainen]

Two question regarding SL3 grip:

1. If you use older batteries mixed up, one new, one old, does it give every single time this very important notification about SCL4 battery?

2. Is the bottom similar to body, can you use L-bracket with this grip?

[Mikko Kankainen]

Well I can answer these question now myself.

1. Still gives notification, so you need two SCL6 batteries.

2. Kind of works, need to find a better fitting arca swiss plate. And L-bracket not great because you cannot eject battery from the grip if needed.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[geronimosan]

I'm moving to the Leica ecosystem from a history of Nikon and Canon pro bodies (D4, D4s, 1Dx, 1DxMk2, etc) and if you shoot a lot of verticals, or have heavier lenses attached for a day that might include vertical shots, it's very worth it.  It feels much better and more organic when shooting, you aren't repeatedly forcing your button arm into an unnatural position all day long. And this handgrip will hold a second battery, so able to shoot a longer day without needing battery swaps and recharges.

[albireo_double]

Reluctantly, I always buy the grip. A lot of my shoots include a significant proportion of portrait-oriented images. The second battery is also good for avoiding mid-shoot battery changes. I fell off a mountain bike last year and ruptured the rotator cuff in my right shoulder - so far avoided operation / no pain, unrestricted movements / but holding a heavy camera with my arm up for hours on end makes the shoulder remind me of its existence. The grip helps to shut it up.