Grips for M bodies

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Rafael

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Can anyone tell me what a TMP-Grip is? I am looking for a grip for my M6. The options that I have found so far are:

Leica M-Grip
Rapidgrip
PhotoEquip ML-Grip

I have also read references to both the GMP-Grip and the TMP-Grip. Unless I am mistaken, the GMP-Grip is the old version of the PhotoEquip grip (metal with angled top). But I don't seem to be able to figure out what the TMP-Grip is. Anyone? Also, am I missing any good alternatives? Thanks.
 
Marc, I've never heard of a TMP-Grip - are you sure it is not a misprint of the GMP? I had a GMP on my M6 7-8 years ago. I have large hands, and found it a little small. Today, I happily use the Rapidgrip (thanks Tom!). IMO, it has three big advantages and one (small) disadvantage. It is larger, and better suited to my hands. Combined with a SLING it forms an unbreakable and confidence-boosting grip for the M7 regardless of heat, cold or humidity. It has a small compartment in the base. I use this to hold two spare batteries, wrapped in a twist of paper. The paper stops them rattling and touching, and I write my 'phone number on it (you never know). The top of the grip has a threaded hole to store a Softrelease. I actually have a Softrelease there, that I never use with the M7, but I prefer the fractional extra height it gives to the grip. I have tried it without, and it just doesn't geel the same. The one drawback is that it takes up the tripod hole, but does not stretch half across the base as did the GMP-grip or the Leica M Grip. As a result I have to remove the grip to mount the M7 on a tripod or monopod (not a real problem as I do so very infrequently) but more significantly, you can't put the camera on a flat surface, well, flat.

As far as I am concerned, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

Here's a photo so you can see the grip mounted:

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Finally, note the little flash of white at the top of the grip, close to the body? That is surgical tape. It provides a buffer so that I don't scratch the body of my M7 when I remove the baseplate to change films. That same piece of tape has been on there for five years...!

Regards,

Bill
 
Thanks very much for the detailed response Bill. I actually first read of the TMP-Grip on Tom's site. But I have seen it mentioned frequently enough online to think that it is not simply a typo. Maybe Tom will pipe up to help me figure out what it is. Have you ever compared the newer Rapidgrips (3 finger indentations) with yours?
 
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I only know about the M-grip and the other, which is sold by Tony Pinto in Photovillage. Of course, I know about Tom's Rapidgrip (shown on the M7 above), but, like Bill, I have no idea of the TMP.

Chances are you won't need any grips, but it's for you to find out. I bought an M-grip, and then found out I really need it on few occasions.
 
You're welcome, Marc. As you have spotted, mine is the older style of grip. I've seen pictures of the newer, but never in the flesh. I'm happy with the one finger notch, but I appreciate that this is a very personal thing. As Francisco says, you *may* not need a grip. My M2 has no grip, but does sit in a Luigi case, on a neckstrap. The handling between the M2 and the M7 is *very* different, as a result. I have used Ms without cases or grips, but I just prefer a bit more to hold on to. I also have a IIIc with Luigi case, but a IID with no case at all. Each feels "right" for what it is, and for how I use it - it's hard to explain!

Regards,

Bill
 
I have actually used a Luigi half-case and an M-Grip in the past. I wound up selling both and have been shooting "naked" for some time now. But I just bought a 75/1.4. And I think I may want to have a grip for when I am shooting with that lens.

I wasn't a huge fan of the M-Grip, but am quite intrigued by the Rapidgrip. Unfortunately, I have never had the chance to handle one. So I am just going on the basis of online photographs and recommendations at this point.
 
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Rafael said:
I have actually used a Luigi half-case and an M-Grip in the past. I wound up selling both and have been shooting "naked" for some time now. But I just bought a 75/1.4. And I think I may want to have a grip for when I am shooting with that lens.

I wasn't a huge fan of the M-Grip, but am quite intrigued by the Rapidgrip. Unfortunately, I have never had the chance to handle one. So I am just going on the basis of online photographs and recommendations at this point.
Click to expand...

I don't have a 75 1.4, but I do have the Canon 1.2 in the picture, and a Canon 135 3.5. I have used both on both the M2 with Luigi case and the M7 with Rapidgrip. The M7 wins hands-down for handling with longer or larger lenses, and if that is a factor, there is no contest.

A caution, however. One thing I do remember with the GMP M-Grip was that at the time I had a 135 2.8. The goggles fouled on the grip when mounting the lens. I ended up filing a small semicircular section out of the grip to allow easier use. I'm certain that the Rapidgrip would have the same problem, as would any grip that is substantial. This won't matter to you. of course, unless you have the 135 2.8!

Regards,

Bill
 
Marc, I only use the old GMP grips. You can still buy them occasionally. I love them. This is how they look:

258213449_tWc82-L.jpg


257792041_zrTCV-L.jpg


And yes, you need a grip for Bertha 🙂

Roland.
 
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The TMP Grip is the earlier version of the GMP grip and as with the Leica grip it lacked an essential function (to me anyway). It is a straight grip with no "lip" on the top and if you are holding the camera with a heavy lens, there is nothing stopping it from sliding through your hand and dropping it!
The first version of the RapidGrip had only a lip, by popular demand i added the single finger cutout and later, mainly because I could, I added the three cut-outs.
The RapidGrip is designed to be used with heavy lenses, of course you can use it with the smaller ones too, but with Noctiluxes, S-Lux 75 and S-cron 90, it does stabilize the substantial package!
The Leica Grip is nice looking, but the "flange" at the bottom is a bit fragile and if you pull out the M with a 75f1.4 from a bag - it does put a lot of stress on tha joint.
The complain that the camera sits loop-sided is a valid one, but remember that the RapdiGrip was designed to work with the Rapidwinder and if I made a full base cover, it would foul up the trigger on the Rapidwinder. It would also increase the price substantially as the solid block it is machined from is already big and that would double the size of it and the alloy used is not cheap.
The battery storage compartment can also be used to stash "mad money" - crumple up some bills and use that as a padding for batteries and if you ever run out of cash - pull out the hidden stash!
 
Thanks for clearing up the mystery of the TMP-Grip for me Tom. I have read some glowing reviews of the RapidGrip. Personally, I have not really understood the complaints that the camera sits lop-sided when the grip is attached. How the camera sits on a table is not among my top concerns.
 
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Remember that the original Leica Big Bertha was the 1st version of the Summicron 90mm f2.0, the SOOZY. It dwarfed a 75/1,4 easily. Heavy and with a hood that was one of the most complex designs of all time. Gorgeous lens and not a bad performer, even wide open it had a nice sharp center and softening towards the edges. Much better than the Summarex 85mm f1.5. The more common version, the black anodized 60's version was lighter and very good - worked very well on a M3 as a complement to a 35mm f2 on a M2.
 
I too am a permanent fan of the Rapidgrip. Nothing fits may hand like it. I found the Leica grip too small, and the GMP one seems quite similar in size.

With a samll bit of modification the Rapidgrip is a star on the M5. I filed off the lip that mates around the end of the baseplate and it fits perfectly- without any lack of solidity.
DSCN1344.jpg

DSCN1342.jpg

DSCN1341.jpg


Only drawback is the need to remove the grip when reloading, as the M5 has the lock on the opposite end of the baseplate. For these arthritic hands it is a small price to pay.
 
Interesting! I never thought of modifying for the M5. Main reason is that I dont use M5's as they dont fit my hands (they have grown accustomed to "regular" M's over the decades).
 
I also use TA's Rapidgrip and recommend it. It is a lifesaver used on a carryround M - you can hold that camera in your hand all day! 🙂
 
Tom A said:
Interesting! I never thought of modifying for the M5...
Click to expand...

Took me about 20 minutes with a hand file, granted I didn't do the prettiest job of it, but then I'm no contest winner myself so...

Since most folks think the M5 is bigger than a pro DSLR I doubt there'd be much of a market for a modified grip.😉

Tom A said:
...
The battery storage compartment can also be used to stash "mad money" - crumple up some bills and use that as a padding for batteries and if you ever run out of cash - pull out the hidden stash!
Click to expand...

And I never thought of stashing batteries or cash in there 😀
 
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I see where tastes for teh GMP grip run the full gamut from "love it" to "don't like it." I tried it, and found that it was not comfortable to hold. The upright piece was too flat to the camera, not affording enough depth to really wrap my fingers around securely. It was fatiguing to hold for any length of time. Nice looking, though! The Leica grip is much better. One of these days I will try out a Rapidgrip, which, having more depth than the others, should be ideal. Also, I am planning to make my own grip out of mahogany. That will be a fun project!
 
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