Getting a grip on my M

Any grip or any accessory is a personal choice. I got a Leica grip, thinking it'd make life and camera handling better...

Well, it did, and it didn't. While it's easier to hold the camera with the grip, after a while my hand hurts. It adds unnecessary steps to simple operations like changing a lens (when I use my Elmarit 135mm f2.8) and to unload and reload film. It does help with securing the camera on a tripod... and I think that's all I can say.

As for selling it... I will and will not. The few times I've used it (briefly), I have liked it, but then, I have needed to do some of the operations listed above and then I didn't leave it on the camera for good.

Furthermore, the very small edge that comes in contact with the camera can leave some very light marks on the leatherette. They are next to invisible, but then, keel the grip for, say, ten years, and the effects won't be invisible no more. :)

Hope this helps! ;)
 
I've gotta use a grip as I've got arthritis- had the M grip for a while, and the MD grip on my M8 for a while. I've settled on Tom A's Rapidgrip for the film bodies and the Leica grip for the digitals. The M grip and the MD grip are shorter than the Rapidgrip- and I hold the camera better with the grip reaching up higher towards the top. I'd say you should give each kind a try. The MD grip is padded unlike the others, but nothing luxurious.

I never remove any of the grips (well the Leica digital is a replacement baseplate) for changing film or anything except for the one I hacked to my M5. Yes, I've marred the cameras because of this.
 
Thanks, that's good feedback. The ML grip sounds good, but I'd want to see it before buying. I might wind up with an A&A half case on the M7. I've had another Japanese brand on my M6 for 25 years and its been good at least for protection.
 
I use a Rapidgrip. It is like a Leica... engineered way stronger than it has to be. I like it.
 
I, too, use the Rapidgrip. I've tried the Leica grip - it's smaller and lighter, but doesn't provide the support of the Rapidgrip.
 
If you have an M7, the Leica grip might not fit quite right without some jimmying. Mine didn't. I wrote Leica about it and their advice was:

There is an easy solution to the problem - When using the grip with the M7 you need to add some washers to the grip. For some reason this grip works with the M6 but when used with the M7 the extra washers need to be added.
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This was followed up by:

Possibly if you take the washer out that will work.
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For long lenses, grips are a must for me - make the camera more steady, facilitate tripod use, etc. I'm partial to the original, now discontinued GMP grip - I like the feeling of the smooth metal and the corners.

382005018_d6xaS-L.jpg
 
I've had five or six M7 bodies over the years (2 now) and have never had any trouble with any of my grips fitting well?


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In the beginning, when I was new to a M6, coming from a big DSLR, I demanded a grip and bought a Leica grip at a bargain price.

After a few weeks I stopped using it, as the naked body fits the hand a lot better.
When I started, to use more heavy lenses, I came over a Motor-M, which is a great accessory for more speed and a nice grip.

I don't have it on permanently anymore, but like to use it from time to time.

I find, that adding a Leicavit or Rapidwinder does help a lot in camera handling as well and have one permanently attached to my main film body.

I don't like the Leica grip for film bodies anymore - it adds an awkward edgy shape to the camera bottom, which isn't too nice for my left hand.
 
Tim Gray said:
If you have an M7, the Leica grip might not fit quite right without some jimmying. Mine didn't. I wrote Leica about it and their advice was:



This was followed up by:
Click to expand...

Strange. The M-grip fits perfectly on my M7. But I've taken it a step further; I added the Thumbs Up (EP mod 1) for rock steadiness. There is no interference with the winder, except that one cannot shoot as fast as when keeping the thumb on the winder. Not a problem for me; I'm not a speed shooter.

Belt and suspenders (or "braces" in Brit Speak.)

Harry
 
I bought a Leica Drip for my M, used it once and decided it was not for me. Bulks up the M too much, and as I mainly use 35 50 90, I found that it wasn't necessary at all. Personal preference mainly. Others may find it very useful if you shoot with a heavy lens.

Regards,

Akitadog
 
A grip is something you need to try. Until recently I used a Leica grip on my M4-P and found it better than a bare camera. I tried it with a wrist strap and that combo worked well. The grip let me dangle the camera at my side between fingers on the grip and thumb on the back, ready to use. Then I moved to a Domke strap, wrapped around my wrist or slung over my shoulder. This was more flexible. Now I've got an A&A half-case and strap. Without the grip I need to wrap the strap around my wrist to take load off my fingers holding the camera in its case. This also feels fine, and actually looks a lot nicer. If you ever mount your camera on a tripod, the centering lug on the Leica (and I presume others) grip is nice. Maybe I'll change back sometime. Both ways work.

Steve
 
Rapidgrip works very well for me. Did not like the others. Leica plastic grip was the worst. I have big hands.
 
I own 3 of the GMP grips. Love 'em. Had a leica grip and it was good too, had a bit of "flex" seeing as it's mostly plastic.
 
SolaresLarrave said:
Any grip or any accessory is a personal choice.
Click to expand...

ferider said:
I'm partial to the original, now discontinued GMP grip - I like the feeling of the smooth metal and the corners.

382005018_d6xaS-L.jpg
Click to expand...

kzphoto said:
I own 3 of the GMP grips. Love 'em.
Click to expand...

I have to agree with SolaresLarrave: It's personal, all right! while Ferider and kzphoto like the GMP grip, I find them to be finger-torture devices. The problem is there is not enough depth to actually wrap a finger joint around, causing me to have to grip very tightly, which hurts my fingers. Much better is the Leica M-grip, and the Rapidgrip. Another example of a good grip, IMO, is the one on the Nikon MD-15.
 
Three bodies. IIIf feels perfect with no grip whatsoever, fits so nice in the hand. M6 TTL needed a Leica M Grip, and being that it's plastic, I was able to file it down and re-shape it so it fits my hand much better. M8.2 has the Leica Digital grip, very solid, metal, not going to file that one down, fits nice just the way it is.

Spent decades shooting SLR's with motor drives, so a grip just feels natural in my hand. For me, it makes holding the camera all day long a comfortable endeavor.

Best,
-Tim

PS: And make sure to add one of Tom A's mini softies to round out the package. Really love those.
 
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I would try a half case first. They have a very small one built in, it's enough for me plus the added protection.
 
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