Upgraded my X100...Wow!

[David_Manning]

I added a LensMate thumb grip and a Boop soft release to my X100...wow. The feel is totally different...it feels like I'm shooting an M6 again.

Total cost...about $85.

[David_Manning]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6956310412_528d1e744d_b.jpg

[jaimiepeeters]

where did you get the soft release and the thumb grip?

[David_Manning]

Thumb grip (http://www.lensmateonline.com/store/fujifilm_x100_thumbrest_plus_black.php?__utma=1.15 90897317.1331578123.1334707509.1335109702.5&__utmb=1.1.10.1335109702&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1335109702.5.3.utmcsr=google|utmccn=(orga nic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=lensmate%20x100&__utmv=-&__utmk=74133778)

Soft releases (http://matchtechnical.com/Beep.aspx)

[David_Manning]

I got the soft release through PopFlash.com and the grip directly from LensMate, although I notice it says the black is out of stock. I wonder if I got the last one!

[GaryLH]

Nice :). I like the way the exposure compensation is protected...

Btw, I just checked, the grip is out of stock already. Will not be in stock until May timeframe.
Gary

[Moriturii]

NOT a good idea to have soft-shutter buttons, they ruin the shutter button very easily. They are not handled for that, meaning if you accidently snag the shutter button you can ruin the shutter button assembly very easily.

[Tony Whitney]

Does anyone know if this LensMate thumb grip will fit the X100 with a Zhou half case in place? That guard for the exposure compensation dial would be reason enough to buy one of those...Tony

[fireblade]

it should be ok, my fuji half case is no problem with the thumbs grip.

[David_Manning]

Moriturii...I hadn't really thought of that. I'll probably stow the soft release until I'm ready to shoot, just like I stow the lens hood until I'm ready to shoot.

Thanks for the info.

[zwarte_kat]

NOT a good idea to have soft-shutter buttons, they ruin the shutter button very easily. They are not handled for that, meaning if you accidently snag the shutter button you can ruin the shutter button assembly very easily.

Could you explain this a little more? Do you mean that if you, for example, hit the button from the side, it will rip off parts of the delicate interior of the electronic insides of the x100 button? Are the M cameras more strongly build in that regard?

cheers!

[FA Limited]

i have a beep or a boop and it works great for me. the fuji's second shutter depress is very hard and always casues some camera shake. i too am interested to know what is bad about using one.

[JonasYip]

I hadn't really considered a thumb grip, but that exposure compensation dial blocker seems like a plus. My camera is always coming out of my bag with that dial out of place...

[andy_v]

Also added a LensMate thumb grip and a hood. Really better to handle now!

[Phil_F_NM]

I'll probably stow the soft release until I'm ready to shoot, just like I stow the lens hood until I'm ready to shoot.

You don't want to do this either as the repeated torque on the shutter button can ruin the assembly. Better to screw it in just once than take it on and off a bunch of times.

Phil Forrest

[David_Manning]

Oh well...looks like I wasted $18 on a soft release!

[kermaier]

I'm using a Thumbs-Up EP-5s and a MatchTechnical Bop (smaller than the Boop), and it makes a world of difference in shooting stability of the X100. And just carrying the camera around in my hand, I'm much less prone to having my thumb get tired from tightly gripping the body.

[gavinlg]

Oh well...looks like I wasted $18 on a soft release!

Nar... Don't worry about it. I've been using on on my x100 for a while, it's always in there, and it's always in and out of the bag. I doubt very much that it will cause any problems, and it certainly makes it feel MUCH better!

[David_Manning]

My soft release unscrewed after pulling my camera out of the bag three times. A friend shooting with me saw it on the ground.

I like the way if feels, but it doesn't screw in very far and I'm afraid I'm going to lose it anyway. I don't think I want to do something silly like glue it in.

[Phil_F_NM]

Use a tiny amount of nail polish or a bit of enamel to grip the threads. Allow the polish or paint to get tacky before you screw it in. the soft release should stay put then.

Phil Forrest

[David_Manning]

Great idea. Thanks!

[capitalK]

I lost my mini softie and I hate not having it on there.

[SimonSawSunlight]

got the lensmate thumbs grip as well. nice.
abrahamsson mini softie is a must, too.