As for the Thumbs Up Model 3...

john_nyc · 10-02-2007

It's just perfect.

Fits my smallish hand like it was tailor made.

Has anyone remarked about the packaging? It's beautiful!

Tim, you should be very proud of your creation and in how you executed it.

Well done!

John

etrigan63 · 10-02-2007

Tim has done an amazing job with the TU. I have a Model One and it works flawlessly with my big hands. The packaging is the best I have ever seen - simple, elegant & functional. We should have a gallery of our TU-enhanced Leicas.

HuubL · 10-02-2007

Do you use the TU with an M8 only or does it enhance handling of the film Leicas as well?

etrigan63 · 10-02-2007

As I only have an M8, I cannot comment on other M bodies. I believe Tim has had success with the TU on his M6 as well.

TS ISAAC · 10-02-2007

John,
Thank you sir. Glad you like your Thumbs Up.

HuuBl,
The hole on the TU is for the flash sync connectors of older M's. The Thumbs Up is designed for use on M8 and M6 and new MP's.

For the M4, if I modify the width slightly for the more narrow hot shoe mount, it works perfectly. Once modified for M4, then it would be loose on M8. I have not yet tried it on an M3, but Tom Abrahamsson tried Thumbs Up on his M2 and gave me a nod of approval. Either that or I was to pay the tab for the lunch!

Unfortunately, on the M7 and the M6TTL the sync socket is about 3.5 mm lower than on M6. Thumbs Up will not fit on M7 or M6TTL in its current configuration.

Etrigan63,
Thanks for your comment

etrigan63 · 10-02-2007

Heh, I will be attending a Leica Demo Day at Dale Labs next month (November 3) and there will be a Leica rep there. Guess what I am showing him?

quadtones · 10-02-2007

I've been using the Thumbs Up Mod 1, and will probably get another for my M6. I tried the one I use on my M8 on the film camera, and it really does help. Also, as no one else seems to have noted it, the weight of the camera is really not borne by the hot shoe. Instead, it provides an anchor, with most of the weight still carried by the fingers on the front of the camera. This is without an M-grip. Terrific balance, including with 35mm C-V Nokton and 75mm Summilux.

NS

etrigan63 · 10-02-2007

Yes, and if you do add the grip you have a rock-solid hold on the camera with your right hand. I haven't tried with with "long" lenses yet, but maybe soon.

Here's mine all gripped out -

gurtch · 10-07-2007

Where can I find a Thumbs Up 3 for my M8? Did a Google and found nothing.
Dave in NJ

pphuang · 10-07-2007

To order a Thumbs Up, email Tim at Timyzik@Comcast.net.

I ordered the TU version 3 for my M7/MP. I like having my thumb just a little more off to the side (compared to version 1), since I like to walk around with the winder "half cocked" - this keeps my thumb from bumping the winder. As Tim stated, it rides a little high and doesn't lie flat on the M7 because of the position of the sync socket, although its still quite usable. Tim is in the processes of modifying the design to fit the M7. It fits wonderfully on the MP

In conjunction with a grip, it really makes my film cameras a joy to hold and use. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

gurtch · 10-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by pphuang

To order a Thumbs Up, email Tim at Timyzik@Comcast.net.

I ordered the TU version 3 for my M7/MP. I like having my thumb just a little more off to the side (compared to version 1), since I like to walk around with the winder "half cocked" - this keeps my thumb from bumping the winder. As Tim stated, it rides a little high and doesn't lie flat on the M7 because of the position of the sync socket, although its still quite usable. Tim is in the processes of modifying the design to fit the M7. It fits wonderfully on the MP

In conjunction with a grip, it really makes my film cameras a joy to hold and use. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

Thanks Paul. I will email him
Dave

gurtch · 10-08-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by gurtch

Thanks Paul. I will email him
Dave

Just sent another email to Tim requesting an invoice so I can order one.
Dave

Way · 10-08-2007

I too am hoping to get one for my M8 and MP.

krimple · 10-08-2007

Just wanted to say thanks to the inventor. What a great tool. I love mine!

Ken

john_nyc · 10-09-2007

Now that I've had it for a week, I have to say that it's completely changed the handling of the M8 for me.

Previously I couldn't stand holding the thing without the grip or a leather half case.

With the TU-3 installed, I find that the camera is quite comfortable to hold without other grip-assistance. Unencumbered by the grip/case, the M8 returns to a much more M-like size and shape.

Also, as others have commented, I don't think that the TU exerts lateral force on the shoe. It's more like it's just giving the thumb a more secure place to come in contact with the back of the top plate.

John