Panasonic GX7 with a cheap & nasty Thumb Grip fitted

BolleDuc · Dec 12, 2013

I absolutely love my GX7 but it just didn't feel quite as perfectly comfortable, one handed, as my GX1 did. Since there isn't one specifically made for the GX7 yet, I thought I'd waste a few bucks on a "standard" thumb grip (i.e. one advertised as suitable for wide range of Panasonic, Fuji, etc.) to see how it might work out. The difference in the GX7, compared to some of the aforementioned "standard throw" cameras, is the fact that the hot shoe is offset further to the left.

The pics below show the grip fitted. The obvious limitation of course is that you can't mount an external flash. Not a biggie for me, as I'm mostly off camera with my occasional flash use anyway. However, the grip I chose prevents the release of the on-board flash so there's a 'removal - release flash - refit grip' routine required if I need that flash popped up.

While that may not make for a good long term solution, it will do for now. Perhaps more importantly, & much to my surprise given the added reach necessary for the thumb, it's now absolutely fantastic to use one handed. Moving that cantilever support point further out, & closer to the where the weight of the lens is, the thumb provides really good support & the package now feels as light as a feather, just about ideal for one handed use. I know this is very much an individual feel thing, & opinions are very subjective, but if you have any smidgen of discomfort holding your GX7, this might be worth the inexpensive experiment to test drive it. I would say that my hand size, reach of thumb, etc. are average.

All that said, I hope there will be some GX7 specific thumb grips on offer down the road. I can always move this one onto my GX1.

[ATTACH alt=""Standard" Thumb Grip on GX7 - Usual thumb position is just to the left of the Off/On switch "]450571[/ATTACH]
"Standard" Thumb Grip on GX7 - Usual thumb position is just to the left of the Off/On switch

All switches are accessible but the flash can't be popped open with the grip in place

Paul

--
Dilettante - my hobby is buying & selling cameras not photography!
Panasonic GX7, Olympus E-PL5, Panasonic GX1 & Canon S90 (IR Converted 590nm)

Owen · Dec 12, 2013

I got one last week but being lazy I didn't post any photos. I bought a white one since that was the cheapest and wasn't sure I would like it.

It could be a tad longer but it's ok. It keeps my thumb away from the buttons. Not sure if the camera is any steadier when actually taking a photo but it does make it easier to grip.

A good deal for like 4 dollars. Although it did take a long time to get here, I had completely forgotten about it, when the package came I said to myself, "What the heck is this?"

Owen

pcb_dpr · Dec 12, 2013

Sony has a relatively expensive hinged thumb grip for the RX1, the TGA-1, designed to allow quicker access to a button underneath the grip. Wonder if that would fit the GX7, and if the hinge would allow flash pop-up w/o removing the grip? At about US$250 retail, if it works it certainly isn't an inexpensive solution.

BolleDuc · Dec 12, 2013

pcb_dpr said:
Sony has a relatively expensive hinged thumb grip for the RX1, the TGA-1, designed to allow quicker access to a button underneath the grip. Wonder if that would fit the GX7, and if the hinge would allow flash pop-up w/o removing the grip? At about US$250 retail, if it works it certainly isn't an inexpensive solution.

Very nice little design & I'll bet it's beautifully finished but I'm not even tempted to try it (in case I really like it!) at that price! Thanks for pointing it out though, if I ever stumble across one going for a buck at a garage sale, I'll be all over it!

Paul

Paulmorgan · Dec 12, 2013

BolleDuc said:
I absolutely love my GX7 but it just didn't feel quite as perfectly comfortable, one handed, as my GX1 did. Since there isn't one specifically made for the GX7 yet, I thought I'd waste a few bucks on a "standard" thumb grip (i.e. one advertised as suitable for wide range of Panasonic, Fuji, etc.) to see how it might work out. The difference in the GX7, compared to some of the aforementioned "standard throw" cameras, is the fact that the hot shoe is offset further to the left.

The pics below show the grip fitted. The obvious limitation of course is that you can't mount an external flash. Not a biggie for me, as I'm mostly off camera with my occasional flash use anyway. However, the grip I chose prevents the release of the on-board flash so there's a 'removal - release flash - refit grip' routine required if I need that flash popped up.

While that may not make for a good long term solution, it will do for now. Perhaps more importantly, & much to my surprise given the added reach necessary for the thumb, it's now absolutely fantastic to use one handed. Moving that cantilever support point further out, & closer to the where the weight of the lens is, the thumb provides really good support & the package now feels as light as a feather, just about ideal for one handed use. I know this is very much an individual feel thing, & opinions are very subjective, but if you have any smidgen of discomfort holding your GX7, this might be worth the inexpensive experiment to test drive it. I would say that my hand size, reach of thumb, etc. are average.

All that said, I hope there will be some GX7 specific thumb grips on offer down the road. I can always move this one onto my GX1.

[ATTACH alt=""Standard" Thumb Grip on GX7 - Usual thumb position is just to the left of the Off/On switch"]450571[/ATTACH]
"Standard" Thumb Grip on GX7 - Usual thumb position is just to the left of the Off/On switch

All switches are accessible but the flash can't be popped open with the grip in place

Paul

--
Dilettante - my hobby is buying & selling cameras not photography!
Panasonic GX7, Olympus E-PL5, Panasonic GX1 & Canon S90 (IR Converted 590nm)

They might be cheap but it is about the best accessory you could get for an outlay of 10$

Some of these grips have a thin layer of tape for protecting the shoe from the grub screw.

What I did was to cut a small piece of aluminum from a drinks can and I stuck in on the underside using electrical tape for added protection, it works well.

BolleDuc · Dec 12, 2013

Paulmorgan said:
They might be cheap but it is about the best accessory you could get for an outlay of 10$

Some of these grips have a thin layer of tape for protecting the shoe from the grub screw.

What I did was to cut a small piece of aluminum from a drinks can and I stuck in on the underside using electrical tape for added protection, it works well.

Hi Paul,

I totally agree, it was a great buyer buzz for such a small outlay! The fit is snug enough on mine that I didn't even tighten the grub screw down & that works for me too, I couldn't bear the thought of torquing down on a hot shoe!

Though I might have to adopt your protective strategy if it loosens up over time, thanks.

Paul

Paulmorgan · Dec 12, 2013

BolleDuc said:
BolleDuc said:

They might be cheap but it is about the best accessory you could get for an outlay of 10$

Some of these grips have a thin layer of tape for protecting the shoe from the grub screw.

What I did was to cut a small piece of aluminum from a drinks can and I stuck in on the underside using electrical tape for added protection, it works well.

Click to expand...

Hi Paul,

I totally agree, it was a great buyer buzz for such a small outlay! The fit is snug enough on mine that I didn't even tighten the grub screw down & that works for me too, I couldn't bear the thought of torquing down on a hot shoe!

Though I might have to adopt your protective strategy if it loosens up over time, thanks.

Paul

jhinkey · Dec 12, 2013

So, in order to allow the flash to pop up can the thumb rest have a bit of material taken off via a file to make some clearance?

John

Paulmorgan · Dec 12, 2013

jhinkey said:
So, in order to allow the flash to pop up can the thumb rest have a bit of material taken off via a file to make some clearance?

John

--
http://www.seanet.com/~hinkey/Signature6.jpg

Is it worth it for such a minor niggle, simply slide the grip out of the flash shoe a little.

With my x10 the eye piece prevents the grip from sliding all the way into the shoe, but its still on enough to be stable and useable.

jhinkey · Dec 12, 2013

I guess I'll have to find out as I just pushed the order button at B&H for the black GX7 + kit lens + 20/1.7 bundle - be here in a week.

I'm interested in the thumb rest and I'll likely be getting the split case for it too - which may require some modifications to make room for the thumb rest if I decide to use one or keep it on while the case is used. I don't mind a little bit of file work to remove some offending aluminum if it means being able to pop open the flash w/o fiddling with the thumb rest every time.

- John

jeffharris · Dec 12, 2013

BolleDuc said:
I absolutely love my GX7 but it just didn't feel quite as perfectly comfortable, one handed, as my GX1 did. Since there isn't one specifically made for the GX7 yet, I thought I'd waste a few bucks on a "standard" thumb grip (i.e. one advertised as suitable for wide range of Panasonic, Fuji, etc.) to see how it might work out. The difference in the GX7, compared to some of the aforementioned "standard throw" cameras, is the fact that the hot shoe is offset further to the left.

I have a Fotodiox thumb grip that I got for my GX1 and now use it on my GX7. It works perfectly. The flash clears it with no alterations necessary.

BUT, it was expensive… $15. ;-)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D62VZBW?tag=amzn-offer-20

While we're talking minor GX7 tweaks, you all should definitely check out the Panasonic add-on eyecup. It makes a big difference when using the LVF. Another $15. Youch. ;-)

One more tweaky little doo-dad… an SLR ProDot. Sticks to the shutter button. It makes the shutter button easier to find.

Amazon.com : Custom SLR ProDot Shutter Button Upgrade (Black. 2 Pack). Soft Shutter Release Button Alternative : Camera Shutter Release Cords : Electronics

www.amazon.com

Paulmorgan · Dec 12, 2013

One more tweaky little doo-dad… an SLR ProDot. Sticks to the shutter button. It makes the shutter button easier to find.

Nah, just use gum

jeffharris · Dec 12, 2013

Paulmorgan said:
One more tweaky little doo-dad… an SLR ProDot. Sticks to the shutter button. It makes the shutter button easier to find.

Nah, just use gum

Yeah, except I can't afford to get my fillings yanked out with gum. ;-)

ostap_bender · May 11, 2017

search for "Panasonic GX8 Thumb Pad Mod" on youtbe, that mod gives a more neat result

Search

Panasonic GX7 with a cheap & nasty Thumb Grip fitted

BolleDuc

Well-known member

Attachments

Owen

Veteran Member

pcb_dpr

Leading Member

BolleDuc

Well-known member

Paulmorgan

Veteran Member

BolleDuc

Well-known member

Paulmorgan

Veteran Member

jhinkey

Veteran Member

Paulmorgan

Veteran Member

jhinkey

Veteran Member

jeffharris

Forum Pro

Amazon.com : Custom SLR ProDot Shutter Button Upgrade (Black. 2 Pack). Soft Shutter Release Button Alternative : Camera Shutter Release Cords : Electronics

Paulmorgan

Veteran Member

jeffharris

Forum Pro

ostap_bender

New member

Similar threads

Keyboard shortcuts