Modifying the Bessa grip

[newspaperguy]

This may be old hat, but...

I got tired of removing the grip to use a tripod. (Yes, I'm old and I do use tripods.)

I stopped at either Lowes or Home Depot last week; Sorry, I can't remember which (sign of old) and
bought a KOBALT brand tap and drill set for +/- $5.

That's a #7 drill bit and a 1/4" - 20 NC plug tap.

Stephen might not approve, but I then...

Drilled, then tapped a hole directly behind the mounting screw for the grip, 3/8" in from the
trailing edge of the grip.

Cleaned up the shavings and mounted it...

WORKS GREAT!

FWIW - suggest you use a drill press for both the drilling and te tapping if you have access.

...oh yeah, check to make sure your tripod mounting screw does not extend too far.

 

[back alley]

sounds good, i admire handy people.

can you make one fit a cle?

😉

 

[newspaperguy]

Right now I'm working on a scratch-built grip for the Zorki... or maybe a grip and a clip.

Back in the day (early 50s) I had a belt clip on my Leica If. Trying to get my antique brain
to remember how I did it.

I don't have access to a CLE, but it shouldn't be a huge problem to make a Bessa
grip fit.

 

[back alley]

i would think there would be a few of us lining up for a grip that fits on the cle...

i had a belt clip for some camera years ago but never felt comfortable/safe using it.