Half case or side grip?

[BlackXList]

Never use a half case, it just feels totally wrong and uncomfortable for me, whereas a grip (or a camera with an inbuilt grip) just feels right in my hand

[rbsinto]

I stopped using camera cases about thirty years ago, as for me they just got in the way.
I use four motorized SLRs which have handles on the drives, but I added wrist straps to three of them to make them easier to carry.
My Nikon rangefinders are so small and light that I've never even considered making grips for them. Besides, unless the grip was glued to the bottom of the camera, it would have to be secured via the tripod socket, which would mean removing it to load and unload film.
My Voigtlander R2S has a trigger winder which acts as a grip.

[Geordiepete]

Half case with grip stitched in.

[anjoca76]

While I do sometimes find half-cases annoying when it comes to changing film and tripod use, I find my cameras must easier to shoot and handle in a case, especially in the summer months when my hands get sweaty. Overall, their usefulness outweigh their inconvenience, IMO.

[literiter]

My M2, M4-P and IIIf all have Zhou cases with the little sewn in grips. Once broken in they go on and off the camera fairly easily and I like the bit of protection they give the cameras.

The IIIf really benefits from the Zhou case because of the cameras small size with larger hands.

Half cases do slow film loading somewhat, but with these cameras loading is slow anyway.

[icebear]

I never used a half case (or any camera body case for that matter). The nice ones are made of leather, though it does have a nice feel to it and protects the camera mechanically, it also soaks up moisture. The worst thing you can do to a camera, is keeping it in a closed leathercase. For me a half case is just half bad.

I loved the TA Rapidgrip for my MP, unfortunately there is no new version for MD. ( Tom if you are reading this....) Now I have a photoequip grip on my M9 in combination with a Sling. Gives me a sure grip and no chance of dropping it.

[sleepyhead]

I tried a Luigi halfcase a couple of times on a couple of cameras (such as the Hexar RF in an attempt to provide a better grip and quite down the shutter/advance noise a bit), but I never clicked with them. I HATED having to remove the halfcase to change film.

I also think half case look a little silly (leather fetish anyone?), but I know this is a matter of personal taste as a lot of people appear to love the beauty of a Leica in a halfcase....

[Richard G]

No. My Leica will have as much metal of the true camera against my cold dead hand when they prise it free from there.

[meanstreetshooter]

ML-grip on my M4-2
TA Rapidgrip, with Rapidwinder, on my M4-P
Mr. Zhou half-case with grips on my M6 (condition 9 and keeping it that way). I shoot 'chromes with this one so I don't worry about quickly changing cartridges.

I like the side grips because I have nerve damage in my right arm and it shakes a bit.

[Godfrey]

A&A half case on M9, M4-2, and X2.
Zhou half case on CL.
Nothing with E-1, GXR, Rollei 35 ...

Depends on the camera. Some need better gripping surface ,to me.

G

[rbiemer]

Both for me depending on the camera. On my Bessa R, I use the CV side grip; it makes the camera hang a little better from my shoulder.
On some of my FSU cameras, there are no strap lugs and if I want to be able to use a neck strap, I need something to attach it to.
Rob

[kxl]

I use a Leicagoodies Sling

[segedi]

Originally Posted by kxl

I use a Leicagoodies Sling

I'll be ordering two more of these, they're great. I could probably make them myself, but 1. I'm not that keen to and 2. I like to support companies like that.

[SausalitoDog]

Thumbs Up only for me...bigger question is whether to use full neck strap or wrist strap ???

[Vince Lupo]

Sometimes the side grip for the Monochrom, but lately it's been a beautiful JNK Handworks half case. I don't really find the half case too much of a pain to remove to change the battery or the card -- not like I have to remove it every time I use the camera.

[peterm1]

I don't think it really matters. I have used both. When I regularly used an M3 I had an ever ready case and used the lower half of that on the body to protect it and give a better grip. The thing I really liked was that it made the body "fatter" and easier to grip. Later I bought a grip for it and found that worked well too. I now use a grip with my M8 as I don't really like the way half cases sit so much - with the rear LCD etc having to be exposed they don't work quite as well as with film cameras IMHO. But I have no really strong objection to them.

[Brian Legge]

Always use a wrist strap as I know without one I'd eventually drop something. I don't hold cameras by the strap only as i don't trust them.

I picked up a Rapidgrip here for an M4 a few months ago. I'm on the fence about it. I like how it feels with some lenses but I think my hands are slightly small for it. I definitely need a soft release to comfortably reach the trigger. I have one on the way now. With it, I ordered a Bessa side grip as well for an R4M.

I love the look of half cases and the protection is nice but don't like taking them on and off all the time to change film. Can't be bothered to deal with that.

[cnell]

I love, love, love my Leica Grip on my M9. It does add a wee bit bulk but it's worth it. My hands are small and when they get sweaty the grip gives that extra holding power for me.
Claudia

[smk]

65% grip, 35% Luigi half case.

The grip is excellent, very convenient.

I like the half case because of dampening of the shutter sound and overall protection, but 1) it makes the camera more bulky, and 2) I can't walk around holding it with a wrist strap on one hand as the leather is too slippery.

[EdwardKaraa]

Well since I started this thread I sold the Leica grip, tried 2 leather cases for a while, the Leica one and a Ciesta with built in grip, and I finally decided to reorder a new grip. I think the grip works best.

[Rodchenko]

I don't like accessory grips, nor traditional cases. I do use wrist straps, like Brian Legge, as I do worry about dropping my camera (I've had one fly from my hands and smash when I was barged in the street). SLR has an Op-Tech Envy neckstrap, as does the G11, though that is generally in wrist-strap mode.

[CajunCC]

I carry my Nikon SP in its original half-case when I'm out and about, but it's more for the shoulder strap than the case itself. In a controlled environment, it's bare metal.