Customized Grip and Domke Bag

[lightwriter]

Like everyone else wanting a grip for the R-D1 I bought the photo equip grip and customized it to fit by filing the "guides". While the other posts state to file all of them off, I only filed the forward ones and left the rear intact to ensure that it stayed square to the body and because I am just weird that way. You can see the ones I filed off in the picture - they appear as shiny strips along the base of the grip. This required that I also file a notch at the base of the plastic grip for the camera to fit as I am now pushing the camera forward a little bit (see pics). I also had to elongate the bolt hole so that it would line up and also to bring the grip a little closer in - feels better in my opinion (see pic - the bolt appears off-center). Then I installed an 8-32 socket head cap screw that I cross drilled so that I could attach a strap ring. This allows me to carry/wear the camera a la CL style - also feels better to me.



Pic1
Pic2
Pic3
Pic4
Pic5
Pic6
Pic7


Lastly, I purchased a Domke FX5 bag that hold the R-D1 with grip and VC 35 f1.2 intalled w/lens hood, lightmeter, 50mm 'Cron, 90mm Elmar collapsible with the hood reversed in the main compartment. In the small front pocketI have the vented hood for the 35 f1.2, lens cloth, notepad and pen. I am very happy with this kit as it is very compact, perfect for travel.

Pic8

 

[brucek]

Where are the pictures?

 

[lightwriter]

Just added the links. Thanks.

 

[JeffGreene]

Filed a notch in RD1 Grip???

Filed a notch in RD1 Grip???

You're a braver man than me MacDuff! I purchased the same grip, but after seeing Phil Fogle's modifications decided that I also wanted to cover the carbon fiber grip with leather. I like it, particularly in our muggy Philadelphia climate! Doesn't feel as slippery! Image attached below!

 

[pfogle]

You're a braver man than me MacDuff! I purchased the same grip, but after seeing Phil Fogle's modifications decided that I also wanted to cover the carbon fiber grip with leather. I like it, particularly in our muggy Philadelphia climate! Doesn't feel as slippery! Image attached below!

Nice job, Jeff. Nothing like the feel of skin on skin 😉

 

[Trius]

Jeff: Philly is humid, but I think lightwriter's got ya beat ... Houston isn't humid, it's freakin' submerged!

 

[lightwriter]

Yeah, it's rather miserable here from June through September.

I saw Jeff's leather wrapped grip in another post and thought I wanted to that too. Problem is I don't know the first thing about covering anything in leather. I wish I could find some rubber grippy material like the one on the R-D1 body. I like the way that stuff feels.

 

[JeffGreene]

Suggestion for Lightwriter

Suggestion for Lightwriter

Thanks, Phil! You guys are definitely right about Houston! No argument there! Lightwriter, I was in the same boat, five thumbs when it comes to leather work. I just took the grip over to a local shoemaker. He actually is much more than that, he works on fine leather goods of all types. He was glad to do it, and it wasn't expensive. And I definitely agree with you, Phil, the leather cover definitely improves the grip feel.

 

[AusDLK]

About the grip...

I am in Europe until the beginining of October. My R-D1 is doing splendidly.

However, in the streets, it begs for a grip such as the one you describe.

I'm wondering if some kind soul would buy and modify said grip for me and send to an address in Italy or the Czech Rep. depending on when it would be ready.

I will paypal you the necessary funds with just your word that you'll do this for me... reasonably.

Pls reply directly to me at: ausdlk@gmail.com

Thanks in advance to someone...

David Keenan