Real user review of the Thumbs Up thumb grip for the X-Pro-2

So,

When the X Pro 2 came out I wanted a thumb grip and after pouring over data and such on brands and quality, I chose the Thumbs Up one. It just had super reviews by all and seems to be the best. I bought it from the company via their website - full retail, but not after emailing the owner of the company and getting a next day (early) reply about the plans they had to take a then x-pro-1 model and optimize it for the x-pro-2. He promised the x-pro-2 unit would be out soon. I asked if the x-pro-1 unit would fit - he said it did but that it was not perfect on the new x-pro-2 so he wanted to do things right. I did not want to wait, was given fair warning, and got the unit for the x-pro-1. These were early days and most vendors had nothing for the x-pro-2.

Well, as in most things, he and I got busy doing our things. I was super happy with the x-pro-1 grip which had not left my camera since putting it on (I don't use flash much as I do street and travel mostly - plus the high iso on this camera is amazingly good no matter what the reviews say - it make me happy 100%). Anyway, the new unit's arrival on the market had happened and I missed it as i was busy using the older model, oblivious (and happy) about the new unit - I emailed him and long story short he sent the x-pro-2 version to me.  In the spirit of transparency, he did not charge me for it as he had originally said he'd upgrade me when the new one came out. He remembered me. Amazing customer service.

Wow. The quality of the thing is amazing. Solid. Perfect, snug fit in the hotshoe (the x-pro-1 one is less tight in comparison, something I did not even know/notice until the x-pro-2 unit was installed, to be honest).

The look is cleaner. The rear buttons on the camera body are no longer partially covered.

It came in the same absolutely amazing box- clearly as before -  something designed by someone with art and engineering experience. It feels very "right" much like things can seem just right (like the X-Pro-2 itself). Color match is perfect of the grip to the camera (important to me). Feel match is perfect too. It fits super snugly but can be removed with ease. They got it just right.

It is not cheap, but if you know how much these can stabilize things, then you may find this one the best of the bunch. I did...  And I just really like the way it feels everywhere, so it is not likely ever coming off the camera unless I use a flash. It is easy to take on and off, but is just a nicer fit.

Handling the knobs, ISO, etc., not an issue. I like the controls, even the iso.

Recommended.

The x-pro-1 grip on my x-pro-2 camera:

Thumbs Up X Pro 1 thumb grip on X Pro 2. I used this for months - no wear and tear..at all, so I know the finish will hold up well over time.

The new grip for the X Pro 2 on the the X Pro 2.

The X Pro 2 grip on the X Pro 2. Not the buttons are not covered and the rubber dot holding a rubber spacer on the other side is no longer needed (the fit is perfect now). That cleans things up to me. The curve on the thumb feels a tiny bit tighter in radius too....make gripping it tighter/better. Not a problem before, but even better now.

The complete package..with the wonderful 16-55. My favorite travel kit.