Need opinons on side grip for Bessa R

[funky1]

Can anyone who uses the side grip attachment for the Bessa R share there thoughts on it. Is it worth the $$$ or is it more trouble than its worth? Will it stop me from using the classic case they have on special at Cameraquest?
I want ot order my Bessa today and I am thinking of throwing the grip on for good measure.

Thanks in advance
rvw

 

[fishtek]

Personally, I've decided that I'd rather protect my camera body, so have chosen to keep my camera in the half-case. I'm sure that the grip adds a bit of confidence, but I feel that the half-case does, too. Added to the "protection" factor, I have no problems NOT missing the grip.

I DO wish, however, that there was a rapid-advance base for the "R", as for the R2, etc...

Regards!
Don

 

[dazedgonebye]

I asked a similar question recently. The responses were positive for the grip.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32803&highlight=side+grip

 

[BillBingham2]

While I've used my sons R without one several time, this is basically the same as my L which goes without. Now I also do not use a 1/2 case on it as it slows down changing film and adds a bit more bulk all over than I like.

I should mention I have added a CV Winder to every body it will fit (my Ts). I like the additonal grip and the ability to hang it from the side (ala M5, but reverse) is something that I really really like.

If the bessa side grip had the extra camera strap lug on the bottom (like the winder), I would have one for all of my Ls and perhaps my sons R. So for now, I live without.

In either case, buy the case, it's a bargin and you can use it on lots of other bodies too.

B2 (;->

 

[Roma]

I don't have one yet, but I ordered one 2 days ago and expect it to arrive next week. I think it will be helpful to hold the camera more steadily when you use slower shutter speeds. I have the case, but I don't really care if I can't use it anymore because of the grip. I care more about holding my camera more comfortably when I shoot.
Sorry, not much of help here, just an opinion.

 

[pcfranchina]

For the $40 bux give it a shot. If you dont like it. Sell it.

 

[Seele]

I use the side grip on the R (and trigger winder on the others which offers the same basic functionality). Apart from protecting the camera baseplate, I find the extra "bulge" a great help as it provides a great fingerhold, since I use anatomically formed wrist straps of my own design and manufacture, which work particularly well with CRF cameras.

 

[Dougg]

I'm a convert to side grips. I used to think that if they were so great, then the camera manufacturer would shape the camera body to have a grip. Well, I guess some left that off so others to make money too. Or something.

So I have the CV sidegrip on my Bessa-L and like it. I got the grip+trigger winder for the Bessa-T and like that too. I got the Leica side grip for the M and again that's a positive step, giving a more secure hold on the gear while one fiddles the controls with the other hand. Wouldn't you know I'd find an eBay seller selling THREE of the very rare side grips for Minolta CLE, and I bid and got the last one. EBay seller Inoyoon makes an aluminum and wood custom right-side grip for the Pentax 6x7, which needs it, so I got two. Then the 67II model comes along with a built-in grip! I was bowled over the other days to see in RFF classifieds a sidegrip for the Zeiss Ikon too! Shoulda known... 😀 As you can tell, I'm already sold, and particularly like the ones that include a second strap lug on that right side for vertical carry, very fast and handy.

 

[petebown]

I had one on my Bessa R and loved it. However, when I bought my R2A it came with a CV ever-ready case. I instantly thought the half case felt much better.

You won't be able to use the side grip and case at the same time, it won't fit.

The side grip screws into the tripod mount and doesn't have a mount of its own, so if you use a tripod regularly, you will find it a pain.

 

[dostacos]

well my R and T both have them [as does the R I gave my son] my R2 has a Luigi half case and my R4M will also have a Luigi half case.

that little extra bump [either the small swell on the case or the metal of the grip] makes me feel much more secure

I cannot justify the Luigi on the R or T 😀

 

[Kyle]

The side grip is a must have accessory for any Bessa!

 

[Dougg]

Doggone! This thread just triggered a minor GAS pain that led me to relieve it by ordering the Zeiss-Ikon side grip I (a few posts back) mentioned seeing was available! I started wondering why I hadn't ordered it before, and maybe I'd better do that while it was in stock... Ah, that feels better already!