How essential is a Thumbs Up on a M240?

Ken Ford

Ken Ford

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I have an M-P Typ 240 on order. I noticed the M240 has a back bulge for your thumb. Is a Thumbs Up really needed?
 
Only if you use the advance lever as a grip aid on a film body. I don't, so have never felt the need for 1 on any of the digital Ms (or any other digital camera). Also have never needed a grip or soft-release.

Ken Ford said:
I have an M-P Typ 240 on order. I noticed the M240 has a back bulge for your thumb. Is a Thumbs Up really needed?
Click to expand...
 
I tried the Thumbs Up, but did not like it as it uses the hot shoe. So I could not use it with a flash, or external finder.

Then I found the Thumbie, which I like better as it provides unhindered use of the hot shoe. It is also much cheaper:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/291748531434

Both the Thumbie and the Thumbs Up provide a remarkable difference in the handling of the camera. You really will be able to hold it much steadier. The one and only thing I do not like about them is that if you carry the camera via a neck strap, these things can jab you in the ribs. I use a wrist strap so it is no longer an issue to me.
That conversely is the advantage of the Thumbs Up vs the Thumbie, you can just slide it off (while the Thumbie is attached via double sided tape). But it's a pain to carry the camera on a neck strap w/o the Thumb Up on it so it doesn't jab you, and putting it on/taking it off every time you use it.
 
Ken Ford said:
I have an M-P Typ 240 on order. I noticed the M240 has a back bulge for your thumb. Is a Thumbs Up really needed?
Click to expand...

I don't use any of the thumb things (there are three I think).

I bought the Leica Protector (half case) for the M-P and that gives me the grip and feel that I want.
 
Here's mine with also an M grip attached. With this set up it's like I'm a human tripod. Umm, well, ya know what I mean!
;p

image_zpsz2256klw.jpg


And here it is with just the Thumbie (as well as maybe the best M lens ever..)
As you can see, the regular bump on the camera is actually miniscule and is really designed to just shield the thumb wheel.

image_zpsongvl4rp.jpg
 
Huss said:
And here it is with just the Thumbie (as well as maybe the best M lens ever..)
As you can see, the regular bump on the camera is actually miniscule and is really designed to just shield the thumb wheel.
Click to expand...

If you carry the camera around your neck, doesn't that Thumbie poke you in the chest?
 
I agree with the sentiment to try it without and see how it goes for you.

I have a Thumbs-Up and may try the Thumbie to free-up the shoe for a flash or the EVF.

I do like the Thumbs-Up when I carry the camera with a wrist strap to better hang on to the camera. I often do this when I also carry a bag to have one less thing hanging from me.

FWIW, I prefer wrist straps that attach via the tripod mount. The thumbs-up with a wrist strap in this configuration just feels secure without being fatiguing.

It's also nice with a neck strap too but not so essential since it is usual to have two hands on the camera when shooting and no hands are necessary otherwise.
 
I find the Thumbs Up (or alternative) allows for a much more secure grip of the camera. Whether or not it's also steadier, I'm not sure. Regardless, I find the Thumbs Up a worthwhile accessory, even if it isn't absolutely essential.
 
Ken Ford said:
I have an M-P Typ 240 on order. I noticed the M240 has a back bulge for your thumb. Is a Thumbs Up really needed?
Click to expand...

Oh, I have never liked those thumbs up things, I had one for about a day and it just jabbed me in the back, got caught on things, no thanks.

What I do that works really well for me is put a small piece of Griptac in the thumb area of all my M bodies, half moon shaped on the film M's and about a 1-1/2" x 1/2" tapered strip on the thumb "ramp" on the M240.

Works a charm it does....

PM me, I'll send a little bit to do the job, I think you'll dig it and if not, just peel it off.
 

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I really enjoy my Thumbs Up on my M240. I miss the hotshoe, but there is now a Thumbs Up that has a cold shoe built in. I don't use the EVF but would love to put an optical viewfinder on top.

It's very secure and ergonomic. I love it. But buy the one with the built in cold shoe if you ever intend to use an external viewfinder. Get the thumbie if use the EVF.
 
I'm with Godfrey, half case is the way to go.

Protects the body somewhat, and doesn't dig into your clothes if you use a neckstrap.
 
KM-25 said:
Oh, I have never liked those thumbs up things, I had one for about a day and it just jabbed me in the back, got caught on things, no thanks.

What I do that works really well for me is put a small piece of Griptac in the thumb area of all my M bodies, half moon shaped on the film M's and about a 1-1/2" x 1/2" tapered strip on the thumb "ramp" on the M240.

Works a charm it does....

PM me, I'll send a little bit to do the job, I think you'll dig it and if not, just peel it off.
Click to expand...

I actually have a couple different types of it around the house - thanks for the offer and the idea!
 
furcafe said:
Only if you use the advance lever as a grip aid on a film body. I don't, so have never felt the need for 1 on any of the digital Ms (or any other digital camera). Also have never needed a grip or soft-release.
Click to expand...
Same here.

Also, digi-Ms are already portly enough, as compared with "real" (film) Leicas, that adding extra lard makes no sense at all to me -- especially fattening them up by putting overcoats (half cases) on them.

Cheers,

R.
 
I do like the half case on my NEX7, but the M-P is so much thicker that I'm not sure I'd care for it here. It would need to be something I tried before buying.
 
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