Side Grip?

[dazedgonebye]

Does it make sense to buy a camera in part because it is small and inconspicuous then go and put a side grip attachment to make it fit your hand better?
Just wondering.
I’ve found that as I shift my right hand grip a bit to change the shutter speed, without letting go, the third finger on my right hand starts to push against the self timer lever. I hear it begin to wind (?) and that throws me.
Perhaps the side grip would give me something more to hold on to there?

 

[pcfranchina]

I'm a big fan of the sidegrip. Didn't know if I would like it, but for the price I figured I would try it out. So far it feels great. I have the side grip on my r3a with a wrist strap from Gordy. The 2 of them together just feels natural.
On the other hand, you cover up the tripod slot, have to remove it to change batteries and it no longer fits in The $1 Never-Ready case.

I was debating the grip or the rapid winder. Figured I would save the money.

 

[dazedgonebye]

Well, I have no interest in a rapid winder, I seldom use a tripod and I can't stand never-ready cases...so I guess I'm still a candidate for one of these things.
Hmmm...one in the classifieds right now.

 

[biomed]

The side grip really does improve the ergonomics of the Bessa (IMHO). Another advantage is an additional strap lug that makes the camera hang from the strap without tilting to the rear. The only down side is that the tripod socket is no longer usable. This can be remedied with the use of a drill press and an appropriately sized tap. Better yet than cutting threads directly into the aluminum, install a threaded insert (helicoil is the one that comes to mind).

Mike

 

[pcfranchina]

For the price its worth it. It adds a little heft to the camera too which I like. I'm sure you can always sell if you don't like the feel.
My only thing was I did like to use the bottom half if the never-ready case.

 

[markinlondon]

I found it essential on my Bessa R to stop the camera turning upside down on the strap. I don't like grips on my M bodies.

 

[fishtek]

I've thought about the side grip, too, but have decided that the half-case takes priority, just for protection's sake. Although it means that it's slower to change film, keeping the body from dings, scratches, scrapes, etc., means more to me.

I AM curious, though...

Regards!
Don

 

[dazedgonebye]

It occurs to me that I have a tripod socket wrist strap on the way. That pretty much puts he handle out of consideration for now.

 

[swoop]

I have an r3a and an M7. I love the bessa grip. It's amazing and makes the camera so much more comfortable. And on the plus side, it isn't very large at all and it integrates with the body well.

I have an ML-Grip for my M7 and it's awkward to hold the camera. I prefer that body sans grip.

 

[traveller]

The best accessory I could get for my Bessa R. A better grip, better balanced and with that the ability to take pictures at slower times. Together with a handstrap from Gordy a unbeatable combination, at least for me

 

[back alley]

i love grips.
the one for the bessa is not that big, not that much in the way yet does the job.

 

[didotcicero]

Get it. It will keep it's value. I don't know why it isn't standard on every Bessa.
It also is a mystery to me why mr. K didn't put an extra straplug on it like he did on the rapid winder.

 

[dazedgonebye]

Just ran across this thread by accident....

I wanted to add that I did buy the side grip and it's made all the difference in the world for my R3A. Feels just right now.

 

[tedwhite]

I've got one on my Bessa R and wouldn't be without it. As others have remarked, if you don't often use a tripod you rarely need to remove it, which is easy anyway, all you need is a coin.

Aside from the grip providing heft and grip, it also protects the bottom plate. The fact that it won't fit into the bottom of the neveready case is, for me, moot. They are, for me anyway, a P.I.T.A. I usually give them away or toss them. A Bessa is a user camera, not a Leica you want to keep under glass, and I could care less if gets beat up and scratched as long as it keeps working.

 

[Bryan Lee]

I have a couple R2 bodies and one has a the grip on it. I like it but its hard to push the rewind release if your in a hurry. Thats no big deal but its the only hassle I can think of regaurding the grip.

On the posative it seems to fit my hands better and is very comfortable to use as it gives an edge for your fingers to dig into. It also will let you sling the body sideways which is nice if you have a bigger lense like a 90mm or your trying to sling 2 or even three cameras.

 

[tedwhite]

I have the side grip and simply use the tip of a ballpoint pen to depress the rewind release button.

Kerouac would have used a rusty nail and never given it a second thought.

Ted

 

[Pablito]

On the M6, I find I can hand-hold much slower shutter speeds with the hand grip. I've tried them all and while I find some more comfortable than others, any grip is a huge improvement over none, at least as far as my big hands are concerned. Sorry, I have no experince w/ Bessa.

 

[Vagabond]

I think that it is a very worthwhile addition to the R2a. I use a wrist strap and find that it makes it a lot more comfortable when walking the streets with the camera. Worth every penny.

 

[popstar]

I had a Voigtlander side grip I didn't use for the longest time. After reading this thread several weeks ago I broke it out again to see what I thought. I don't know why I haven't used it the entire time now. As others have found, I can use slower speeds more effectively, and the whole package is more comfortable. I'm glad I came upon this thread. Thanks for starting the whole thing Steve!!

 

[Bryan Lee]

I have the side grip and simply use the tip of a ballpoint pen to depress the rewind release button.

Kerouac would have used a rusty nail and never given it a second thought.

Ted

Jack would have used a corkscrew😀 , I usually jam my pinky in there two or three times till it clicks and allows the rewinding to begin. Its no big hassle asa I stated before.

I also agree that the side grip and a wrist strap is a good combo for walking around. Its nice to be able to let go of the camera and know it wont be crashing back to earth in a fast situation.