Get a Grip! (2021)
05th April 2021
Relax! I am not cajoling you to sort out your priorities in life. My subject is far more tangible. I am referring to handgrips, where they are an optional extra. That means I am discounting all cameras which come with a designed, inbuilt grip, such as the Leica V-Lux.
It is surprising how divisive this topic is. Some photographers strongly advocate their use, including me; others despise them, often for misguided reasons. So here I make my case for buying this useful, nay, essential accessory.
In 2009, I bought a new Leica M8 digital rangefinder camera, in theory to twin with my film-devouring Leica M6. The body was slightly larger than I was used to carrying. When I removed it from its delivery box, the body slipped from my hands, onto the table. Fortunately it fell into its packaging, which softened its fall. I was shocked because I always treat my cameras as precision instruments. Consequently, I immediately ordered the optional Leica handgrip, which improved handling security immensely. From then on, buying an appropriate handgrip became a ‘must-have’ accessory.
(Picture of Leica M8 with fitted handgrip, taken with a Leica Digilux 2 camera. Photo Copyright © David Askham 2021)
There were two reasons for this mishap. First, the camera skin lacked sufficient tactile texture to form a safe bond between fingers and camera. Second, was my occasional suffering from arthritis, a scourge which affects many people when they move beyond the ‘prime of youth’. With each succeeding new purchase, as technology accelerated into the digital era, I always bought the matching Leica handgrip. Never have I been disappointed; that is until the Leica CL arrived. For some inexplicable reason, the Leica designers failed to include a tripod socket in the base of the grip, to me an essential part of the design. This meant that the grip had to be removed before the camera could be used on a tripod. However, that aberration apart, inclusion of a Leica handgrip has always given me extra security when carrying a camera.
Some Leica handgrips have provision for attaching a flexible finger loop, which is available in three sizes. Despite my eagerness to try a loop, it just did not work for me. It offered limited support, but seriously degraded the hold and was uncomfortable. My advice, if tempted, is to try before you buy.
(A Leica X Vario with its dedicated handgrip fitted. Note the threaded inset which accepts an optional finger loop. Also note the flat face on the grip which makes for a more secure platform for fingertips to grip. Most recently designed handgrips retain this feature. Photo Copyright © David Askham 2021)
(Picture showing the finger loop attached to an X Vario handgrip. You will notice the tight bonding of the hand to the grip which I found uncomfortable in use. Photo Copyright © David Askham 2021)
The counter-arguments
As human beings, we are all different. Rarely does one solution satisfy everyone. The most common objection is the need to remove a handgrip whenever access is needed to the battery compartment or memory card slot. This is a serious ‘deal-breaker’ for some photographers. Some half-cases in leather include a pseudo-grip and an access flap in the base to facilitate battery changing. It is a kind of halfway compromise.
Quite a few photographers prefer an alternative detachable thumb-hold which utilizes the flash-shoe mount when the thumb-grip is fitted. This denies the use of the shoe for its intended purpose, attaching a flash gun or trigger unit. On some cameras, like the Leica Q, it also interferes with frame selection and the multi-function adjustment wheel. So even that solution has its drawbacks. Many photographers dispense with add-ons of any kind. A few solve the requirement for extra security by wrapping their leather shoulder straps around their wrist. As I said, we are all individuals, with our own preferences and prejudices.
A rational evaluation
Regularly, in photographic forums, advice is sought by newcomers to a specific camera brand or model. Equally, the pros and cons of using hand or thumb grips are aired for all to see and challenge. Diehards rarely change their views. So I will conclude by challenging the notion that lack of ease of changing batteries or memory cards is a deal-breaker against the use of a custom-designed handgrip.
Consider a typical outing with a camera; one where a photographer is open-minded about the subjects to be photographed. Anything and everything could be a potential target of interest. For my tempo of shooting, it is rare for me to change a battery or memory card before I return home or to a hotel base for the night. That is because I set out with a fully-charged battery and ample memory storage space.
Also, I avoid constantly reviewing my photographs and occasionally turn off the ability to review the camera screen. Not always, as it depends on whether I have experience of unfolding scenarios. Such is my economy of use of battery power, that it is rare for me to change batteries when out and about. But if I do find the need to replace a battery, I will do so during a lunch or tea break, when I routinely check that all is well with my camera and accessories and picture results so far.
Even if your practices differ from mine, and you need to change batteries on the hoof,
it is quite easily accomplished if you have a camera bag or can seek shelter from wind or weather; or can find a seat in the shade, away from the hurly-burly of crowds. If it is too difficult, a second camera can come into play to cover the interregnum. My bottom line is that an approved Leica handgrip is an essential accessory for the security of my cameras when travelling or shooting in my local area.
Copyright © David Askham 2021
It is surprising how divisive this topic is. Some photographers strongly advocate their use, including me; others despise them, often for misguided reasons. So here I make my case for buying this useful, nay, essential accessory.
In 2009, I bought a new Leica M8 digital rangefinder camera, in theory to twin with my film-devouring Leica M6. The body was slightly larger than I was used to carrying. When I removed it from its delivery box, the body slipped from my hands, onto the table. Fortunately it fell into its packaging, which softened its fall. I was shocked because I always treat my cameras as precision instruments. Consequently, I immediately ordered the optional Leica handgrip, which improved handling security immensely. From then on, buying an appropriate handgrip became a ‘must-have’ accessory.
(Picture of Leica M8 with fitted handgrip, taken with a Leica Digilux 2 camera. Photo Copyright © David Askham 2021)
There were two reasons for this mishap. First, the camera skin lacked sufficient tactile texture to form a safe bond between fingers and camera. Second, was my occasional suffering from arthritis, a scourge which affects many people when they move beyond the ‘prime of youth’. With each succeeding new purchase, as technology accelerated into the digital era, I always bought the matching Leica handgrip. Never have I been disappointed; that is until the Leica CL arrived. For some inexplicable reason, the Leica designers failed to include a tripod socket in the base of the grip, to me an essential part of the design. This meant that the grip had to be removed before the camera could be used on a tripod. However, that aberration apart, inclusion of a Leica handgrip has always given me extra security when carrying a camera.
Some Leica handgrips have provision for attaching a flexible finger loop, which is available in three sizes. Despite my eagerness to try a loop, it just did not work for me. It offered limited support, but seriously degraded the hold and was uncomfortable. My advice, if tempted, is to try before you buy.
(A Leica X Vario with its dedicated handgrip fitted. Note the threaded inset which accepts an optional finger loop. Also note the flat face on the grip which makes for a more secure platform for fingertips to grip. Most recently designed handgrips retain this feature. Photo Copyright © David Askham 2021)
(Picture showing the finger loop attached to an X Vario handgrip. You will notice the tight bonding of the hand to the grip which I found uncomfortable in use. Photo Copyright © David Askham 2021)
The counter-arguments
As human beings, we are all different. Rarely does one solution satisfy everyone. The most common objection is the need to remove a handgrip whenever access is needed to the battery compartment or memory card slot. This is a serious ‘deal-breaker’ for some photographers. Some half-cases in leather include a pseudo-grip and an access flap in the base to facilitate battery changing. It is a kind of halfway compromise.
Quite a few photographers prefer an alternative detachable thumb-hold which utilizes the flash-shoe mount when the thumb-grip is fitted. This denies the use of the shoe for its intended purpose, attaching a flash gun or trigger unit. On some cameras, like the Leica Q, it also interferes with frame selection and the multi-function adjustment wheel. So even that solution has its drawbacks. Many photographers dispense with add-ons of any kind. A few solve the requirement for extra security by wrapping their leather shoulder straps around their wrist. As I said, we are all individuals, with our own preferences and prejudices.
A rational evaluation
Regularly, in photographic forums, advice is sought by newcomers to a specific camera brand or model. Equally, the pros and cons of using hand or thumb grips are aired for all to see and challenge. Diehards rarely change their views. So I will conclude by challenging the notion that lack of ease of changing batteries or memory cards is a deal-breaker against the use of a custom-designed handgrip.
Consider a typical outing with a camera; one where a photographer is open-minded about the subjects to be photographed. Anything and everything could be a potential target of interest. For my tempo of shooting, it is rare for me to change a battery or memory card before I return home or to a hotel base for the night. That is because I set out with a fully-charged battery and ample memory storage space.
Also, I avoid constantly reviewing my photographs and occasionally turn off the ability to review the camera screen. Not always, as it depends on whether I have experience of unfolding scenarios. Such is my economy of use of battery power, that it is rare for me to change batteries when out and about. But if I do find the need to replace a battery, I will do so during a lunch or tea break, when I routinely check that all is well with my camera and accessories and picture results so far.
Even if your practices differ from mine, and you need to change batteries on the hoof,
it is quite easily accomplished if you have a camera bag or can seek shelter from wind or weather; or can find a seat in the shade, away from the hurly-burly of crowds. If it is too difficult, a second camera can come into play to cover the interregnum. My bottom line is that an approved Leica handgrip is an essential accessory for the security of my cameras when travelling or shooting in my local area.
Copyright © David Askham 2021
Comments
By John Wilson: On my X1’s have half leather cases with a bump out tha sort of like grip. On my X2 and CE have hand grips, on Q hand and thumb grip. Not really sure why just happy with all! By David Askham: Thank you for your comment, John, on my posting ‘Get a grip’. Your experience shows that any attachment which aids security of tenure, is welcome. Choice comes down to personal preference for the device chosen.