Advice on improving the ergonomics of a new X-T30

ichollad

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I've been looking to upgrade from my well-loved OM-D E-M5 mark i, and since I'm not too deeply invested in the m4/3 system the early-adopter lens bundle discounts with the X-T30 looked like good value. Unfortunately there aren't any Fuji dealers near me, so I couldn't try it out in person. That said, photographs made the body size and grip appear to be similar to my E-M5, the ergo of which worked perfectly for me.

Well, a few millimeters here and there make a bigger difference than I had suspected. The shallow eyecup, Q-button placement, lack of a d-pad (didn't think I'd miss it) and in particular the grip are giving me serious buyer's remorse.

The biggest issue is the grip, and if I can solve that I'll likely keep the camera (on balance the Fuji's benefits - and the price - outweigh those other relatively small complaints). More often than not I find myself pinching the camera rather than gripping it, if that makes sense, and it makes using the 18-55 feel clumsy.

Does the add-on Fuji metal hand grip make a big difference in this respect? Or is it just a matter of small degrees? I know the answer here is largely subjective, but I'm just wondering if anyone else has hated the grip on their X-Txx but then had a come-to-Jesus moment once they added the grip. The extra $100 isn't that big of a deal to me, since the alternative would be to give back some discounts and cough up another $650 for the X-T3 or stick with m4/3 and spend an extra $500-ish on an m4/3 cam with solid CAF and standard-zoom upgrade. I haven't been tempted by any of the third party grips, as I haven't found the aesthetics appealing (and yeah, I probably care too much about how the camera looks - but let's be honest, Fuji (and Oly) are gunning right for people like me with their retro-pretty hipster bodies).

In a similar vein - is the X-T3's grip much better? Knowing what I do now about the X-T30 when using the 18-55, I'm concerned that I'd have the same issues using, say, a 10-24 or 90 f2 on the X-T3. My hands are pretty average if not a bit small, if that makes a difference (I'm a 5'8" male).
 
I suggest you start by trying a hot shoe mounted thumb grip. I have one on the X-T20 and it makes the handling pretty good without the weight and bulk of a standard add on grip.
 
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I have owned the E-M5 and the E-M1. The XT30 is more like the E-M10. The XT3 more like the E-M5 with except there is a small grip to the XT3. The E-M1 is similar to the XT3 plus an XT3 grip.
 
I got the meike xt20 grips for the xt30 and it fits fine on the 30 and that extra bit adds enough that it makes a huge difference.

Meike XT20G Aluminum Alloy Hand Grip Quick Release Plate L Bracket for Fujifilm X-T20 X-T10 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0759MTK61/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2XHZCb3VQP606
I second this. I have a Meike grip for my X-T1 and it's perfect. Has the Arca style tripod mount carved in the bottom too - very convenient.
Yes it's great to change batteries or access sd card and slide right into my tripod without taking it off
 
I highly recommended the Meike handgrips, they add very little weight or bulk, but genuinely transform the handling and add a handy Arca QR plate as well. I regularly use the 16-55 and 50-140 on my X-T20 with no trouble (indeed better on the X-T2, though - also w/grip). Note: the generic all aluminum grips are “ok”, but leave very little room for fingers with the fatter lenses. Cold in the winter too.



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I have an X-T30, and picked up both the Meike XT20G Handgrip, and the Lensmate thumb grip. This combo makes it very nice to handle. BTW, I tried a cheaper thumb grip originally and ultimately returned it for the Lensmate. The Lensmate is much better quality and feels like it won't be as hard on the camera over time as it has more than one contact point with the camera.

I just wish there was a way to connect my peak design strap connector to the bottom of the Meike grip....
 
An extra grip makes all the difference on both the X-Tx and the X-Txx cameras.

Also make it easy to fit camera to tripod.

I use Metro Case grips as they are much lighter than the OEM or Meike grips (however the X-T30 version hasn't been released yet).
 
I have owned the E-M5 and the E-M1. The XT30 is more like the E-M10. The XT3 more like the E-M5 with except there is a small grip to the XT3. The E-M1 is similar to the XT3 plus an XT3 grip.
Thanks for the comparison, that helps quite a bit. I would have thought that the XT3 handles like a larger camera, but if it feels similar to the EM5 in hand that might be something that I need to look into - if not now then in the future when/if I upgrade again. The early adopter sales were too good to ignore this time, but I wouldn't mind larger buttons and I do a lot of desert hiking so weather sealed equipment is attractive (due to the dust).
 
I greatly appreciate all of the responses, and based on the collective wisdom I've ordered a grip to help with my ergo issues. This was my first time posting on this forum, and I was taken aback by how quickly and how helpfully you all chimed in!
 
I'm a X-T10 user (which has basically the same body as the X-T30 minus the joystick) and came from a Nikon DSLR. Yes, handling between the two is quite different. I also added the Meike grip and honestly it doesn't help as much as I hoped though it does center the tripod thread on the bottom (which makes the battery/card door accessible on a gorillapod). I think the solution is to simply support the camera and lens with your left hand instead of trying to grip it as you would do on a DSLR.
 
Why doesn’t Fuji just design a grip and build it in? Have they seen the shape of a human hand?
One of the features that appeals to many is the size/form factor of Fuji cameras. With the exception of larger lenses or front heavy lenses, the Fuji grips are ok as is (imo). Added grips allow one to keep the camera small..or add to it in a modular fashion if desired/needed. The bad news? Fuji grips (non-battery) are way too expensive. The good news? Cheaper non-Fuji grips are available.
 
Why doesn’t Fuji just design a grip and build it in? Have they seen the shape of a human hand?
One of the features that appeals to many is the size/form factor of Fuji cameras. With the exception of larger lenses or front heavy lenses, the Fuji grips are ok as is (imo). Added grips allow one to keep the camera small..or add to it in a modular fashion if desired/needed. The bad news? Fuji grips (non-battery) are way too expensive. The good news? Cheaper non-Fuji grips are available.
 
Why doesn’t Fuji just design a grip and build it in? Have they seen the shape of a human hand?
One of the features that appeals to many is the size/form factor of Fuji cameras. With the exception of larger lenses or front heavy lenses, the Fuji grips are ok as is (imo). Added grips allow one to keep the camera small..or add to it in a modular fashion if desired/needed. The bad news? Fuji grips (non-battery) are way too expensive. The good news? Cheaper non-Fuji grips are available.
How does a bigger grip really affect size though in any real measured use? It will never be deeper than the smallest lens. Other than a half case, it shouldn’t change the bag it currently fits it, the weight or any other measure.
I had a grip on my E-M5 and have grips on my Xpro2 and XT3. I agree with you, I see the grips as impacting ergonomics, not really having much impact on size (unless a battery grip). However, I don't think that, in general, consumers have that mindset.

--
Richard
https://www.flickr.com/photos/154538030@N02/albums
 
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For what it's worth, my wife (who has very small hands) thinks that the XT30 grip is fine. She's much more annoyed by the amount of time that I've spent on the internet agonizing over my purchase decision. I myself was perfectly happy with the EM5 grip, which really doesn't appear to be much bigger - just a different shape. So I can see how withholding a somewhat larger grip can be seen as a reasonable compromise by Fuji.

That said, I think it probably has more to do with maintaining the aesthetics of the camera and helping Fuji to hit a certain price point (same with the small eye cup) than it does with any usability concerns. I'm sure Fuji doesn't mind that they've expanded their accessories market with that design decision, either.
 

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