Grip options on the XP-1: Thumbs Up

[noimmunity]

Recently reclad my X-Pro1 with a "non-grip" style covering from Aki Asahi, a Thumbs Up EP-7S, and a Gordy's strap to match. Undoubtedly a lot of people will prefer to go with a black covering, but I quite like the Ochre Ostrich from Aki Asahi (the color is more subtle than the ooc jpegs from the Fuji F20 posted here).


X-Pro1 with EP-7S Thumbs Up and Aki Asahi "non-gip" style covering by areality4all, on Flickr

Here is an older photo with the original stock grip and no Thumbs Up (often used the Fuji side grip in this mode).


X-Pro1 covered in Ochre Ostrich from Aki-Asahi by areality4all, on Flickr

I prefer the look and feel of the Thumbs Up/no front grip version.

 

[Johnhw]

Enjoy the camera! Hey, you paid for it so don;t worry about anyone thinks...nothing like making a camera your own.

 

[JayC]

I have the grip. Don't think I would tackle removing the built-in bump, but I am wondering on how the Thumbs-Up is better than the add-on Fuji grip. I had a TU for my m8 and the pointy end bumped me a few times right on the hip bone. That hurt!
I do feel I have to be mindful when pulling my camera out of the bag so I don't press the Q button or move the EV dial with my thumb.

 

[jpmac55]

Hi Jon,

Nice work replacing the camera covering. I ordered one for my X100 but have not put it on yet. Did you run into any problems taking off the original skin? Any peeling with the new?

I also prefer a Thumbs up to the optional Fuji grip. The TU enhanced the feel of the camera while the grip just changed it. The camera felt more boxy than I like. So off it came and hasn't been back on the camera since.

 

[Bill58]

Very nice. Ostrich is hard to fit on cameras due to the bumps. (the infamous here) Morgan Of Cameraleather.com told me he couldn't do it. I guess it depends on how many bumps are on the skin. What's called "full quill" in the cowboy boot trade would be too hard due to bumps at the edges.

 

[jpmac55]

I thought the ostrich used was actually cowhide. Perhaps using cowhide helps control where the bumps are fabricated.

 

[noimmunity]

Sorry, John and others, I've been away from RFF...
The "ostrich" from Aki-Asahi is indeed cowhide. It is quite easy to fit. (Removal of the built-in side grip is also quite easy, too). The trick is to use isopropyl alcohol when applying in order to mitigate the stickiness.

Once on, I haven't had any problems with peeling.

Another advantage of the TU over the Fuji add-on grip is that the battery/mem card compartment is always readily accessible. That one used to kill me.

The grip coverings on both the stock built-in grip and the add-on grip started to look shabby, worn and grey, after use. That is the reason that initially pushed me to look into the Thumbs Up.

 

[Jamie Pillers]

Lensmate now sells a Thumbs Up-style grip designed specifically for the X-Pro1...for about half the price of the original.

 

[Dani46]

Lensmate now sells a Thumbs Up-style grip designed specifically for the X-Pro1...for about half the price of the original.

I am sure its functions the same, but its very different the original.