Grip for the RD-1?

M

mtokue

Well-known
Local time
7:53 PM
Joined
Mar 9, 2005
Messages
302
I have just sent a mail to Tom Abrahamsson, asking if he would consider converting
one of his grips for use on the RD-1, But wondered if any of you had either converted another grip or have found anything that works?
Plus anybody found a suitable case other than The Leicatime? Italian custom one?
Thanks
Mike
 
I asked Tom about this a while back, and the reply was probably no.
 
No, it neither lines up for the tripod screw, nor does it allow access to the SD card door.
 
As I mentioned in my post, the big issue is that of blocking access to the SD card door. Unless the grip portion only extends to the front side of the body, it's going to be difficult to get a proper grip that will work with this body, although it would sure be nice. I found the Bessa grip made a huge difference in holding the R2.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Do you guys really feel you need a grip on the R-D1? I have handled my friends Bessa R where the grip is an improvement. He also has the R3A without a grip and it may? be a little better with this one as well.

On the R-D1 I am not sure that it will offer much. The R-D1 is that little bit bigger and deeper and I find it is fairly comfortable to hold in the hand without any grip. I seem to be able to walk around with the camera in my hand and the strap wrapped around my wrist, my preferred method of working, for quite long periods without discomfort. It seems hand-holdable at fairly slow shutter speeds in its present state as well.

If one were available cheaply it would of course be worth giving it a try, but I at least wouldn't be prepared to pay a premium to have one modified to fit.
 
Last edited:
Personally, I like the added profile that allows you to wrap your fingers around... I always feel the camera is more securely in my hand.
 
I agree with Simon especially when using slightly heavy or longer lenses, Seems to definately help with handholding esp with slight teles(75, 90,135) when using film so I presumed same with the RD-1.
Mike.
 
It turns out that Photo Equip's grip for Nikon FM can fit on R-D1 if you're willing to do some filing. I picked one up last night at Adorama, ran into fellow forum member Larry K. who was also there checking out the grip. After examining the grip in person, I was fairly confident that it will fit without elaborate modification. After dinner, I picked up a file at home depot which only cost $1. While hanging out w/friends at a bar, I filed down the edges on both sides of the base and cut off a tab on the handle; 2 beer 15 minutes later I got my self a grip. I’m sure if I’d bought a different file and use a vise, whole job would take less than 10 min.

Here’s the total cost:
Grip – $64.95 + tax
File - $1.00 + tax

Larry K provided these pictures of the original grip:
 
How do you find the grip?
Are you going to keep the grip attached?
and the white battery is that one that came with the Camera or third party?

I'm Considering trying one of the Voightlander "Rubber-Fit in the Tripod mount"
grip Has anybody tried one of those Yet?

Mike
 
Last edited:
Not bad! Can you provide more detail on where you had to do the filing? (Being the impatient type, I'd be more likely to use an angle grinder... so I'd want to be sure I was attacking the right spots!)
 
Mike,
The grip is from www.photoequip.net, the one you want to get is Nikon FM/FE one. You can e-mail Eric Paulsen at photoequip AT yahoo dot com, he's very helpful.

Yes, I intend on keeping the grip on. Since I don't use neck strap, the handle provides much better grip and less stress on my fingers holding the body while walking around the city.

The battery is a third party one.

Cheers,
Howard
 
jlw,

The amount of filing is very minimum, I did it with a 6" x slim taper file.

There's a ridge (about 3mm high) along the base, you just need to file that down flush to the base surface. Yellow portion on the picture. There'a also a small tab on the handle of the grip, you can take that off easily with a plier.(red circle on the picture)

You'll have done in no time if you have power tool.

Cheers,

Howard
 
I just spoke to Eric at Photo Equip and ordered one of his Nikon FM grips for my R-D1. He said that if there is enough interest in the grip among R-D1 users he would manufacture one specifically for our cameras, which would produce a tighter fit. You can email him at eric@photoequip.net.
 
I am familiar with Photo Equips products. Fifteen or more years ago (then under the name GMP Products) they came out with the ORIGINAL add on hand grip for the M-Series Leicas, the all metal M-Grip. They are well know for the quality of the products they make, check out their web site at www.photoeqiup.net. If we could demonstrate enough interest in a dedicated grip I am sure we would be pleased with the result. Anyone else out there familiar with their stuff?
 
I have e-mailed Eric asking about this I have also got 13 Japanese RD-1 users overhere who would buy if it was made... I wonder how many it would take to be worth while.
Mike
 
I've dealt with Eric in the past and also a while ago regarding the all metal Leica M grip for my Canon P. He's been always extremely helpful and goes that extra mail for making a customer happy, so if you're willing to look for somebody who would build a specific grip for the RD-1, Eric is your man.
 
By the way, I filed down my grip like Howard did. It works fine, is tight, and doesn't move around. I cut a little piece of black foam to put between the grip handle and the body. I suppose the grip coud be improved a if it were a bit longer so the handle was towards the outside of the body instead of inset a little, like it is now.

I'm waiting on a nice wrist strap I bought on Ebay. I have found a wrist strap with this grip to be the best way of carrying this camera around the streets. It doesn't attract too much attention like it does hanging from my neck and it is easier to get quick shots with it....

Larry
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom