Big grip vs small grip vs no grip

[KennyMark]

I need my left hand for focusing.

Precisely. Palm up, thumb and index finger to either focus or adjust aperture (and in the case of OMs, adjust shutter speed), all while tucking one's arms against the torso for maximum stability.

 

[irvd2x]

A grip by far was the more ergonomic.I always purchased the MD 12 motordrives for my FM2 s and used them as grips..never used the motordrive function.Same for the Mamiya 6..it has a grip like design.No grip, no like!
Now..to save up for the MD617 grip for my Linhof!

Sent from my LG-P509 using Tapatalk 2

 

[MattKrull]

I think calling the little protrusion on an AE-1 a grip is a bit fo a stretch. That said, I still find my AE-1 to be one of the nicest cameras to hold - so while it may be small, it is very effective (that's what she said?).

Overall, I seem to prefer small grips. AE-1, Nikon FA, and OM40 are all excellent examples of what I find most comfortable. I have two OM10 bodies and an OM2SP, I find them noticibly less comfortable than the OM40. Even my wife (who has no interest in cameras) commented on the lack of finger grip the first time she picked up the OM10.

I'm thinking of getting a finger grip made for it. The Panasonic GM1 has an interesting little milled finger grip add on that I think could be copied nicely for the OM10 bodies. I may bug a friend with a lathe to see if he can make one, or I may just CAD one up and see if I can get it 3D printed.

 

[Hatchetman]

I go sans grip, even on my Pentax 6x7. Couple more ounces on that thing could be the straw that broke my back.

 

[kitanikon]

I need my left hand for focusing.

You cradle the lens in the heel of your left hand and focus with your fingers.

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

small grip, cameras are much more easier for single handed carrying with one. I have them on my cameras i use most often. Some cameras require the accessory grip if you want a centered tripod socket, most common with rangefinders. I wrote a small tutorial awhile ago on the repair and mod subforum on how to make one for just a few dollars for the OM4T cameras, as that small oem accessory grip is rare and expensive.

 

[Xmas]

Space the final (sic gbag) frontier...

 

[Laurent]

I used my EOS3 with the PBE2 "grip" fo years, and although I loved the look of the camera with it, started developing some disgust for the poor thing as it was way too heavy. Since I removed the grip (I only use primes, no longer than 85), it sees much more use.

I thing the best one with a grip was the T90, which had an integrated grip that was just right in the hand. Bigger than this is overkill I think.

 

[AgX]

You cradle the lens in the heel of your left hand and focus with your fingers.

Not possible with most of my cameras (35mm including SLR).

 

[Xmas]

You cradle the lens in the heel of your left hand and focus with your fingers.

Hi Agx

What I think is intended is place the baseplate (cassette end ) into palm at base of thumb.
Use thumb and 1st finger on focus ring or aperture ring alternately. Or thumb, 1st and 2nd fingers on focus and aperture ring - OM1 excepted when the order is different and you can do speeds as well using three fingers
I do this with SLRs sometimes but only for stability against both shake and the focus ring moving cause I prefocus.
You may need small hands, I hook little finger under back of baseplate at sprocket shaft region palming the wrist strap.
Pancake lenses are more difficult...
An article on AP some time in 70s or so suggested this technique.

 

[AgX]

This is better applicable. Though I mostly feel incomfortable with thumb and digit-finger forming an "U" and the palm directed towards the chest.
But each camera takes its own style of Holding (especially important when maximum stability is reqired). Sometimes tiny differences in outer design necessitate a change of holding.