Bessa R2 side grip / trigger winder

[GeneW]

This is a question I also asked on CVUG -- have any of you purchased the side grip and/or trigger winder for the R2? If so, would you recommend them?

I'm loving my new R2. My only niggle is that with the front-mounted lugs, the camera has a backtilt if I carry it on a neckstrap, which is somewhat uncomfortable. I may switch to a wrist strap -- haven't yet decided. The side grip offers one lug on the side and I wondered if that helped balance things out.

The trigger winder evidently has two side lugs for carrying the camera vertically. I've never liked a vertical orientation on a neckstrap (maybe I don't know the best way to do it)

Gene

 

[Peter]

I have both the CV side grip and the trigger winder. The side grip is on my R2 all the time and I would use the trigger winder if action shots are anticipated. Personally I do not use the extra lugs on the grips mentioned as I have no problem with the backward tilt of R2. The CV grips are very comfortable to use with and it also increase the weight of R2 for a more steady hold while shooting with low shutter speed. In fact I am so pleased with the side grip, I would get another for my second R2 for Christmas! 🙂

 

[GeneW]

Peter, thanks for the information on your experience! Sounds like the side grip is a very useful purchase in general.

The trigger winder fascinates me but I'm not sure I see a place for it in my shooting.

Gene

 

[back alley]

i've had side grips for other cameras in the past and always liked them.
in fact, with my increasing use of wrist straps i would like to get side grips for both the r & p cameras.
i can't remember who mentioned it, but making wrist straps from old neck straps has been a great idea for me. i now have 2 of the best wrist straps i have ever had.

joe

 

[rover]

I have the trigger winder on my R2, it makes for a heavy camera. I have not used the trigger alot to date, but I can see where it will be useful. I actually like carrying the camera vertically over my shoulder instead of around my neck. The extra grip is also nice if you carry the camera in your hand and not hanging. I am surprised though at how much heavy the R2 is to carry compared to the R.

 

[GeneW]

Joe, Rover, I really appreciate your observations. The side grip sounds like a no-brainer for me since I tend to use wrist straps anyway.

Rover, when you say you carry a vertical-hanging camera over your shoulder, do you mean slung around shoulder and neck, courier style, or do you mean only on your shoulder? I would be worried about it slipping off my shoulder.

I like the weight of the R2 as is -- feels just right in my hands. I suspect the trigger winder would make it heavier than I'd like. But I can see times where it would be useful -- one of them being portraiture, so you don't have to remove your eye from the viewfinder. Sports photos and any action photos would likely benefit from one, not that I take pics of that kind...

So far I've not been tempted by the Bessa carrying case. Do either of you use one as a half-case to keep on the camera while shooting?

Thanks again for your replies!

Gene

 

[back alley]

i don't use a case at all.
they call them never ready for a reason, i think.

they just don't make sense to me.
i use a padded gadget bag for transportation. when shooting i prefer the feel of the camera only.
i try (desperately) not to obsess about my equipment. i am careful and rarely damage or mark anything i own but i don't want to be bothered with the worry of a scratch here or there.
though i did drop a canon f1 from chest height to the living room floor once. i'm not sure if it was the thick shag rug or the bullet proof canon body but there was absolutely no damage whatsoever.
anyway, short answer- no case, ever.

joe

 

[rover]

I have an ever ready case that spends most of its time on my Bessa R. It does fit the R2, but is a little snug. I will not fit with the Trigger Winder or Side Grip though.

I actally just sling the camera over my shoulder. It is pretty secure. If I am getting ready to do some shooting I will wrap the strap around my wrist. I have considered a wrist strap, but haven't found one yet. I actually have a Canon hand strap that I can try, hmm that's an idea.

 

[Doug]

Hi Gene -- I'm with rover on the trigger winder and shoulder-only vertical carry. I carry other cameras vertically too by preference if possible - Fuji GS, Bronica RF, Pentax 67 & LX, etc. Shoulder + vertical is a natural combination, seems to me. 🙂 I can control the camera's carry position better with my elbow, it's more discreet, and anymore carry around the neck is just annoying.

I have the trigger winder on my Bessa-T and like it. I am natually left-eyed, so this winder helps me keep the camera at my eye for additional shots. Very slick idea! But I'd choose it only for the vertical carry lugs even if I never used the trigger.

I never use a camera case, though I have in the past. Doesn't do all that much to protect the camera, as I'm relatively careful and gentle as a rule anyway, and it is just in the way during film change. But if I'm packing more than just one body and a couple of lenses and maybe a meter, then I have several small/medium camera bags to cart it around in.

 

[GeneW]

Thanks for the replies. Gives me more to think about ...

Rover and Doug, what kind of strap do you have on your Bessas? The thin one that comes with it or have you added a wider strap?

I've been carrying my cams pretty much the same way as Joe. A small bag for lenses, film, etc and a wrist strap on the cam.

Still intrigued by that trigger winder ...

Gene

 

[rover]

Domke Gripper Strap

 

[back alley]

i got one of those gripers with the p and it's pretty good. i tried it for a couple of days and liked it.
i felt bad about taking it off and putting on my wrist strap but i'll keep it around and use it when a neck strap is called for.

joe

 

[Doug]

Gene I think the strap on my Bessa is the one that came with it; black nylon with a wider area at the center with a suede liner. I'm happy with it...

 

[Peter]

Maybe you could have a try with the CV Deluxe strap? I use it for all my R2s and the fixed length helps me if I need to shoot from the hip, in this case from the abdomen. 🙂

 

[rover]

I use it for all my R2s and the fixed length helps me if I need to shoot from the hip, in this case from the abdomen. 🙂

My shooting from the abdomen in this fashion would result in a lot of pictures of the clouds. 😀 😀 😀

 

[Peter]

My shooting from the abdomen in this fashion would result in a lot of pictures of the clouds. 😀 😀 😀

Perhaps it is time for less animal protein and fats? Not to mention 3 kilometers on the track everyday and 20 minutes on the abs machine before bed? 😛 😛 😛

 

[back alley]

Perhaps it is time for less animal protein and fats? Not to mention 3 kilometers on the track everyday and 20 minutes on the abs machine before bed?

fanatic...😉

 

[GeneW]

Perhaps it is time for less animal protein and fats? Not to mention 3 kilometers on the track everyday and 20 minutes on the abs machine before bed? 😛 😛 😛

Ah heck. If it means doing all that I'm just going to stick with my wriststrap 😀

Gene

 

[rover]

Good old Italian American cooking will get you every time. At least 3 times a day, with a snack or two every once in a while that is. It probably hurts that I am the cook too, I always like what is on the table.

 

[ElrodCod]

Gene I think the strap on my Bessa is the one that came with it; black nylon with a wider area at the center with a suede liner. I'm happy with it...

I am too. It's very similar to the Nikon (an4b) strap that I'm used to.