Half case or side grip?

[peterm1]

I don't think it really matters. I have used both. When I regularly used an M3 I had an ever ready case and used the lower half of that on the body to protect it and give a better grip. The thing I really liked was that it made the body "fatter" and easier to grip. Later I bought a grip for it and found that worked well too. I now use a grip with my M8 as I don't really like the way half cases sit so much - with the rear LCD etc having to be exposed they don't work quite as well as with film cameras IMHO. But I have no really strong objection to them.

 

[Brian Legge]

Always use a wrist strap as I know without one I'd eventually drop something. I don't hold cameras by the strap only as i don't trust them.

I picked up a Rapidgrip here for an M4 a few months ago. I'm on the fence about it. I like how it feels with some lenses but I think my hands are slightly small for it. I definitely need a soft release to comfortably reach the trigger. I have one on the way now. With it, I ordered a Bessa side grip as well for an R4M.

I love the look of half cases and the protection is nice but don't like taking them on and off all the time to change film. Can't be bothered to deal with that.

 

[cnell]

I love, love, love my Leica Grip on my M9. It does add a wee bit bulk but it's worth it. My hands are small and when they get sweaty the grip gives that extra holding power for me.
Claudia

 

[smk]

65% grip, 35% Luigi half case.

The grip is excellent, very convenient.

I like the half case because of dampening of the shutter sound and overall protection, but 1) it makes the camera more bulky, and 2) I can't walk around holding it with a wrist strap on one hand as the leather is too slippery.

 

[EdwardKaraa]

Well since I started this thread I sold the Leica grip, tried 2 leather cases for a while, the Leica one and a Ciesta with built in grip, and I finally decided to reorder a new grip. I think the grip works best.

 

[Rodchenko]

I don't like accessory grips, nor traditional cases. I do use wrist straps, like Brian Legge, as I do worry about dropping my camera (I've had one fly from my hands and smash when I was barged in the street). SLR has an Op-Tech Envy neckstrap, as does the G11, though that is generally in wrist-strap mode.

 

[CajunCC]

I carry my Nikon SP in its original half-case when I'm out and about, but it's more for the shoulder strap than the case itself. In a controlled environment, it's bare metal.

 

[semilog]

It perplexes me that people have trouble holding on to their cameras without a "grip."

Did Robert Frank use an accessory grip? HCB? Garry Winogrand? Does Bill Allard use one, or Maggie Steber? Mary Ellen Mark? Susan Meiselas? Josef Koudelka?

Do you not have opposable thumbs? 😛

 

[EdwardKaraa]

It perplexes me that people have trouble holding on to their cameras without a "grip."

Did Robert Frank use an accessory grip? HCB? Garry Winogrand? Does Bill Allard use one, or Maggie Steber? Mary Ellen Mark? Susan Meiselas? Josef Koudelka?

Do you not have opposable thumbs? 😛

LOL

In my opinion, the grip is a utilitarian accessory. You can "grip" the camera without it alright, but there is definitely a clear improvement with the grip. On the other hand, the half cases are mostly a cosmetic accessory that has some protection advantage, but most people use it to pimp their Leicas. 😉

 

[raydm6]

My new girlfriend is into French & Italian designer bags, shoes, and accessories. I now have a new appreciation of my Luigi half-cases 😀

 

[burancap]

All of the above.

 

[romi.gilles]

grips, of course:

 

[kshapero]

I have a half case on my M3 and a side grip on my R3M. I like the side grip better.