UNI GRIP available for R-D1 in Japan

[Furachan]

Hi all:
I have just come across what looks like a serious solution to the "missing grip" for our R-D1s: it's called the Flex L Grip, made of aluminum, comes in BLACK and SILVER and is designed to fit everything from OM-series cameras to the R-D1. You can even see a photo of an R-D1 with the grip attached. They sell for 9,500, or close to $100 + shipping.
Here is the link if anyone is interested (all in Japanese but I understand the company, Discover Photo are interested in international trade:
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/discoverphoto/co/dpc/ForGrip/Flexgrip.htm
I will certainly order one of these grips and report back to the community.
Best regards,
Francis

 

[noimmunity]

Looks similar but not exactly the same as the one I got out of Hong Kong for my RD-1. It really improves the handling of the RD-1!

 

[Krosya]

Well, while I'm glad someone is making these, I'm not in a rush to run out and get one - for a $100 USD It should have been nicer than that. I like those ones they have on ebay for about $125-150 that are hand-made from wood - for leica, but I'm sure can be made for other cameras. Simple metal grip like this - should more like under $50 bucks, IMO. For less than $100 one can get a nice leather half case for RD1. But than again - many of those grips - for Leica or such are way overpriced anyway. Back when I used Leicas - I picked up 2 Leica grips on ebay for less than $30 each.

 

[Furachan]

THE GRIP HAS ARRIVED!
As promised a short review of the thing.
It is very well built in black anodized aluminum, will clearly fit just about any rangefinder-type camera with its flexible, adjustable design.
The lower corners are a little sharp and your hand can feel that if you're not careful.
Also the grip itself though well finished is a little too smooth - one might want to cover it with a thin rubbery layer or a strip of grainy leather.

Bottom line: it absolutely works as advertised and does make the R-D1 noticeably easier to handle and carry, say with a wrist strap. All in all not a bad deal IMHO.

 

[Bill58]

I have to ask--why would anyone want one of these when you can get a much more secure, lighter and cheaper grip w/ the Leicagoodies.com "Sling"?