New Grip for M8

[Artorius]

I received my MD-Grip from Photoequip today. I really like it, and when paired with Tim's Thumbs UP, is it really easy to hold in my large hands.
It protects the whole bottom plate as well as remaining just as easy to change battery and SD card.


http://www.rcartworks.com/images/Leica/M8_MDGrip.jpg

[back alley]

very nice looking!

[nikonhswebmaster]

Given the weak M8 tripod socket, I would not want to mount this without some assurances from Leica that it is OK.

[Artorius]

Given the weak M8 tripod socket, I would not want to mount this without some assurances from Leica that it is OK.

I am of the mindset that if Leica didn't trust the tripod mounting socket, it wouldn't have one. That and the fact that they offer a handgrip.
There was an argument about whether or not Tim's TU would mess the flash shoe up. I guess either is possible, but highly unlikely in my opinion, which is the only option I have because it's mine, and until Leica says something to the contrary it will remain my option.
I have only read about two problems, and one of them was when it(M8) was dropped while attached to said tripod. In any event, the way this mounts onto the baseplate, the entire bottom of the camera seems to be equally protected.

[digitalintrigue]

It doesn't appear to me the M8 has a weak tripod socket, certainly not for a handgrip. I haven't seen reports of damage to an M8 tripod socket.

In general, it is probably recommended not to position any camera at the end of a moment arm and subject it to significant amounts of torque, with instantaneous deceleration. ;)

[nikonhswebmaster]

No question that the tripod socket is not attached to anything much (certainly not the body casting), but the grip will be unlikely to damage it... I am just being cautious. Maybe a little too Chicken Little?

[Artorius]

Maybe a little too Chicken Little?

Maybe. If you look at the Leica version, it also has a tripod socket. Go figure. I am also a cautious person, but if Leica didn't want us to use a tripod, I say they wouldn't have included one.
The thing I like about the PhotoEquip version, is that it doesn't replace the bottom, just reinforces it.
If you'd like a shot of the bottom of the M8 with the grip attached, let me know and I will post one.

[etrigan63]

Art,

could you post some pictures of this configuration or at least links to them? I have no idea where Back Alley saw your setup.

[Artorius]

Here are three more views with the MD-Grip and the Thumbs Up 1.


http://www.rcartworks.com/images/Posted/M8_top_angle.jpg http://www.rcartworks.com/images/Posted/M8_top_angle_2.jpg http://www.rcartworks.com/images/Posted/m8_bottom_grip.jpg

[nikonhswebmaster]

Is there a tripod socket on the bottom of the grip? Hard to see in the photo.

[Artorius]

Is there a tripod socket on the bottom of the grip? Hard to see in the photo.

Just behind and next to the attaching screw.

[nksyoon]

How much does it change the feel of the camera - does it feel a lot bulkier?