Oly OMD grip

[jlm]

Production model seen here with a few siblings. These are shipping now. $110

contact: jm@milich.com


the second finger rests on the top and can operate the dial leaving the forefinger free for the shutter and function keys.
The battery door is un-obstructed, as are the card and strap hanger.
the base is grooved to fit a tripod clamp (arca/RRS style) and also has an on-lens-center 1/4-20 tripod socket.
made from solid anodized aluminum, weight 3 oz (80 grams)

[jlm]

the unit alone:

[jlm]

top view, on camera



bottom view, on camera:

[engel001]

This grip looks really good and well thought out. I like the Arca-style plate on the bottom. Next step, possibly with integrated L-bracket, but that would ruin the ergonomics, wouldn't it? Congratulations!

[kit laughlin]

Jim, I will be ordering one of these even though I have the Oly grip; I like this one's simplicity, battery access, and the fact it will fit my tripod clamp, by the look of it. Great work.

[vasylt]

Very interesting design. For me, there is only one thing missing -- an eyelet for wrist strap. Currently, if one wants to use a wrist strap there are two options: full portrait grip has a mounting point and there are special plates that go into the tripod socket. Those plates are usually very poorly designed. This grip has a potential to fix those designs. I wonder if it would be possible to drill a slot hole through the narrow part of the bottom plate. It would have to be machined off on the inside otherwise the strap will block the battery cover. The hole would have to be about 12x3mm, and very little would have to be machined off on the inside, maybe a millimeter or so. The only concern is that it might compromise the structural strength of the grip.
Disclaimer: I already own HLD-6 but I would buy this grip if it had that wrist strap eyelet.

[kit laughlin]

I own the HLD-6, but will be selling it once Jim's grip arrives; will be a week or so. I will report back as soon as I have tried it.

I much prefer Jim's battery access approach, especially since my OM-D freezes (goes to sleep and—sometimes—won't wake up without the battery being dropped out and replaced)!

[jlm]

interesting about the strap...why can't you use the original clip for a strap a la Leica?

[etrigan63]

John, I think Kit means a two-point handstrap like a Camdapter strap. Here is a pic of my OM-D sporting the strap:


My OM-D E-M5 + Camdapter Strap by Carlos Echenique, on Flickr

There is a lug on the bottom of the Oly grip (battery holder part actually), so no strap adapter is needed.

[jlm]

aha! I checked it out and Camdapter makes a fitting for the bottom that uses the tripod mount thread. My grip base has a 1/4-20 female thread, so that would suffice.

if i put in a slot, it's use would interfere with the tripod clamp grooves.

if I try and put it to the exterior of the battery door, the base would have to be lengthened and the strap might get cramped

[jlm]

based on feed back so far, i am also making a right angle version allowing the camera to lock into the tripod clamp in either portrait or landscape orientation. still would have the grip, battery un-obstructed. should have some pics this weekend

john

[jlm]

update:

three items for the OMD; all are CNC milled from 6061T6 aluminum, black anodized, have pin-in-slot for wrist strap and do not interfere with the battery or card access, have grooves to fit RRS/Arca style clamp and 1/4-20 tripod hole, centered on lens

1. basic grip: $125
2. L-plate: $125
1. combo grip and L-plate $175

I will give $50 discount to early adopters who want to exchange their unit with any of the above





combo mounted:





basic grip



L=plate:

[etrigan63]

Oh John,
you are weakening my resolve....!

[vasylt]

Wow! Only a few days and all suggestions are already implemented! So tempted...
One question: the L-plate has an extra hole and two pins. What are those for?

[jlm]

the pins serve as a rotation stop (it doesn't reach the other end of the camera, where there is a hole for a pin that serves for the other models. the extra hole is a fixturing aid for machining

the grip itself has a bit more finger clearance to the lens (1/8" more) and is a bit taller to better support the second finger near the selection dial. it also has a rougher surface texture

[kit laughlin]

Jim, as a happy owner of v. 1, and wanting the L-plate part, is it possible?

Cheers, KL

[jlm]

top view, combo mounted

[jacobsen1]

just ordered the middle one:

Originally Posted by jlm

can't wait to get it.

[vasylt]

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

just ordered the middle one:
can't wait to get it.

Same here. It may be a little bigger but it packs a lot of function.
Now, to add even more functionality -- is there such a thing as off-camera flash shoe mounted to Arca-style L-bracket?

[jlm]

hmm...

[btrancho]

I had the pleasure of picking up my grip directly from John today at his Brooklyn Navy Yard shop. I got the "standard" (non-L plate) version. What a nice piece of workmanship. Fits like a glove and completely transforms the feel of the OMD. The textured grip is a nice touch and has been beefed up a bit over the original. It feels much more natural in my hand now.

John graciously spent a little time with me, showing me some of his stunning large prints of shots from the Yard, mostly taken with his MF kit. A nice guy who makes a great addition to the OMD. Highly recommended.

[jlm]

finished a new production run. added a few tweaks based on user feedback:

1. the pin-in-slot for a hand strap is now user removable (i provide an allen key), so you can fit a continuous strap
2. there is a relief cut in the base so the strap will not interfere with the tripod mount (it worked before, this is a bit of an improvement
3. the grip itself is a bit narrower (for more lens/finger clearance) and a bit higher, to place the forefinger closer to the dial.

nice to meet you, bob! the forum has a lot of reach

[lance_schad]

John,
These grips look amazing.
I saw an OMD today nice camera, it had the Olympus grip on it. Really like your continuous improvements on the product from feedback.
You were missed at the meet up today.

Lance

[vasylt]

Just got mine. Really amazing piece of work. Solid. Functional. Light - considerably lighter than HLD-6. The strap mount works. Interestingly, the grip requires completely different hold than the Olympus one - I need to experiment more with it but it's almost like the strap needs to go between index and middle finger. I might need some soft cover for the strap for comfort.
One issue that I haven't noticed before, this is an issue with OM-D design - the L-bracket is blocking the left door so the remote control cannot be used. Not sure if this can be solved with the way that door works, even the camera screen blocks it slightly. There appears to be a partial workaround in that the left mount looks removable. Unfortunately, I don't have an Allen wrench of that size available and I am not sure if it is recommended to unscrew and re-screw those bolts. John, can you comment on this, please?

[jlm]

i tried, but could not come up with a satisfactory way to avoid blocking the LH door

the end plate is removable, requires a 9/64 allen wrench.

RRS decided to leave the end of the plate open for door access, but that idea does not appeal to me

i rest my second finger on top of the grip where it is positioned just right for reaching the dials. this leaves the first finger free to actuate the shutter and function buttons

[jacobsen1]

got mine the other day:

Originally Posted by jlm

finished a new production run. added a few tweaks based on user feedback:

3. the grip itself is a bit narrower (for more lens/finger clearance) and a bit higher, to place the forefinger closer to the dial.

any chance we can swap out the older grip for the newer one?

[tom in mpls]

Originally Posted by jlm

RRS decided to leave the end of the plate open for door access, but that idea does not appeal to me

Jim, in what ways do you feel your grip/plate combo is superior to the RRS?

[jlm]

RRS makes fine products and is completely focused on camera accessories, and recently constructed a new factory. I have several of their items. When my grip came out, RRS did not have an OMD version, either L-plate or grip, and the rumors were they did not intend to make one. Now they are about to offer one. I have small custom shop and am a camera enthusiast, saw a need and filled it.


Mine is shipping now and is less bulky, has different aesthetics, has developed considerably in response to user input, sells for a bit less, and is made by a forum member

[tom in mpls]

Originally Posted by jlm

Mine is shipping now and is less bulky, has different aesthetics, has developed considerably in response to user input, sells for a bit less, and is made by a forum member

All good points. I have purchased from you previously so I know your attention to detail and quality. Thank you.

[kit laughlin]

I have jlm's L-grip (the middle one, above) and I feel it's a significant improvement over the original (the 'basic' grip).

The reasons are two: the finish of the slightly taller vertical part of the grip has a new rougher finish which really makes hand-carrying feel secure, and it's slightly taller and thicker as well, which seems to improve the utility.

Two thumbs up from me; great work and finish.

[tom in mpls]

Jim, the picture above shows the L plate on the camera, looking straight at the front. It shows the bottom, horizontal plate extending beyond the end of the camera base plate. As I would plan to use the grip without the vertical, L portion, I am not sure how I would feel about the bottom plate extending out that far. I can't find any pictures showing exactly how the camera looks without the side, L plate.

[etrigan63]

Originally Posted by tom in mpls

Jim, the picture above shows the L plate on the camera, looking straight at the front. It shows the bottom, horizontal plate extending beyond the end of the camera base plate. As I would plan to use the grip without the vertical, L portion, I am not sure how I would feel about the bottom plate extending out that far. I can't find any pictures showing exactly how the camera looks without the side, L plate.

It doesn't. Look at the basic grip. It only goes to the middle of the camera body.

basic grip

[tom in mpls]

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

Yes, I understand about the basic grip, but I am would like to know more about the L grip also pictured here, but without the end L piece. Having a full width baseplate looks more steady, and having the L option available is nice.

And look at how the bottom piece curves away from the side with the Oly grip:

Originally Posted by sangio

[jlm]

oly can take more liberties with the shape because they do not have to worry about covering the battery (they just cover it), and they do not provide the grooves for the arca style clamp.

i am now offering the basic grip with a full length baseplate option, as that will provide more stability, same price, you can have it either way

[tom in mpls]

Originally Posted by jlm

oly can take more liberties with the shape because they do not have to worry about covering the battery (they just cover it), and they do not provide the grooves for the arca style clamp.

i am now offering the basic grip with a full length baseplate option, as that will provide more stability, same price, you can have it either way

Yes, the Oly grip falls short 4 ways: it is not a QR plate, it doesn't have the L option, it covers the battery door, and, when using the single base piece, it lacks a bottom strap attachment.

[Diane B]

Whew!!!!! LOL. I can't keep up with John's offerings. I've never seen any vendor respond to his/hers user requests or feedback faster than he has.

I'm at decision time for grip or no grip. If I'm going to add a grip I want to get on with it because I do think it will impact my holding and button use and don't want to get used to one way and change later.

So, I understand that John now offers the plain grip with a full plate on the bottom and one with the battery door revealed. The grip with L is also offered and I have to decide. I have an L plate on my 5D and have almost always used an L but I find I'm not carrying a tripod a lot of the time and wonder if the added width would be more of an annoyance than not since even when I will use a tripod will I often shoot portrait.

If anyone has anything to add from their actual use I'd appreciate hearing. Right now I think I am considering the plain grip with the full plate (I'm not a fast shooter nor do I do video so my battery usage over a day is quite reasonable and even if I would have to change, I've always carried Allen wrenches).

Glad to hear its now jet black as I was a little put off by the dark anodized, neither here nor there sort of. If anyone has gotten the new taller jet black plain grip on a silver OMD I'd love to see a photo.

Also John, how does the bottom plate now look on the bottom--does it go end to end and with a wrist strap slot??

Diane

[jlm]

the basic grip comes with a slightly more than half length base or a full length base, same price, the full length base is very similar to the base used for the combo.

all bases leave the battery door unobstructed and all have the hand strap removable pin for right handed use

one option is to get the combo and remove the two screws holding on the L-plate, if you don't want it all the time.

i use the combo and leave it on all the time

[Diane B]

Got off the fence and ordered the combo, grip plus L. With the option to remove the L it made sense to me. Looking forward to using it.

[Diane B]

I noticed on another forum that some were adding a bit of black deerskin to cover the grip. Anyone here that has added a leather to cover the grip? I, of course, haven't seen one but it does seem as though it may be more comfortable to handle.

John also mentioned silicone tubing elsewhere. This is out of my areas of expertise and I don't know where to look for anything (IF I feel the need) other than the sites for leather for Leicas or similar. Any thoughts welcome.

Then, I may find its just fine without anything, but I'm thinking of shooting in he wintertime.

Diane

[jlm]

the first grip surfaces were smoother, but for a while now, i have been sending out a much more textured surface, it seems to work well. produced by coarse abrasive blasting of the grip portion before black anodizing

[tom in mpls]

Originally Posted by jlm

...the full length base is very similar to the base used for the combo.

How are they different? Are they the same length and shape?

[jlm]

same length and shape, there are threaded holes in the end for the L-plate in the combo version

[GreenH]

Can you post a picture that has the L bracket and access to the remote trigger door? It would be nice if you showed a remote connected.

Thanks,
Steve

[jlm]

the L-plate blocks access to the door behind which are the remote and USB connectors.

[Diane B]

I'll deal with it in vertical by using the timer. For horizontal I'll take off the L bracket and use a remote--but I have to buy a new one-I shoot a lot more in landscape. The one I've used with Panasonics for a number of years doesn't work with Olympus. In the meantime I'll use the timer there too.

Diane

[etrigan63]

John,
I have decided to sell my HLD-6 in favor of a smaller grip-plate solution. You tell me what is the thickness of your solution on the grip side? I want to be able to compare it to the thickness of the HLD-6.

[jlm]

viewed from above, the grip portion is about 7/8" wide (in the long direction of the camera, and extends forward from the camera about 1/2". (it is not a rectangle in section)

in height, it comes about to the centerline of the strap loop.

the base plate is 5/16" thick

[etrigan63]

Thanks John. As soon as I sell my HLD-6 grip I will be ordering one of yours.

[jlm]

more pics from a happy user:
JLM grip for the OMD E-M5 | Jonathan Hrovath Photography

[jacobsen1]

modified my grip a bit to work better with the spider pin. I had been using it in the 1/4-20 thread on the l-bracket, but it sticks out all the time making it wide, this seems lower profile:


I had to "modify" the grip, the coupler nut and the spider pin quite a bit to get it to work, but it's all set now.