Half case or side grip?

[Captain Trips]

Have both, but prefer the side grip.

Simon

 

[John Lawrence]

One advantage that I really like in the grips, and that no one mentioned, is the centered tripod mount. I know not many RF guys like tripods but I do tripod work quite often, and without the grip, it gets a bit awkward.

Good point.

I'd forgotten that I do the same when using a tripod.

John

 

[Paul Jenkin]

I bought my M6TTL in virtually mint condition and, although I'm not that precious about my kit, I'd prefer to keep it looking good for as long as possible. I also understand that Leica "black chrome" isn't the most durable finish ever invented....

The camera came with a Luigi half case and I leave it in the case whenever in use. It's also kept in my old Billingham Hadley bag, so it's pretty cosseted most of the time.

 

[peter_n]

I only use the half case when I'm trying to dampen shutter noise in rehearsal rooms, and it does a moderate job at that. Half cases are pretty useless I think. I use a Tom A Rapidgrip with my 90 and 75mm lenses and when I'm carrying an M all day in my hand. The grip allows you to just hang the camera from your curled fingers and you can keep the camera in your hand for hours.

 

[B.J.Scharp]

When it's below zero outside, a halfcase, otherwise nothing.

And the tripod-hole doesn't bother me, as I use a fitting Kirk AS plate, so I can position my tripod nearly over the whole width of the camera.

 

[BlackXList]

Never use a half case, it just feels totally wrong and uncomfortable for me, whereas a grip (or a camera with an inbuilt grip) just feels right in my hand

 

[rbsinto]

I stopped using camera cases about thirty years ago, as for me they just got in the way.
I use four motorized SLRs which have handles on the drives, but I added wrist straps to three of them to make them easier to carry.
My Nikon rangefinders are so small and light that I've never even considered making grips for them. Besides, unless the grip was glued to the bottom of the camera, it would have to be secured via the tripod socket, which would mean removing it to load and unload film.
My Voigtlander R2S has a trigger winder which acts as a grip.

 

[Geordiepete]

Half case with grip stitched in.

 

[anjoca76]

While I do sometimes find half-cases annoying when it comes to changing film and tripod use, I find my cameras must easier to shoot and handle in a case, especially in the summer months when my hands get sweaty. Overall, their usefulness outweigh their inconvenience, IMO.

 

[literiter]

My M2, M4-P and IIIf all have Zhou cases with the little sewn in grips. Once broken in they go on and off the camera fairly easily and I like the bit of protection they give the cameras.

The IIIf really benefits from the Zhou case because of the cameras small size with larger hands.

Half cases do slow film loading somewhat, but with these cameras loading is slow anyway.

 

[icebear]

I never used a half case (or any camera body case for that matter). The nice ones are made of leather, though it does have a nice feel to it and protects the camera mechanically, it also soaks up moisture. The worst thing you can do to a camera, is keeping it in a closed leathercase. For me a half case is just half bad.

I loved the TA Rapidgrip for my MP, unfortunately there is no new version for MD. ( Tom if you are reading this....😉) Now I have a photoequip grip on my M9 in combination with a Sling. Gives me a sure grip and no chance of dropping it.

 

[sleepyhead]

I tried a Luigi halfcase a couple of times on a couple of cameras (such as the Hexar RF in an attempt to provide a better grip and quite down the shutter/advance noise a bit), but I never clicked with them. I HATED having to remove the halfcase to change film.

I also think half case look a little silly (leather fetish anyone?), but I know this is a matter of personal taste as a lot of people appear to love the beauty of a Leica in a halfcase....

 

[Richard G]

No. My Leica will have as much metal of the true camera against my cold dead hand when they prise it free from there.

 

[meanstreetshooter]

ML-grip on my M4-2
TA Rapidgrip, with Rapidwinder, on my M4-P
Mr. Zhou half-case with grips on my M6 (condition 9 and keeping it that way). I shoot 'chromes with this one so I don't worry about quickly changing cartridges.

I like the side grips because I have nerve damage in my right arm and it shakes a bit.

 

[Godfrey]

A&A half case on M9, M4-2, and X2.
Zhou half case on CL.
Nothing with E-1, GXR, Rollei 35 ...

Depends on the camera. Some need better gripping surface ,to me.

G

 

[rbiemer]

Both for me depending on the camera. On my Bessa R, I use the CV side grip; it makes the camera hang a little better from my shoulder.
On some of my FSU cameras, there are no strap lugs and if I want to be able to use a neck strap, I need something to attach it to.
Rob

 

[kxl]

I use a Leicagoodies Sling

 

[segedi]

I use a Leicagoodies Sling

I'll be ordering two more of these, they're great. I could probably make them myself, but 1. I'm not that keen to and 2. I like to support companies like that.

 

[SausalitoDog]

Thumbs Up only for me...bigger question is whether to use full neck strap or wrist strap ???

 

[Vince Lupo]

Sometimes the side grip for the Monochrom, but lately it's been a beautiful JNK Handworks half case. I don't really find the half case too much of a pain to remove to change the battery or the card -- not like I have to remove it every time I use the camera.