New smallrig handle for Q3

[Max Lee]

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Came across this new titanium-alloy beefy handle from Smallrig. The craftsmanship and build quality seems top-notch. 

On Youtube there is only one clip talking about this, which is from Alex Barrera who thinks this is the best grip for Q3.  -- The Best Grip for the Leica Q3

I wonder if any one here has tried and can share your experience.

Additionally, this is obviously designed for Q3 but I guess it should fit with Q2 with no problem. Is this a reasonable assumption ? 

L-Shape Mount Plate with Handle for Leica Q3

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[summarity]

I have it. It's great. I moved from the JJC grip to the full version of this, which has a top part to make it a full cage. After knocking my Q3 a bit during travel, I feel much better with this. Plus, in video shooting, the HDMI + USB-C clamps are appreciated. I didn't go for custom engraving. The movable cold shoe is nice for mounting a screen mirror (for self-filming), while leaving the Leica thumb grip in place. Even the full cage doesn't actually increase the size of the Q3 much, because the top part goes in front of the camera, not above.

I have more than 10 SmallRig cages, and this is the highest quality of any of them. Two things I don't like: it's gray, I prefer black. The right upper strap bar means there's a slight bump in the path of your shutter finger. It's just about fine (I have long fingers), but might be less ideal for smaller hands.

All screws for the accessories are stored in spare threads when the camera is out of the cage or e.g. the clamp is detached. The tool is stored at the bottom. All very well thought through.

Here are two photos (ignore the fan behind the camera, it's used to get unlimited recording time 😆)

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[haelio]

If they update this with a black version I'll buy this immediately. I like titanium as a material, but the colour is messy with the all-black Q3. Make it out of black anodized aluminium, and it should be lighter and cheaper as well.

[Max Lee]

Thank you for sharing the experience. This is convincing. I just placed the order. Much appreciated !

[drewpost]

Is there any way to use this with the Peak Design clip? I have the V3 clip but I don't see how I'd be able to attach the capture plate to the bottom of the camera with this grip on.

[summarity]

You can attach anything you'd like to the bottom. There are multiple threads.

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[Simone_DF]

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Curious how is this better than the JJC grip, which is half the price? Talking about the grip version only, not the cage

[summarity]

You get a much, much larger grip as the Smallrig one adds rubber at the front and back (which is removable). It also does this for the full height. So for me, it's a lot more comfortable (large hands).

[Marc283]

I got the Smallrig grip (just the grip, not the complete cage) yesterday. I moved from the JJC grip. The Smallrig is much larger than the JJC one. But I like it very much. If you have bigger/larger hands, get this one. Combined with the thumb grip the grip on the camera is top notch.

[Max Lee]

I just received the smallrig grip for my Q2. Unfortunately it does NOT fit with Q2 well. The door of the memory card slot will be blocked and cannot open. I will have it returned and try the JJC one instead.

[summarity]

2 hours ago, Max Lee said:

I just received the smallrig grip for my Q2. Unfortunately it does NOT fit with Q2 well. The door of the memory card slot will be blocked and cannot open. I will have it returned and try the JJC one instead.

Smallrig offers no handle for the Q2 as far as I can see. Only SL2(-S), SL3 and Q3 (cage and grip). JJC has versions for both the Q2 and Q3 (HG-Q3/HG-Q2).

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[Max Lee]

That is correct. Smallrig says it is for Q3 clearly. The fault is mine. I was just trying my luck to see if it can fit Q2 as well. Unfortunately it was not the case.

After comparing the feedbacks for IDS and JJC handles here in the forum, I decided to pick JJC.

[Phtoguyinthevalley]

I have both on my Q3. The smallrig grip is clearly much beefier which feels great, but it’s also heavier. An issue that I had with the smallrig is that you can’t easily attach a split ring to small rig it’s clearly set up for a traditional webbing based piece of fabric or for peakdesign. I’m going crazy trying to attach traditional split rings as it covers up the lugs on the camera.

[howiebrou]

On 10/16/2024 at 11:41 PM, Phtoguyinthevalley said:

I have both on my Q3. The smallrig grip is clearly much beefier which feels great, but it’s also heavier. An issue that I had with the smallrig is that you can’t easily attach a split ring to small rig it’s clearly set up for a traditional webbing based piece of fabric or for peakdesign. I’m going crazy trying to attach traditional split rings as it covers up the lugs on the camera.

The difficulty in attaching split rings is the most annoying thing about this grip.  The strap attachment bar is so far into the slot that it is virtually impossible to attach a small ring and so low in the slot that larger split rings don't fit. Threading quick release loops like those from Peak Design is also very difficult without tweezers for the same reason. 

[PeterHatt]

I’m interested in this, but wondering if my much loved rope strap would attach, could you fit the straps ring to the Smallrig ‘bar’ ?

[Genoweffa]

On 9/1/2024 at 7:06 AM, Marc283 said:

I got the Smallrig grip (just the grip, not the complete cage) yesterday. I moved from the JJC grip. The Smallrig is much larger than the JJC one. But I like it very much. If you have bigger/larger hands, get this one. Combined with the thumb grip the grip on the camera is top notch.

Since the grip is large and tall, can q3 be comfortably used w/o the thumb rest ? 

[Marc283]

On 1/27/2025 at 1:51 AM, Genoweffa said:

Since the grip is large and tall, can q3 be comfortably used w/o the thumb rest ? 

Yes, you can. 😉 I like the Q3 with the Smallrig grip and the thumb grip. But it depends on the size of your hands. I like the beefier grip on the camera.

[Jeffry Abt]

 

My Q3 43 riged out.

SmallRig: Leica Q3 43 cage with wooden mini side handle. I leave the cage and handle on the camera all the time.

8Sinn: Shinobi Monitor cage (regrettably, 8Sinn doesn’t make a Q3 cage. I like their products.)

Unexpectedly, the Shinobi monitor works better on the Q3 than my SL2. On the SL2, it went dark in Photo mode. But on the Q3, it works in both Video and Photo modes.

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Edited February 4 by Jeffry Abt

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica Q

[F-train]

I tried the grip and returned it.

You can not attach it without removing the strap.

Also colours do not match the q3-43, and found the grip too fat.

Nice quality though, but unsophisticated.

 

[PeterHatt]

I have this & really like it, once fitted you can remove card & battery with no problems. The grip for me is excellent it inspires confidence handling the camera be it with neck or wrist strap 

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