jim_buchanan
Established
I've chosen to modify an old M-Grip by GMP Products, which is now the Photo-Equip company.
I'd read here about modifying the FM-Grip by Photo-Equip, but upon calling them learned that he was not making them anymore, except to fill Japanese orders. FEs and FMs aren't made anymore. So, if you want one, call to get your name on a 2-3 month waiting list.
Anyway, my Leica grip seemed in the general shape I needed, so I bought the M-Grip for a Leica M on eBay. It is a 2 piece aluminum arrangement, held together with cap screws. The first grinding job was to allow the battery door to open.
I then filed down the inside edges, so the grip would position itself orthogonally with the bottom of the camera. A new screw was positioned for the R-D1 tripod socket and modified to allow use of the M-Grip tripod socket. The finger stop was covered in leather. Finally, taking the lead of lightwriter, I attached the second end of a strap to the bottom right of the M-Grip.
I'd read here about modifying the FM-Grip by Photo-Equip, but upon calling them learned that he was not making them anymore, except to fill Japanese orders. FEs and FMs aren't made anymore. So, if you want one, call to get your name on a 2-3 month waiting list.
Anyway, my Leica grip seemed in the general shape I needed, so I bought the M-Grip for a Leica M on eBay. It is a 2 piece aluminum arrangement, held together with cap screws. The first grinding job was to allow the battery door to open.
I then filed down the inside edges, so the grip would position itself orthogonally with the bottom of the camera. A new screw was positioned for the R-D1 tripod socket and modified to allow use of the M-Grip tripod socket. The finger stop was covered in leather. Finally, taking the lead of lightwriter, I attached the second end of a strap to the bottom right of the M-Grip.
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AusDLK
Famous Photographer
The FM-Grip can be ordered from the PhotoEquip reseller in Japan.
Good service and fast delivery.
Here is the contact info:
Hisayoshi Miyamoto
Lemon Co.,Ltd.
8th/FL Ginzakyokai-do Building
4-2-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
104-0061 Japan
hmiyamoto@lemonsha.com
http://www.lemonsha.com
Good service and fast delivery.
Here is the contact info:
Hisayoshi Miyamoto
Lemon Co.,Ltd.
8th/FL Ginzakyokai-do Building
4-2-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
104-0061 Japan
hmiyamoto@lemonsha.com
http://www.lemonsha.com
pfogle
Well-known
that's a pretty conversion... leather certainly makes the difference 
I use a wriststrap on heavy cameras, but tend to let the neckstrap dangle (!) with the R-D1
... so far no accidents, touch wood
I use a wriststrap on heavy cameras, but tend to let the neckstrap dangle (!) with the R-D1
... so far no accidents, touch wood