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Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?

Started Nov 16, 2017 | Discussions
aloli
aloli Regular Member • Posts: 276
Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?

Has there been any new rangefinder style cameras released with the GX7 shape? It's the only M43 camera I've used where my pinky doesn't hang off the bottom of the grip, and its a lot more comfortable than other bodies I've used (E-PL5, EP5, EM10 ii).

The GX8 is too large, and the GX85 seems to have downsized the grip (and its available for the same price as the GX8 locally... no clue why).

On the Olympus side there hasn't been a rangefinder style body with a built in EVF other than the Pen F, and that doesn't have a grip at all.

I'm using an X-E2 now and its really comfortable, I figured M43 might work for me again but realized that I'm restricted by the lack of a body with similiar handling

 aloli's gear list:aloli's gear list
Canon EOS 7D Fujifilm X-T2 Fujifilm X-E3 Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS +3 more
(unknown member) Regular Member • Posts: 364
Re: Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?
1

aloli wrote:

Has there been any new rangefinder style cameras released with the GX7 shape? It's the only M43 camera I've used where my pinky doesn't hang off the bottom of the grip, and its a lot more comfortable than other bodies I've used (E-PL5, EP5, EM10 ii).

The GX8 is too large, and the GX85 seems to have downsized the grip (and its available for the same price as the GX8 locally... no clue why).

On the Olympus side there hasn't been a rangefinder style body with a built in EVF other than the Pen F, and that doesn't have a grip at all.

I'm using an X-E2 now and its really comfortable, I figured M43 might work for me again but realized that I'm restricted by the lack of a body with similiar handling

Sony a6300?  I looked at it but found the lens selection to be lacking or just too expensive.  I got a GX8, but the body design that is probably my favorite is the GX7.

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Scuba Carlos
Scuba Carlos Regular Member • Posts: 200
Re: Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?
1

Some of us are hoping the GX9 will be the GX7 mark III with weather sealing and 20mp sensor and no low pass filter. I love my GX8 and the only reason I would say it is too big is because when I put it in a Nauticam housing it will then be too big for one handed operation. Aside from that, I hope for a GX9 with the features I mentioned that keeps and improves upon the tilting EVF, fully articulating screen, the electromagnetic mechanical shutter aand IBIS from the G85 and a reasonable price tag.

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aloli
OP aloli Regular Member • Posts: 276
Re: Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?
1

Nick Photog wrote:

aloli wrote:

Has there been any new rangefinder style cameras released with the GX7 shape? It's the only M43 camera I've used where my pinky doesn't hang off the bottom of the grip, and its a lot more comfortable than other bodies I've used (E-PL5, EP5, EM10 ii).

The GX8 is too large, and the GX85 seems to have downsized the grip (and its available for the same price as the GX8 locally... no clue why).

On the Olympus side there hasn't been a rangefinder style body with a built in EVF other than the Pen F, and that doesn't have a grip at all.

I'm using an X-E2 now and its really comfortable, I figured M43 might work for me again but realized that I'm restricted by the lack of a body with similiar handling

Sony a6300? I looked at it but found the lens selection to be lacking or just too expensive. I got a GX8, but the body design that is probably my favorite is the GX7.

I've tried the A6000, it looks like a good grip in theory but it curves around too much and yet it's not deep enough... it's hard to explain. It attempts to simulate a DSLR grip but it feels like holding a bar, that's how I would describe it.

Indeed, GX7 is really quite a comfortable camera to hold. A shame there hasn't been an updated one with an identical body. Maybe the GX90?

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 aloli's gear list:aloli's gear list
Canon EOS 7D Fujifilm X-T2 Fujifilm X-E3 Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS +3 more
jeffharris
jeffharris Forum Pro • Posts: 11,411
Re: Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?
3

aloli wrote:

Has there been any new rangefinder style cameras released with the GX7 shape? It's the only M43 camera I've used where my pinky doesn't hang off the bottom of the grip, and its a lot more comfortable than other bodies I've used (E-PL5, EP5, EM10 ii).

The GX8 is too large, and the GX85 seems to have downsized the grip (and its available for the same price as the GX8 locally... no clue why).

You’re pretty much stuck. The GX85 is an ergonomic downgrade from the GX7.

Give the GX8 another look. It gets a undeserved bad rap about its size. It’s really an excellent camera to work with. In use, it’s not as large as it seems. It’s quite comfortable to work with. I added a Fotodiox Type A hot shoe thumb grip which not only improves handling, but cuts down on the dreaded DISP button pressing.

 jeffharris's gear list:jeffharris's gear list
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm F4 ASPH Voigtlander Nokton 25mm F0.95 Voigtlander Nokton 42.5mm F0.95 Voigtlander Nokton 17.5mm F0.95 Aspherical Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 +26 more
Helen
Helen Veteran Member • Posts: 7,606
Re: Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?

aloli wrote:

Nick Photog wrote:

aloli wrote:

Has there been any new rangefinder style cameras released with the GX7 shape? It's the only M43 camera I've used where my pinky doesn't hang off the bottom of the grip, and its a lot more comfortable than other bodies I've used (E-PL5, EP5, EM10 ii).

The GX8 is too large, and the GX85 seems to have downsized the grip (and its available for the same price as the GX8 locally... no clue why).

On the Olympus side there hasn't been a rangefinder style body with a built in EVF other than the Pen F, and that doesn't have a grip at all.

I'm using an X-E2 now and its really comfortable, I figured M43 might work for me again but realized that I'm restricted by the lack of a body with similiar handling

Sony a6300? I looked at it but found the lens selection to be lacking or just too expensive. I got a GX8, but the body design that is probably my favorite is the GX7.

I've tried the A6000, it looks like a good grip in theory but it curves around too much and yet it's not deep enough... it's hard to explain. It attempts to simulate a DSLR grip but it feels like holding a bar, that's how I would describe it.

I know exactly what you mean, even though I am not as grip-sensitive as you.  The a6300, though much more solidly built than the a6000, has exactly the same grip too.  However, do try to handle an a6500 in a store some time.  Though Sony doesn't point it out much, the grip is so much better on this model that it was a major surprise to me.  It's both deeper and pointier when viewed from above and it looks only subtly different, even less different when seen from the front, but feels SO much better.  It is also very well made, but like all APS-C Sonys, could do with a front dial instead of two rear ones.

Indeed, GX7 is really quite a comfortable camera to hold. A shame there hasn't been an updated one with an identical body. Maybe the GX90?

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alcelc
alcelc Forum Pro • Posts: 19,006
Re: Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?

Sorry, besides GX85, we might have to wait for the GX95, if there will be one...

The smaller grip and plastic body (to reduce the overall weight), a fixed evf (IMHO because the plastic case is not strong enough to hold a flippable evf) etc are just actually a price to pay for the improved IBIS. Despite of all of the changes, GX85 indeed is slight heavier than GX7 because of a heat sink be sticked on the back of the floating sensor...

I suppose GX95 (if one) might increase in weight in case of a deeper grip, metal case and flippable evf be used... By that end I might have to rethink on the weight of M43 system since GX85 is mostly the ceiling that I can accept ...

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Albert

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aloli
OP aloli Regular Member • Posts: 276
Re: Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?

jeffharris wrote:

aloli wrote:

Has there been any new rangefinder style cameras released with the GX7 shape? It's the only M43 camera I've used where my pinky doesn't hang off the bottom of the grip, and its a lot more comfortable than other bodies I've used (E-PL5, EP5, EM10 ii).

The GX8 is too large, and the GX85 seems to have downsized the grip (and its available for the same price as the GX8 locally... no clue why).

You’re pretty much stuck. The GX85 is an ergonomic downgrade from the GX7.

Give the GX8 another look. It gets a undeserved bad rap about its size. It’s really an excellent camera to work with. In use, it’s not as large as it seems. It’s quite comfortable to work with. I added a Fotodiox Type A hot shoe thumb grip which not only improves handling, but cuts down on the dreaded DISP button pressing.

I'm actually looking at the GX8 as an option now, thanks! It's a bit heavier and thicker than I'd like, given that I wouldn't use anything other than small primes on it, but I don't think that'll be an issue with time.

It's a bit more expensive than my X-E2 but the lenses I'd swap to are a bit cheaper too that might make up for it? Ugh, GAS is pretty stupid. Just when I thought I had finally settled.

 aloli's gear list:aloli's gear list
Canon EOS 7D Fujifilm X-T2 Fujifilm X-E3 Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS +3 more
NowHearThis
NowHearThis Veteran Member • Posts: 4,616
Re: Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?

aloli wrote:

Has there been any new rangefinder style cameras released with the GX7 shape? It's the only M43 camera I've used where my pinky doesn't hang off the bottom of the grip, and its a lot more comfortable than other bodies I've used (E-PL5, EP5, EM10 ii).

The GX8 is too large, and the GX85 seems to have downsized the grip (and its available for the same price as the GX8 locally... no clue why).

On the Olympus side there hasn't been a rangefinder style body with a built in EVF other than the Pen F, and that doesn't have a grip at all.

I added the grip to the Pen-F and the ergonomics are really good.  I'm even using the PL2-60 on it and I have no issues holding the camera or issues with ergonomics and balance.

I'm using an X-E2 now and its really comfortable, I figured M43 might work for me again but realized that I'm restricted by the lack of a body with similiar handling

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Helen
Helen Veteran Member • Posts: 7,606
Re: Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?

NowHearThis wrote:

aloli wrote:

Has there been any new rangefinder style cameras released with the GX7 shape? It's the only M43 camera I've used where my pinky doesn't hang off the bottom of the grip, and its a lot more comfortable than other bodies I've used (E-PL5, EP5, EM10 ii).

The GX8 is too large, and the GX85 seems to have downsized the grip (and its available for the same price as the GX8 locally... no clue why).

On the Olympus side there hasn't been a rangefinder style body with a built in EVF other than the Pen F, and that doesn't have a grip at all.

I added the grip to the Pen-F and the ergonomics are really good. I'm even using the PL2-60 on it and I have no issues holding the camera or issues with ergonomics and balance.

I'm using an X-E2 now and its really comfortable, I figured M43 might work for me again but realized that I'm restricted by the lack of a body with similiar handling

There are also some very nice third party leather and PU leather body cases for the Pen-F which provide a nice handgrip bulge and give a hinged cover to access the card/battery compartment.

Helen
Helen Veteran Member • Posts: 7,606
Re: Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?

aloli wrote:

jeffharris wrote:

aloli wrote:

Has there been any new rangefinder style cameras released with the GX7 shape? It's the only M43 camera I've used where my pinky doesn't hang off the bottom of the grip, and its a lot more comfortable than other bodies I've used (E-PL5, EP5, EM10 ii).

The GX8 is too large, and the GX85 seems to have downsized the grip (and its available for the same price as the GX8 locally... no clue why).

You’re pretty much stuck. The GX85 is an ergonomic downgrade from the GX7.

Give the GX8 another look. It gets a undeserved bad rap about its size. It’s really an excellent camera to work with. In use, it’s not as large as it seems. It’s quite comfortable to work with. I added a Fotodiox Type A hot shoe thumb grip which not only improves handling, but cuts down on the dreaded DISP button pressing.

I'm actually looking at the GX8 as an option now, thanks! It's a bit heavier and thicker than I'd like, given that I wouldn't use anything other than small primes on it, but I don't think that'll be an issue with time.

It's a bit more expensive than my X-E2 but the lenses I'd swap to are a bit cheaper too that might make up for it? Ugh, GAS is pretty stupid. Just when I thought I had finally settled.

One thing the GX8 and GX85 share which I find a bit of a nuisance is a very thin, shiny leatherette, which doesn't give much grip - though it looks nicely authentic.  A step backwards from the GX7, though simply worked around with a case, of course.

jeffharris
jeffharris Forum Pro • Posts: 11,411
Re: Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?

aloli wrote:

jeffharris wrote:

aloli wrote:

Has there been any new rangefinder style cameras released with the GX7 shape? It's the only M43 camera I've used where my pinky doesn't hang off the bottom of the grip, and its a lot more comfortable than other bodies I've used (E-PL5, EP5, EM10 ii).

The GX8 is too large, and the GX85 seems to have downsized the grip (and its available for the same price as the GX8 locally... no clue why).

You’re pretty much stuck. The GX85 is an ergonomic downgrade from the GX7.

Give the GX8 another look. It gets a undeserved bad rap about its size. It’s really an excellent camera to work with. In use, it’s not as large as it seems. It’s quite comfortable to work with. I added a Fotodiox Type A hot shoe thumb grip which not only improves handling, but cuts down on the dreaded DISP button pressing.

I'm actually looking at the GX8 as an option now, thanks! It's a bit heavier and thicker than I'd like, given that I wouldn't use anything other than small primes on it, but I don't think that'll be an issue with time.

Honestly, it handles really well regardless of lens size. I use everything from a tiny adapted Jupiter 8 (50mm f2, L39 mount), Voigtländer 75mm f2.5 and M4/3 Noktons to the 100-400mm and lots of different lenses in between.

It's a bit more expensive than my X-E2 but the lenses I'd swap to are a bit cheaper too that might make up for it? Ugh, GAS is pretty stupid. Just when I thought I had finally settled.

We all suffer from GAS around here. Just hold your nose and pull out the credit card!

 jeffharris's gear list:jeffharris's gear list
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm F4 ASPH Voigtlander Nokton 25mm F0.95 Voigtlander Nokton 42.5mm F0.95 Voigtlander Nokton 17.5mm F0.95 Aspherical Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 +26 more
BostonC Contributing Member • Posts: 642
Re: Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?

GX7 lens mount is off the center to accommodate the large grip. GX85, due to the additional center weight of the 5-axis IBIS, has the mount close to the center. Hence it has a smaller grip. While I wish it has a deeper grip and a more substantial thumbpad to improve the ergonomics, a half case does help a bit.

jeffharris
jeffharris Forum Pro • Posts: 11,411
Re: Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?
1

BostonC wrote:

GX7 lens mount is off the center to accommodate the large grip. GX85, due to the additional center weight of the 5-axis IBIS, has the mount close to the center. Hence it has a smaller grip. While I wish it has a deeper grip and a more substantial thumbpad to improve the ergonomics, a half case does help a bit.

Try a Fotodiox hotshoe thumb grip Type A.

https://www.fotodioxpro.com/collections/other-photo-video-gear/products/thumb-grip-a

https://www.fotodioxpro.com/collections/other-photo-video-gear/products/thumb-grip-b

 jeffharris's gear list:jeffharris's gear list
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm F4 ASPH Voigtlander Nokton 25mm F0.95 Voigtlander Nokton 42.5mm F0.95 Voigtlander Nokton 17.5mm F0.95 Aspherical Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 +26 more
(unknown member) Regular Member • Posts: 364
Re: Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?
1

aloli wrote:

jeffharris wrote:

aloli wrote:

Has there been any new rangefinder style cameras released with the GX7 shape? It's the only M43 camera I've used where my pinky doesn't hang off the bottom of the grip, and its a lot more comfortable than other bodies I've used (E-PL5, EP5, EM10 ii).

The GX8 is too large, and the GX85 seems to have downsized the grip (and its available for the same price as the GX8 locally... no clue why).

You’re pretty much stuck. The GX85 is an ergonomic downgrade from the GX7.

Give the GX8 another look. It gets a undeserved bad rap about its size. It’s really an excellent camera to work with. In use, it’s not as large as it seems. It’s quite comfortable to work with. I added a Fotodiox Type A hot shoe thumb grip which not only improves handling, but cuts down on the dreaded DISP button pressing.

I'm actually looking at the GX8 as an option now, thanks! It's a bit heavier and thicker than I'd like, given that I wouldn't use anything other than small primes on it, but I don't think that'll be an issue with time.

I have a GX8, I'd say definitely give it a chance.  It feels very well built.  It's really nice to use.  And it's the kind of camera people comment on when they see it, which is a plus and a minus.

It's a bit more expensive than my X-E2 but the lenses I'd swap to are a bit cheaper too that might make up for it? Ugh, GAS is pretty stupid. Just when I thought I had finally settled.

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jeffharris
jeffharris Forum Pro • Posts: 11,411
Re: Bodies with GX7 ergonomics?
1

Nick Photog wrote:

aloli wrote:

jeffharris wrote:

Give the GX8 another look. It gets a undeserved bad rap about its size. It’s really an excellent camera to work with. In use, it’s not as large as it seems. It’s quite comfortable to work with. I added a Fotodiox Type A hot shoe thumb grip which not only improves handling, but cuts down on the dreaded DISP button pressing.

I'm actually looking at the GX8 as an option now, thanks! It's a bit heavier and thicker than I'd like, given that I wouldn't use anything other than small primes on it, but I don't think that'll be an issue with time.

I have a GX8, I'd say definitely give it a chance. It feels very well built. It's really nice to use. And it's the kind of camera people comment on when they see it, which is a plus and a minus.

It really depends on the lens. I get more looks and comments with any of my Voigtländers (native M4/3 and adapted). My Jupiter 8 gets lots of looks, too.

Native electronic lenses are mostly ignored. Although, sometimes unsavory characters stare at the 12-40mm.

 jeffharris's gear list:jeffharris's gear list
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm F4 ASPH Voigtlander Nokton 25mm F0.95 Voigtlander Nokton 42.5mm F0.95 Voigtlander Nokton 17.5mm F0.95 Aspherical Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 +26 more
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