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S2 handgrip

Paratom

Well-known member
Just wondered how many use the S2 with grip and who without. And how is the experience with the grip.
I only checked it for a short moment. I found it felt even more solid in the hand.
But then I dont want the S2 to "grow" too much.
So I am torn to stay with out or to get the grip....
Tom
 

dfarkas

Workshop Member
Just wondered how many use the S2 with grip and who without. And how is the experience with the grip.
I only checked it for a short moment. I found it felt even more solid in the hand.
But then I dont want the S2 to "grow" too much.
So I am torn to stay with out or to get the grip....
Tom
Tom,

The grip is quite light (about 240g I believe). You don't have to put a second battery in it if you don't want to, which will also save a little weight.

It does provide for a nice balance, especially with longer lenses and gives more comfort for shooting vertical for extended periods of time. For fashion or catalog work, where almost all the shooting is vertical, I'd go so far as to say it is essential.

Also, you can use the excellently designed Leica hand strap with the grip. It uses velcro under the strap to remove/attach and adjust quickly. Very comfortable for one-handed shooting.

My only caution on the grip is that it does have some flex with the body when used on a tripod. For tripod use, I remove the grip for a more secure connection. This isn't such a big deal for me as I don't use any QR plates for tripod mounting. I just attach the camera directly to my Gitzo GH3780 head. Takes about 10 seconds to screw in or to remove and I feel the connection is much more solid.

So, my personal use is that I use the grip for hand-held shooting situations and don't use it for tripod work.

Hope this helps.

David
 

David K

Workshop Member
I've decided to skip the grip. Battery life is so good that the backup in the grip is not something I need. Plus I'm an L-plate guy... just ordered one from RRS and it won't fit with the grip. When shooting vertical I always use the same shutter button..not the best technique but I'm used to it.
 

woodyspedden

New member
I've decided to skip the grip. Battery life is so good that the backup in the grip is not something I need. Plus I'm an L-plate guy... just ordered one from RRS and it won't fit with the grip. When shooting vertical I always use the same shutter button..not the best technique but I'm used to it.
+1

Woody
 

fotografz

Well-known member
Personally, I'm not interested in adding any size to the S2. It's great as is.

I use the Camadapter handstrap with dual lug Arca QR that also allows a shoulder strap ... and have shot for hours with no issues. When needed, I shoot with a monopod and RRS HD Monopod head to go from Landscape to Portrait. L plates are to slow for how and what I shoot.

If on the camera-stand in studio, I use a RRS camera rotation platform. I cannot tell you how fast and precise it is, and what a joy it is to use.

But, admittedly, I'm not much for shooting Landscape type work on a tripod ... If I were I'd probably be doing it with a Hassey or Phase 60/80 meg back and a tech camera.

-Marc
 

glenerrolrd

Workshop Member
Marc

could you give us a quick photo of your grip set up. I understand the plate and the handgrip but not the shoulder strap ..I am guessing its like the original M5 strap .

Roger
 
Marc, I too am curious about how your setup includes both a hand strap and a shoulder strap.

David Farkas was kind enough to let me try the Leica vertical grip and hand strap for a few days while I was in south Florida back in January. While I very much liked shooting with the hand strap it didn't really suit my normal style of shooting which is pretty much just wandering around looking for photo ops.

The camera was comfortable enough and secure enough to use and carry with the hand strap alone. However, I found myself in the situation where I needed both hands for something (several times), but one was tied up with the camera. Marc's setup where he has both the hand strap and shoulder strap at the same time sounds like the best of both worlds.
 

Paratom

Well-known member
Thank you for all the experience.
After thinking back and forth I decide for now I go the solution Marc chose. (no grip but a handstrap.
I dont want the S2 get bigger than necessary and right now I also dont shoot too much vertical images.
Even though I admit that the grip feels good and the camera even more secure.
Marc has posted a very good description and an image on the Leica forum some days ago. I hope it is ok if I post the link: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-s2-forum/168803-s2-sf-58-flash-m9.html
 

KurtKamka

Subscriber Member
Like Marc, I have the Camadapter handstrap on my S2. Since i also do a lot of walking around in jostling crowds where I like to remain unnoticed before taking a shot, I also use my Artisan and Artist silk strap that I had with my M9 on the camera at the same time. Because it is light and doesn't get in the way, I can feel comfortable carrying the camera in one hand below my waist. It serves a shoulder strap when I need it and as extra security as a wrist strap when I am using the handstrap. Here's the link: http://www.artisanandartist.com/straps/acam106.htm
 

fotografz

Well-known member
One thing I'd add to this grip discussion ... should Leica ever include a radio sender like Phase One has done ... then I'd be much more inclined to add it to the mix.

As a side note: while testing the Hasselblad H4D/60 yesterday, I showed my Hasselblad rep the S2 ... and he was very impressed with the size, weight and balance of the camera as is ... and how simple all the controls were. Big thumbs up from a guy that really knows his stuff, and to his credit, able to give a competitor kudos where deserved. :thumbup:

-Marc
 

glenerrolrd

Workshop Member
Here you go guys ...

View attachment 41381

... a little "Camera Strap" porn: :rolleyes:

-Marc
Marc Thanks as I expected. I am a 2 body shooter(not with the s2 ..yet ).

I would put the strap over my left shoulder. ..prism forward. Then I would grasp the body with the right side grip. To hang vertical I would like the plate attachment as near the left edge as possible. Have you seen a plate that can be so positioned.

This how the original M5 was designed to hang.. The 2 lug version.

Thanks for the photos.
 

woodyspedden

New member
Marc Thanks as I expected. I am a 2 body shooter(not with the s2 ..yet ).

I would put the strap over my left shoulder. ..prism forward. Then I would grasp the body with the right side grip. To hang vertical I would like the plate attachment as near the left edge as possible. Have you seen a plate that can be so positioned.

This how the original M5 was designed to hang.. The 2 lug version.

Thanks for the photos.
I am trying the handgrip and like it for the added stability (although I suspect it may have more to do with the strap than the grip itself.) By the way, for those of you familiar with the Hassy strap for the H camera system, the Leica is a virtual carbon copy. I guess they figured there was little to be added to that old Hassy strap.

My biggest concern is the cost of the Leica grip ($1295) I find the battery life of the S2 system is so good that a second battery is overkill. THIS IS A GOOD THING FOLKS!! So paying for a grip with all of the battery contacts etc is hard to justify (although I may still buy one being a perverse type of critter) And I have become totally accustomed to using the top shutter release in portrait mode so the extra shutter release (and its associated costs) are lost on me. I had many a pro Nikon body and I doubt if I ever shot with the second shutter release when I was in portrait mode. I have always found that the cable release was a better option when on tripod anyway as there was significantly less shake. Hard to beat MLU and cable release for the most sharp images

Anyway...........JMHO

Woody
 

Paratom

Well-known member
Hi Woody and all,
even though I wanted to skip it first I finally got the grip (exchanged my Pentax K5 for a S2-grip)
Of course that amount for a grip is strange and I can only try it to handle the same way I handle my S2-purchase: It is what I want, and even though its a lot of money I will enjoy and use it and forget about the money (hopefully ;) )
The grip sits ok on the S2 - I knew upfront the grips dont fit/sit very tight-still think Leica should have optimized this allready. Anyways-its more of a cosmetic thing.
I find the S2 with additional grip sits even more stable in the hand since now the full right hand sits on the grip while using it without grip its only 2/3 of my right hand.
Well, of course it adds size and I assume I will use it with grip but sometimes when I want it less obstrusive /more copact screw the grip of.
Will report back after some weeks if it stays more on or off.

On my x1 I bought a grip, first didnt like it and now have it on 99% (allows one handed use of the x1).
The M8/9 I still own the grip but never use it.
 

Rolo

Member
Will report back after some weeks if it stays more on or off.
Tom, latest thoughts on the grip ?

Also, I note that there are two grips for the S. Can anyone explain the difference, please ?


Edit:
Leica Multi Function Handgrip for S Camera (Typ 006) [L16028]

&

L16003 - "The Multi-Function Handgrip for the S-Camera from Leica offers you an additional way to hold a second S2 battery. In addition to a handy vertical shutter release, the grip is controlled by an easily accessible on/off switch. For tripod shooters, there are both 1/4 x 20 and 3/8 mounts. In addition, Leica has built-in an anti-twist system to hold the camera steady while working."

The L16003 is twice the price of the L16028.
 
Last edited:

RVB

Member
I have the grip,it's only worth buying if you do a lot of shooting in portrait orientation.. I would rather spend the money on the Leica roller case..
 
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