JeffGreene
(@)^(@)
I just purchased an FM Grip from Eric Paulsen for my RD1. It is a grip designed for the Nikon FM series, but also fits the RD1 with some modification. The directions for the modification are on the forum and can be found here.
Eric has made an offer to the forum, and rather than paraphrase it, I'll reproduce it verbatim from the email he sent in response to my inquiry about Grip options. He provides two options and they are presented in his own words below.
"Hi Jeff
If you were able to organize an order of 10 or more, I would set up the milling machine, perform the needed modifications to stock FM-Grips, and Black felt tip pen touch up the raw aluminum edges that would result (amazingly effective) for an extra $20 each.
I would need an order of 50 to come out with a dedicated Grip, and It would be priced at $86.
Hope this helps!
Eric Paulsen
Photo Equip"
I've purchased many of Eric's products over the years and they are top drawer stuff, immaculately engineered and produced. Many of us probably remember him under his prior company, GMP.
In all fairness I should also mention that Luigi has recently produced a new RD1 case with a built-in grip for $230 without the strap or shipping.
For those of us carrying our RD1's in Domke's, messenger bags, MClassics or whatever, a custom grip seems attractive, particularly price-wise. The modified FM Grip, while effective doesn't really fit the camera as it should.
Is there any interest out there? I would be willing to collect names, if there is.
Eric has made an offer to the forum, and rather than paraphrase it, I'll reproduce it verbatim from the email he sent in response to my inquiry about Grip options. He provides two options and they are presented in his own words below.
"Hi Jeff
If you were able to organize an order of 10 or more, I would set up the milling machine, perform the needed modifications to stock FM-Grips, and Black felt tip pen touch up the raw aluminum edges that would result (amazingly effective) for an extra $20 each.
I would need an order of 50 to come out with a dedicated Grip, and It would be priced at $86.
Hope this helps!
Eric Paulsen
Photo Equip"
I've purchased many of Eric's products over the years and they are top drawer stuff, immaculately engineered and produced. Many of us probably remember him under his prior company, GMP.
In all fairness I should also mention that Luigi has recently produced a new RD1 case with a built-in grip for $230 without the strap or shipping.
For those of us carrying our RD1's in Domke's, messenger bags, MClassics or whatever, a custom grip seems attractive, particularly price-wise. The modified FM Grip, while effective doesn't really fit the camera as it should.
Is there any interest out there? I would be willing to collect names, if there is.
R
RML
Guest
I'm interested but hesitant.
JeffGreene
(@)^(@)
What makes you hesitate?
pfogle
Well-known
I've got one of these grips... it's never off the camera. Absolutely brilliant for getting a good firm grip, especially when carrying the camera between shots in the right hand - it feels sooo much more secure.
I didn't like the hard plastic hand-grip (the base plate is alloy) so I covered mine with black leather; now it's very comfortable and gives a much better grip.
I didn't like the hard plastic hand-grip (the base plate is alloy) so I covered mine with black leather; now it's very comfortable and gives a much better grip.
JeffGreene
(@)^(@)
Phil:
Would you happen to have a photo of the "covered" grip. Just wondering.
Would you happen to have a photo of the "covered" grip. Just wondering.
R
RML
Guest
First, the image of the Nikon grip doesn't look so nice. Secondly, I've never used a grip. Thirdly, I have no experience with these particular grips. Fourthly, nearly $100 for a grip or shell out some $250 for a Luigi case with grip.
pfogle
Well-known
taffer
void
Just adding my thought to this to second Jeff's words about Eric Paulsen and Photoequip, top quality grips and a real gentleman !
I also recommend you giving a look to their new Leica M grips if you haven't done it yet at www.photoequip.net. I have no connection at all other than being a really really happy customer.
I also recommend you giving a look to their new Leica M grips if you haven't done it yet at www.photoequip.net. I have no connection at all other than being a really really happy customer.
lightwriter
Established
pfogle said:
That looks really nice. Now I HAVE to get mine covered
akptc
Shoot first, think later
Wondering if anything ever get organized? I would be interested in an R-D1 grip.
rvaubel
Well-known
I was interested in a grip till I got that wrist strap thing that was advertised here on RF. I was always worried about dropping my camera before. An added benefit of a strap is you can let your camera dangle from your wrist like a charm braclet when you are changing lenses. Really, it works.
What everhappened to the wrist strap guy? I want another one.
Rex
What everhappened to the wrist strap guy? I want another one.
Rex
akptc
Shoot first, think later
Speaking of wrist straps, I wonder if any of those "serious" leather wrist straps for SLRs (they attach to the bottom of the camera body and to one of the lugs, and go over your entire thumb) would work on the R-D1. I've always wanted to try on eof thouse but the local store does't carry them.
brucek
Member
I've found that the Sling available from Leica Goodies (www.leicagoodies.com) works beautifully on the R-D1.
Bruce
Bruce
akptc
Shoot first, think later
Spoke with Mr. Paulsen this morning, he only has 9 of Nikon FM grips left, said he'd need about 15-20 orders to break even making the R-D1 grip (not sure if that's till the case given he only has 9 left to work with). Anyway, my R-D1 seems to be destined to remain gripless...JeffGreene said:
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john3
Newbie
akptc said:
I'm interested in getting one too...
akptc
Shoot first, think later
Perhaps if everyone who's interested in the grip emailed Eric Paulsen? He would be the most logical choise to keep count, I think. Here is his email address, from his website:
PhotoEquip@yahoo.com
PhotoEquip@yahoo.com
john3
Newbie
akptc said:
I did & he advised us to have a group order. Anyone care to organize?
akptc
Shoot first, think later
Based in this thread, there may be 3 folks interested:
RML (?)
john3
akptc
A long way from an order of 15-20...
RML (?)
john3
akptc
A long way from an order of 15-20...
JeffGreene
(@)^(@)
It's probably just easier to order the existing grip and modify it. It's really pretty straightforward. Mine is never off my camera! I covered my grip with leather following Phil Fogle's lead, and really appreciate using it. I frankly don't think you will get the numbers necessary for Eric to design a custom grip or even modify his existing 9 grips. Emailing Eric without organization will just be annoying. JMHO
Respectfully,
Respectfully,
pfogle
Well-known
Jeff, I agree, the mod is much easier than most people seem to think... the material is soft aluminium, and is very easy to file down. Like yourself, to me it's just a part of the camera (a part that, for some reason, Epson forgot to put on!).JeffGreene said: