Looking for M8 & M9 thumb grip recommendations.

bs1946 · Dec 23, 2019

Since I'm getting older than dirt, I've been considering adding a thumb grip to my M8 and M9 to help hold them steadier. My only experience with thumb grips is with one that came with a used Fujifilm X-Pro1 that I bought. It was one of those generic no-name thumb drips from China and I didn't like it. Either the grip or my thumb was too short and it was uncomfortable to use.

I've found three different thumb grips that fit the M8 and M9. There is the original Match Technical Thumbs Up grip, a Hoage Chinese made Thumbs up knock off, and the Thumbie thumb grip. The Thumbie is interesting because it sits in a different position than the other two and uses double-sided tape to attach to the M body and my concerns are how well does the tape hold and will it leave any damage on the body if I remove it?. The other two fit in the hot shoe like the one on the X-Pro1 did and raises the question of how comfortable either one would be to use?

Any feedback on using these or other thumb grips or not bothering with one at all is greatly appreciated.

JDLaing50 · Dec 23, 2019

bs1946 said:
Since I'm getting older than dirt, I've been considering adding a thumb grip to my M8 and M9 to help hold them steadier. My only experience with thumb grips is with one that came with a used Fujifilm X-Pro1 that I bought. It was one of those generic no-name thumb drips from China and I didn't like it. Either the grip or my thumb was too short and it was uncomfortable to use.

I've found three different thumb grips that fit the M8 and M9. There is the original Match Technical Thumbs Up grip, a Hoage Chinese made Thumbs up knock off, and the Thumbie thumb grip. The Thumbie is interesting because it sits in a different position than the other two and uses double-sided tape to attach to the M body and my concerns are how well does the tape hold and will it leave any damage on the body if I remove it?. The other two fit in the hot shoe like the one on the X-Pro1 did and raises the question of how comfortable either one would be to use?

Any feedback on using these or other thumb grips or not bothering with one at all is greatly appreciated.

I use Match Technical and it works very well for me.

Jon Schick · Dec 23, 2019

I've used Match Technical in the past (on Fuji) and they've been very good. But on the Typ 240 I added a Thumbie, which works beautifully, leaves the hot shoe free (for flash, wide angle VF or EVF) and has been entirely problem free for c3,000 images so far. I don't see how the tape could damage the camera but I don't intend to ever remove it to find out! If choosing now, I'd have no hesitation buying the Thumbie again, but that is partly because leaving the hot shoe available is important to me with this camera. Lensmate also make some good grips at sensible prices but I don't know if they do them for Leica.

LCT · Dec 23, 2019

Another vote for Match Technical. Here on my M8.2. Perfect tool to me. I have no experience with the Thumbie though.
Best,
LCT

Thorsman · Dec 24, 2019

I got a thumbie for my M8, massively improved the handling. Brought a smile to my face when I first tried it.

The tape holds it very securely, and didn't cause any damage when removed - I had to take it off and re position it as I hadn't put it quite where I wanted it. Fortunately there was a spare piece of tape included. (I'd positioned it correctly on the curve of the camera but a little higher up than was optimal).

I'm not sure what would happen if you had to remove it after being attached long term, but suspect it would be fine, if I remember correctly there are instructions for how to remove it, I think a twisting action is suggested.)

Once its on I doubt you would want to remove it unless selling the camera perhaps. When I sold my M8 I left it in place (no issues after several years, used in all weathers).

Immediately bought another one for my M240.

Here's a review of the thumbie http://wild-traverse.com/blog/2016/7/12/review-thumbie-for-leica-m-type-240

Sjak · Dec 24, 2019

My Monochrom (and before that my M8 which has the same body) came with a stick-on thumb-grip. I think it's well placed, and adds sufficient grip for smaller lenses, but not for e.g. the Summicron-M 90 pre-APO.

Added bonus is that the hotshoe remains functional.

The handling (for me) became even better after I added a halfcase from Luigi.

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Looking for M8 & M9 thumb grip recommendations.

bs1946

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JDLaing50

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Jon Schick

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LCT

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Thorsman

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Sjak

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