Thumbs Up CSEP-1 on a Leica M7

Johann Espiritu · 11-30-2009

Hey everyone,

I'm currently trying out the Leica M-Grip, and I find my thumb looking for something to latch on too for extra support. Have any tried the Thumbs Up CSEP-1 on a Leica M7? Does it help a lot, or get in the way of the film advance lever?

Thanks in advance.

Johann

chrishayton · 11-30-2009

Use the film advance lever? just took your thumb underneath

Johann Espiritu · 11-30-2009

Thanks!

I tried that but it feels a little awkward when in the landscape position. I feel like I need something to push my thumb against towards the right side of the camera (horizontally).

Artorius · 11-30-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johann Espiritu

Hey everyone,

I'm currently trying out the Leica M-Grip, and I find my thumb looking for something to latch on too for extra support. Have any tried the Thumbs Up CSEP-1 on a Leica M7? Does it help a lot, or get in the way of the film advance lever?

Thanks in advance.

Johann

I've got the PhotoEquip grip on my M3, with an original TU Version 1. I find it helps in one handed carry of the camera.

pphuang · 11-30-2009

I also like having something a bit more solid for my thumb, and use the original TU 3 on my MP. The TU 3 is wider than the TU 1, and I find it a little bit easier to work around when using the film advance lever. However, you have to move the winder at the very tip so that your thumb clears the TU, and this will slow you down if you have to wind quickly.

Artorius · 11-30-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by pphuang

I also like having something a bit more solid for my thumb, and use the original TU 3 on my MP. The TU 3 is wider than the TU 1, and I find it a little bit easier to work around when using the film advance lever. However, you have to move the winder at the very tip so that your thumb clears the TU, and this will slow you down if you have to wind quickly.

I would ask, and I hate to ask, you have smaller hands? I have large hands, and I have always used the tip of my thumb to advance the film, so with the TU it poses no problems with me. My total grip has always been a problem for me. Now, if Tim could come up with a solution for the Barnack cameras, I would be in Heaven.

Johann Espiritu · 11-30-2009

Thanks, guys. Would you mind sending a photo of the film advance with the TU on? I've tried searching online, but to no success.

Thanks in advance!

pphuang · 12-01-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artorius

I would ask, and I hate to ask, you have smaller hands? I have large hands, and I have always used the tip of my thumb to advance the film, so with the TU it poses no problems with me. My total grip has always been a problem for me. Now, if Tim could come up with a solution for the Barnack cameras, I would be in Heaven.

I do have smaller hands, so perhaps a TU 3 would not be so comfortable for somebody with larger hands.

Quote:

Thanks, guys. Would you mind sending a photo of the film advance with the TU on? I've tried searching online, but to no success.

Thanks in advance!

I'll try to post some pics...

pphuang · 12-01-2009

OK, here are some photos of the TU 3 on an MP so you can see the clearance.

Quote:

Now, if Tim could come up with a solution for the Barnack cameras, I would be in Heaven.

The current CSEP-1 works very well on my mine...

Johann Espiritu · 12-02-2009

Thanks, Paul. This has been very, very helpful.

Pickett Wilson · 12-02-2009

Paul, that TU on the Barnack looks like good grip. I'm a left eyed shooter, though. Would it be too likely to poke me in the eye?

Seriously, do you think it would be usable for a left eyed shooter?

BillP · 12-02-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pickett Wilson

Paul, that TU on the Barnack looks like good grip. I'm a left eyed shooter, though. Would it be too likely to poke me in the eye?

Seriously, do you think it would be usable for a left eyed shooter?

I'm interested in that too... It seems like the Model 3 would do the job on my II...

Regards,

Bill

pphuang · 12-02-2009

Well, I just raised it to my face (mine is a II), holding my left eye over the focus window and the viewfinder window, and it seems to be fine using the CSEP-1, at least for my face (I have a narrow face). When your thumb is in the TU, it actually prevents the TU from poking you in the eye. The "depth" of the TU is actually shallower than the height of your nose, so the biggest issue is the distance from the right side of your nose to your left eye. When my eye is over the viewfinder window, my thumb rests right against the right side of my nose and it feels pretty comfortable. If you have a wider face, then your nose might prevent you from placing your left eye squarely over the viewfinder window. If you have a later model Barnack where the focus/viewfinder windows are closer together, this may not be a problem at all.

I don't have my TU 3 with me at the moment, but since its longer than the CSEP-1, it may be even better for left eye'd shooters, but I think a lot of it depends on the size of your face and your hands. The TU 3 would place you thumb pretty close to the edge of the camara, and this might be uncomfortable if you have large hands. The TU 3 also does not have an accessory cold shoe, so you would not be able to mount any viewfinders.