Holding the E-PL6

Here is how I plan to hold the camera!

The display screen doesn't cover the entire back of the camera. Glass extends across the back, but there is a display-less border on the left. I can put the bottom of the camera in the crook of my thumb and my thumb itself along this border.

thumb along display-less border

In the picture above is what I call a finger lanyard. There are two knots tied in the gold colored twine. The first knot makes a loop for my finger and the second knot makes a good place for my fingers to pinch while I inset my middle finger in the loop.

middle finger in loop

With my middle finger in the loop, my forefinger and thumb are free to do whatever is needed. I can hold the camera pointed down with middle finger under the body and the finger lanyard keeps it in place. If the camera slips off the finger, it won't fall because the finger lanyard is snug enough I have slide my finger out anyway.

camera balanced on middle finger with forefinger and thumb free to do stuff other than hold the camera.

This has all worked great for point/shoot cameras; they don't weigh much. I think it will work fine for me using the E-PL6 with small lenses. I rarely use the finger lanyard but it is there if I need it. The lanyard is suitable for me because I don't use neck straps and things for cameras.

- - - The thing that is awkward here is putting my finger through the loop. I pinch the second knot (mostly area between the two knots + knot itself) between my left hand forefinger and thumb and slip my right hand middle finger in. The weight of the camera makes this a delicate operation so it doesn't slip. I mention this because care is needed to not pull the camera from the left hand slipping the right finger in. So, maybe this isn't for everyone :^)

From what type of store or what is the stuff called?

I need some for my ridiculously slippery phone.

lensfungus wrote:

alexisgreat wrote:

lensfungus wrote:

alexisgreat wrote:

lensfungus wrote:

Difficult to see in the photo, but the second finger of my right hand runs along base of camera and the second finger of my right hand is gripping the grip.

Jam your elbows into your ribs and it's as good as a monopod.

With the in-built image stabilization and anti-shock I can shoot reliably at 1/8s like this.

Thanks, this is very helpful! Is it stable even for long telephoto lenses?

I use it like this with the 40-150 - it's great but you'll lose a stop or two of over a standard lens.

To be honest, long telephotos are of limited use indoors, so mine only really gets used outside where there's plenty of light and I can use faster shutter speeds.

Thanks, did you mean you lose a stop or two of IS with it? With the 40-150 lens at full zoom and IS turned on, what were the slowest shutter speeds you could use?

Just did a quick test as I don't really use that lens in low light - at full zoom I can hold reliable at 1/40. Can push it to 1/20 but then it's 50/50 whether the shot is perfect or blurred.

Thanks- sounds like the IS is good for 1-2 stops with that lens.  BTW it does look like you are squishing the lens

Denisio Fabuloso wrote:

I added these bits of adhesive grip tape. Not hugely pretty... but works a treat. Made a huge difference... especially for one handed use.

'To live outside the law you've got to be honest'. R. Zimmerman.

Thanks, I think I really need to do this. I want to use the camera with one hand but it's difficult to do with such a flat smooth surface.  You put them on the bottom part of the camera too?

Tan68 wrote:

Here is how I plan to hold the camera!

The display screen doesn't cover the entire back of the camera. Glass extends across the back, but there is a display-less border on the left. I can put the bottom of the camera in the crook of my thumb and my thumb itself along this border.

thumb along display-less border

In the picture above is what I call a finger lanyard. There are two knots tied in the gold colored twine. The first knot makes a loop for my finger and the second knot makes a good place for my fingers to pinch while I inset my middle finger in the loop.

middle finger in loop

With my middle finger in the loop, my forefinger and thumb are free to do whatever is needed. I can hold the camera pointed down with middle finger under the body and the finger lanyard keeps it in place. If the camera slips off the finger, it won't fall because the finger lanyard is snug enough I have slide my finger out anyway.

camera balanced on middle finger with forefinger and thumb free to do stuff other than hold the camera.

This has all worked great for point/shoot cameras; they don't weigh much. I think it will work fine for me using the E-PL6 with small lenses. I rarely use the finger lanyard but it is there if I need it. The lanyard is suitable for me because I don't use neck straps and things for cameras.

- - - The thing that is awkward here is putting my finger through the loop. I pinch the second knot (mostly area between the two knots + knot itself) between my left hand forefinger and thumb and slip my right hand middle finger in. The weight of the camera makes this a delicate operation so it doesn't slip. I mention this because care is needed to not pull the camera from the left hand slipping the right finger in. So, maybe this isn't for everyone :^)

That looks very secure.  I can picture that it would be a good snug fit on your finger.

The funny thing about this camera- it's light yes, but because of its small size, all the weight is concentrated, it actually feels heavier than it actually is.