Comparing two add-on grips for the D-Lux 4

[elgenper]

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(Apologies for a long post, but it is intended as a kind of mini-review)

 

I got the original Leica grip when I bought my D-Lux4, and have used it all the time (about 3 weeks). I´ve never even tried to use the camera without a grip; it is far too fiddly, and I would keep pressing the wrong buttons at the wrong times. This was one of my major gripes with the D-Lux 3 I owned before, and for which no grip was available.

 

With the original grip, it was another story altogether. I got a firm and secure grip, and my thumb found its place on the rear thumbrest; no inadvertent button pressing anymore. Even when walking with the camera in my right hand, it helped a lot; it could "dangle" on my fingertips, just like a full sized dSLR would (I always use a wrist strap, never a neckstrap, regardless of camera type). And, it moves the tripod mount from the end of the camera body to directly below the lens axis.

 

There are some drawbacks with the original grip, for sure. It is rather expensive (although I got mine as a bonus). It makes the camera taller, and it will not work with the original leather case (which I don´t own anyway). It looks like some kind of phony winder, and cannot exactly be said to embellish the camera, even though fit and finish is first rate. Also, the thumb screw holding it must be loosened and the whole grip swung forward to gain access to the card/battery door. In a way, this may prove an advantage, too: several reviewers have noted that this door is quite flimsy, and may even get broken off eventually. The grip not only protects the door when in place; it would kind of replace a missing door if necessary (there is no contact on the door, so the camera will power up and work even when the door is open or missing), covering the hatch completely and securely.

 

 

Richard Franiec markets an alternative grip for this camera, and was kind enough to send me one for evaluation. It is beautifully made from some kind of alloy, and has a black finish very similar to that of the camera itself. It mounts with a strong adhesive, and if one follows the instructions carefully, the grip feels quite secure and looks more or less like an integral part of the camera. The work is not difficult, but demands some care. The instructions say it is easy to remove the grip without any resulting mars or marks on the camera. I have no reason to doubt this (if I had, I wouldn´t have mounted it...), but I haven´t tried it yet. The adhesive is said to be good for a few cycles of dismounting/remounting, but essentially you either decide to live with the grip on the camera, or you don´t, it is nothing you change on a day-to-day basis.

 

As I said, the grip looks very good on the camera. It doesn´t interfere with any controls or doors on the camera, and it doesn´t add to its height. It is said to work with the original leather case; again, I don´t own one, so I can´t try it.

 

Drawbacks? In my rather big hands, it doesn´t allow quite as firm a grip as does the original one, and my thumb is slightly more prone to wander where it shouldn´t. Also, it is not possible to "dangle" the camera on the fingertips when carrying it; it must either be gripped with both thumb and fingers, or left to hang freely from the wriststrap (not recommended...). These differences in handling are of course due to the lower profile and different lines of this grip compared to the original one; exactly what makes it look better and handier. So, obviously it is a trade-off that one must make. I can´t think of any way to "improve" Richard´s design without compromising the whole idea.

 

 

So, which grip is the "best" one? Both, in that both afford very significant improvements in handling over the gripless camera. But they are different, in that they give priority to different aspects of use.

 

The original puts grippability first, and you do get it in heaps, but you have to live with the drawbacks: added bulk, hassle when accessing card/battery, obvious "add-on" look.

 

Richard´s design puts discrete good looks and "hasslefreeness" first. You put it on and forget it; it is never in your way, you can keep using the cases you own, and it doesn´t detract from the camera´s classy look in any way. You do get a lot of grippability too, but not quite in the same league.

 

So, in the end every prospective user must decide what is most important to him/her, and then make a choice. Either way, he´ll get a vast improvement over the unadorned camera, and both are of impeccable quality and finish.

 

My own choice? I´ve had the unusual privilege of getting both grips for free, so now I have a hard time trying to decide..... For the time being, I´ll leave Richard´s grip in place and see how I adapt to it over a period of a few weeks. If I had to make a final choice right now, with my big hands, I would be inclined to go with the original and live with the drawbacks after all, but I may be in a minority there; Richard´s grip looks so darn GOOD on the camera.... In any case, I´m certainly not going to miss the opportunity to have a longer test period before deciding.

 

Finally, the usual disclaimer: besides getting the grip for free (for which I´m grateful), I have no affiliations to or economic interests in Richard´s business (nor in Leica´s.....)

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[cobbslane]

I am very much a fan of the Richard Franiec grips as they are superbly made, excellent value and most importnatly have been designed to work and work well.

 

I had a Canon G9 which was a very slippery beast at the best of times. To this I added the Franiec grip and small thumbpiece specifically designed for the rear of the camera. I removed it and re-applied it once without too much difficulty (but with a lot of trepidation!) and just as Richard had described it re-attached ok without leaving a mark when it was removed.

 

The grip was tremendous and allowed me to hold the camera quite loosely between shots in a vertical hold at my side - great for street work and being unobtrusive. I did still use a wrist strap though as I didn't quite trust myself to remember to 'hang on' to it.

 

I too am now interested in such a grip but I hesitate since the only problem with the Canon model was that the finish did not exactly match in colour or texture the body of the camera. It still looked fine but not as it might have done if it had been an OEM model. Do you find this with the example you have?

 

In answer to your question, it is quite simple. I strongly urge you to use the Leica grip. That way the Franiec one will be surplus and you can send it to me. I promise to cherish it, use it and look after it...

[elgenper]

....

I too am now interested in such a grip but I hesitate since the only problem with the Canon model was that the finish did not exactly match in colour or texture the body of the camera. It still looked fine but not as it might have done if it had been an OEM model. Do you find this with the example you have?

 

No, I actually think they come remarkably close both in colour (black....) and texture. In very good light, one can just tell them apart, but it´s certainly not conspicuous. There may be sample variation, of course, but...

 

In answer to your question, it is quite simple. I strongly urge you to use the Leica grip. That way the Franiec one will be surplus and you can send it to me. I promise to cherish it, use it and look after it...

 

:D

[Richard Franiec]

Per,

 

I would like to thank you for evaluation of custom grip and comparison with the factory one.

Actually, this is the first time when OEM product was compared to my own.

The reason for that is that most of my accessories are filling gaps left by original design.

This grip is the exception and I was on the fence for long time before making decision of developing one. Many D-Lux4 users were very persistent in showing shortcomings of available add on (namely: size preventing fit into case, blocking battery compartment and price) so, I finally caved in.

 

It is up to the users of custom grip to decide if I succeeded or not but I would like to share my philosophy regarding the accessories in general.

Outside of visual appeal the accessory have to have most utility in simple, compact, worry free package. Overall, camera always comes first.

It is difficult task to balance the act without leaning to much to either side of the spectrum thus possibility of creating "perfect" solution is rather remote.

Another very important factor is affordability to user. Not everyone will get 2 freebie grips like yourself .

 

According to your review both accessories score good points in different areas.

I think your thoughtful evaluation point that out clearly and in my view it provides great help in choosing the right accessory depending on what is most important to potential user.

 

Finally, it is very important how to handle the cam with the grip attached.

The picture below shows the person with rather small hand.

Personally I hold mine between the middle finger curved along the contour of the grip and ball of my thumb pressing on the dimpled area on the back.

 

Cheers

 

Richard

[d2mini]

I would totally get one of Richards.

To me that one looks way better than oem grip and my hands are definitely small enough.

Only reason I haven't yet is because I decided to order a leicatime case with the built in grip.

I might get the hot shoe cover though.

[jimbo035]

After minimal deliberation I ordered one of Richard's.. It arrived today and I can only endorse all the good things said about it already. As far as I'm concerned - preferable to the OEM alternative , and better looking :-)

Would-be UK purchasers need not be put off by the thought of Revenue & Customs impositions, as because of its value neither Import Duty nor VAT are cuurently applicable.

 

Just a reminder of the URL:

Richard Franiec's Camera Accessories

[zenonzinonos]

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I ordered Richard's grip and it arrived in less than a week - all the way from the USA to Cyprus! Fitted it last night and tried it out this morning. Verdict? Camera fits my hand perfectly and feels more secure as a result. Highly recommended.

[eric_e]

I also ordered a grip from Richard which took only 5 days to arrive here in Scotland.

Very easy to fit, feels secure and very comfortable and also looks great too. I can confirm that the D-Lux 4 still fits in the Leica leather case with the grip attached.

I'm very happy with it and definitely recommend it.

[Richard Franiec]

Due to diminishing demand, Custom D-Lux4 grip reaches the end of production cycle.

Last batch of grips is being manufactured as we speak and will be available for all of you who were unaware of the custom grip existence or has been undecided.

Support (technical and replacement strips) will continue.

 

Availability of accessories shared with Panasonic Lumix LX3 (cable release adapter and hot shoe cover) will also continue as long as there is enough interest to support production of even small batches of them.

 

Thank you for your support and inspiration, hopefully I will be able to provide enhancements to your future Leica compacts.

 

Cheers

 

Richard

[elgenper]

Being the thread starter, I take this opportunity to make an update. Among other things, I wrote this passage about Richard´s grip:

 

.......

Drawbacks? In my rather big hands, it doesn´t allow quite as firm a grip as does the original one, and my thumb is slightly more prone to wander where it shouldn´t. Also, it is not possible to "dangle" the camera on the fingertips when carrying it; it must either be gripped with both thumb and fingers, or left to hang freely from the wriststrap (not recommended...). These differences in handling are of course due to the lower profile and different lines of this grip compared to the original one; exactly what makes it look better and handier. So, obviously it is a trade-off that one must make......

 

Now, for me that trade-off has changed. I got my M9 last February, so now the D-Lux 4 is strictly for times when I just CAN´T carry the M9. These times, I don´t dangle the camera on my fingertips either; I carry it in a pocket or belt pouch, and only take it out when I actually expose a picture.

 

So, about one month ago, I said to myself: ´Why make the camera bigger than necessary with that original grip? The situation has changed, and so have my priorities for this camera.´

 

I took the Leica grip off and dug Richard´s grip out of the cupboard. The adhesive still worked perfectly, and the grip feels as secure as the first time I mounted it. And it has stayed on ever since. I think it will stay there for good.

 

So, again, thanks, Richard!

[elgenper]

A final follow-up to this old thread….

 

My son bought a D-Lux 5 some time ago, and asked me to order one of Richard Franiec´s grips for him after trying out my D-Lux 4 with my old grip still mounted.

 

Turned out Richard has made a rather subtle redesign since I got mine. It looks the same, just as nice finish and fit, but the ´ledge´ for the fingertips to grip is now steeper and more perpendicular to the camera front. The result is a notably improved grippabilty that is very welcome (this was my one criticism after trying the old one; now I´m quite happy with the new one).

 

Too bad Leica didn´t ask Richard to design their original grip….

IMHO, his version is now superior to the Leica one in every respect.

[Fang]

Agree with you, I had the Richard's grip on my D-Lux5 and I just love it - the feel of the grip on the camera.

 

Too bad Leica didn´t ask Richard to design their original grip….

IMHO, his version is now superior to the Leica one in every respect.