Z fc-GR1 - Grip for Nikon Zfc Review

[some photo guy]

Not much to say that isn't told by the photos.

Fantastic build.

Exact match to camera.

Looks and feels great.

A+

I bought this "used" from Japan off of eBay for $130. Expensive, I know, but I like the quality and match to my $1,000 camera.

Came in an OEM box and I couldn't tell it from new.

I highly recommend this grip.

NO idea why Nikon decided to only offer it ex-U.S.

 

[some photo guy]

Apparently there is not an option to include photos in a review on DPR, so here they are.

 

[dleuen1]

Thanks for the photos! It does look nicer than the smallrig grip and I especially like the thumb grip in the back. But like most people I'll be happy enough with the cheaper option. I am glad you got one though and were kind enough to share some pictures of it. Enjoy your more ergonomic Zfc! That is kind of tempting to snag one on ebay though.

 

[tjacobs]

Not much to say that isn't told by the photos.

Fantastic build.

Exact match to camera.

Looks and feels great.

A+

I bought this "used" from Japan off of eBay for $130. Expensive, I know, but I like the quality and match to my $1,000 camera.

Came in an OEM box and I couldn't tell it from new.

I highly recommend this grip.

NO idea why Nikon decided to only offer it ex-U.S.

Interesting that it's black. I hope that means it was made to match an upcoming black version of the Z fc.

 

[Old Ed]

MANY thanks for posting these photos! They are far more informative about the GR1 than anything I can find on Nikon's websites.

I was looking hard for one of these last summer, but couldn't find one. So I gave up and bought a SmallRig. It's quite nice, helps a lot, and it's low price is a bargain. But of course there's room for improvement, as with most other equipment.

Looking at your photos, and comparing them to my real-life Z fc+SmallRig, I now see right where the GR1 fits in. It's small, stylish, and even has a (mostly ornamental) thumb rest.

For a style-conscious Z fc owner with small hands and deep pockets, this might be the Holy Grail of Z fc grips. Alas, I have big hands, shallow pockets, and a functional SmallRig. So I'm not the right customer.

Enjoy the heck out of your GR1! I'd be very interested in hearing if you think the thumb rest is significantly useful. If you do, I'd be interested in knowing your glove size.

Happy shooting...

-OE

 

[rick in vegas]

KNock offs on eBay for a lot less

 

[CliveTJ]

Has anyone been able to try both the Nikon grip and the JJC etc? The Nikon grip is of course about 3x more expensive, I like the thumb rest and wrap around to the rear. It looks like the JJC has a chunkier grip to the front.

Ignoring price I quite like the Nikon but is it chunky enough?

 

[Old Ed]

Hi Clive,

It appears you're considering a Z fc. It's a very engaging and capable little camera.

I've had mine since they were introduced, and I'd buy one again. During that time, I've shot a thousands of pix, most of them test shots. The hardware is mostly fine. The firmware needs improvement badly, but that's not the topic of this thread.

Re grips, I wanted one long before GR1s were available here in the colonies.

So I bought the SmallRig grip, and would do so again. Studying 'some photo guy's excellent pix, I'll make the following comparisons:

SmallRig
1. It can be mounted and dismounted easily, without special tools.
2. It has a built-in Arca-Swiss plate that could be useful.
3. It has an end-mounted tripod socket that could be useful.
4. The 'honeycomb' ribs on its bottom improve grip security.

Nikon GR1:
1. It says Nikon on the bottom.
2. It has a very discrete appearance, and looks original to the Z fc.
3. Re its thumb rest, that looks to be decorative only. It's far too low to be useful, unless you have hands like an average 5 year old.

I have a JJC thumb rest on my Z fc. It's highly functional, but attaches to the flash shoe. I find it far more valuable than a rarely-used flash.

Bottom line: I'd go for the SmallRig grip, even if it cost as much as the GR1.

Happy shooting,

-OE

Has anyone been able to try both the Nikon grip and the JJC etc? The Nikon grip is of course about 3x more expensive, I like the thumb rest and wrap around to the rear. It looks like the JJC has a chunkier grip to the front.

Ignoring price I quite like the Nikon but is it chunky enough?

 

[CliveTJ]

Thank you Ed for your very thorough view and advice on this. Yes the Arca Swiss plate might be use and now that you point it out the thumb rest is surely useless…it needs to above the rear control wheel, not below. You’ve sold me on the JJC or Smallrig. The problem with the Smallrig is that I’m getting a black Z fc and the silver bottom plate might look strange, hence my interest in the JJC. I expect Smallrig will do a back version soon enough. I chose black as my Df is sliver/black.

My Z fc is on the way. It’ll be my main travel camera..that’s the plan anyway. My Z7ii is great but I have a back issue which means that it gets a bit heavy for me to carry all day when my back is playing up.

Hi Clive,

It appears you're considering a Z fc. It's a very engaging and capable little camera.

I've had mine since they were introduced, and I'd buy one again. During that time, I've shot a thousands of pix, most of them test shots. The hardware is mostly fine. The firmware needs improvement badly, but that's not the topic of this thread.

Re grips, I wanted one long before GR1s were available here in the colonies.

So I bought the SmallRig grip, and would do so again. Studying 'some photo guy's excellent pix, I'll make the following comparisons:

SmallRig
1. It can be mounted and dismounted easily, without special tools.
2. It has a built-in Arca-Swiss plate that could be useful.
3. It has an end-mounted tripod socket that could be useful.
4. The 'honeycomb' ribs on its bottom improve grip security.

Nikon GR1:
1. It says Nikon on the bottom.
2. It has a very discrete appearance, and looks original to the Z fc.
3. Re its thumb rest, that looks to be decorative only. It's far too low to be useful, unless you have hands like an average 5 year old.

I have a JJC thumb rest on my Z fc. It's highly functional, but attaches to the flash shoe. I find it far more valuable than a rarely-used flash.

Bottom line: I'd go for the SmallRig grip, even if it cost as much as the GR1.

Happy shooting,

-OE

Has anyone been able to try both the Nikon grip and the JJC etc? The Nikon grip is of course about 3x more expensive, I like the thumb rest and wrap around to the rear. It looks like the JJC has a chunkier grip to the front.

Ignoring price I quite like the Nikon but is it chunky enough?

 

[Old Ed]

Hey Clive,

You're welcome! I had a look at JJC again, and I agree their all-black grip would look sharp on a black Z fc. On my chrome and black Z fc, the SmallRig's chrome at the bottom visually balances the chrome upper body.

I'd suggest getting the JJC shoe-mount thumb rest. It makes a world of difference in overall grip security. The only reasons not to try it would be its slightly odd appearance, and its use of the shoe. If you don't like it, it should be easy to find someone who wants it.

More Z DX advice: I have all three Z DX lenses, along with the 28 and 40 muffins. The only one I wouldn't buy again is the 28. Its extra stop doesn't offset the VR of the 16-50 or 18-140, so what's the point?

The under-appreciated sleeper lens is the 18-140. Like other Z zooms, it's plenty sharp. The range is great, the handling is great, and it's always ready to shoot without extending. But that's not all. Its AF speed is much faster than the DX kit lenses, and its VR is quicker and more 'solid.'

But it does have one disadvantage: Once you mount it and use it, it's hard to find reasons to use the other lenses. Here are mine: The 16-50 is tiny, and goes 2 mm below 18. The 50-250 performs well, and is a long-reach bargain. The 40 is a useful compromise on either DX or FX, and is f2. It makes a nice companion to the 18-140. When the 'roadmap' Z DX wide zoom comes out, I expect I'll want one of those.

Historical notes: I had the 'original' FM/FE film cams, and I loved them. I preferred the black ones, which cost more than black/chrome back then.

I once bought an FM2 as a low-cost backup. But I quickly figured out that my FE2s crushed it performance-wise, and I returned the FM2 after one day. So I find it odd that these classics are referred to collectively as FMs. No matter.

I've noticed that Z7x users sometimes say they have a built-in Z DX camera with roughly equal pixel count. Some of them take advantage of that by sometimes using lighter, smaller Z DX lenses. Maybe you can have some fun trying that.

Happy shooting,

-OE

Thank you Ed for your very thorough view and advice on this. Yes the Arca Swiss plate might be use and now that you point it out the thumb rest is surely useless…it needs to above the rear control wheel, not below. You’ve sold me on the JJC or Smallrig. The problem with the Smallrig is that I’m getting a black Z fc and the silver bottom plate might look strange, hence my interest in the JJC. I expect Smallrig will do a back version soon enough. I chose black as my Df is sliver/black.

My Z fc is on the way. It’ll be my main travel camera..that’s the plan anyway. My Z7ii is great but I have a back issue which means that it gets a bit heavy for me to carry all day when my back is playing up.

Hi Clive,

It appears you're considering a Z fc. It's a very engaging and capable little camera.

I've had mine since they were introduced, and I'd buy one again. During that time, I've shot a thousands of pix, most of them test shots. The hardware is mostly fine. The firmware needs improvement badly, but that's not the topic of this thread.

Re grips, I wanted one long before GR1s were available here in the colonies.

So I bought the SmallRig grip, and would do so again. Studying 'some photo guy's excellent pix, I'll make the following comparisons:

SmallRig
1. It can be mounted and dismounted easily, without special tools.
2. It has a built-in Arca-Swiss plate that could be useful.
3. It has an end-mounted tripod socket that could be useful.
4. The 'honeycomb' ribs on its bottom improve grip security.

Nikon GR1:
1. It says Nikon on the bottom.
2. It has a very discrete appearance, and looks original to the Z fc.
3. Re its thumb rest, that looks to be decorative only. It's far too low to be useful, unless you have hands like an average 5 year old.

I have a JJC thumb rest on my Z fc. It's highly functional, but attaches to the flash shoe. I find it far more valuable than a rarely-used flash.

Bottom line: I'd go for the SmallRig grip, even if it cost as much as the GR1.

Happy shooting,

-OE

Has anyone been able to try both the Nikon grip and the JJC etc? The Nikon grip is of course about 3x more expensive, I like the thumb rest and wrap around to the rear. It looks like the JJC has a chunkier grip to the front.

Ignoring price I quite like the Nikon but is it chunky enough?

 

[CliveTJ]

Thanks again Ed!



The JJC thumb rest looks good. Does it flex and touch the body? I don’t see comments about this so I expect it’s not an issue.

Yes, I use DX on my 7ii sometimes it is handy, allowing proper composition vs cropping in post…works for me.

I still have my first camera - a chrome/black FE I bought new. I have to replace the foam seals as I want to put some film through it.

I get what you’re saying about the 28, it my case I can get it for just £90 so I will, it’ll be useful on my 7ii. I plan to get a 16-50, there are some well priced 2nd hand ones. I’ll think about the other two DX zooms when I’ve used the Z fc for a while. Low weight and small size with compact lenses are what I want from this setup. I’ll have overlap between my FX and DX setups but YOLO as they say, this is all the more poignant as I finally retire this week.

Hey Clive,

You're welcome! I had a look at JJC again, and I agree their all-black grip would look sharp on a black Z fc. On my chrome and black Z fc, the SmallRig's chrome at the bottom visually balances the chrome upper body.

I'd suggest getting the JJC shoe-mount thumb rest. It makes a world of difference in overall grip security. The only reasons not to try it would be its slightly odd appearance, and its use of the shoe. If you don't like it, it should be easy to find someone who wants it.

More Z DX advice: I have all three Z DX lenses, along with the 28 and 40 muffins. The only one I wouldn't buy again is the 28. Its extra stop doesn't offset the VR of the 16-50 or 18-140, so what's the point?

The under-appreciated sleeper lens is the 18-140. Like other Z zooms, it's plenty sharp. The range is great, the handling is great, and it's always ready to shoot without extending. But that's not all. Its AF speed is much faster than the DX kit lenses, and its VR is quicker and more 'solid.'

But it does have one disadvantage: Once you mount it and use it, it's hard to find reasons to use the other lenses. Here are mine: The 16-50 is tiny, and goes 2 mm below 18. The 50-250 performs well, and is a long-reach bargain. The 40 is a useful compromise on either DX or FX, and is f2. It makes a nice companion to the 18-140. When the 'roadmap' Z DX wide zoom comes out, I expect I'll want one of those.

Historical notes: I had the 'original' FM/FE film cams, and I loved them. I preferred the black ones, which cost more than black/chrome back then.

I once bought an FM2 as a low-cost backup. But I quickly figured out that my FE2s crushed it performance-wise, and I returned the FM2 after one day. So I find it odd that these classics are referred to collectively as FMs. No matter.

I've noticed that Z7x users sometimes say they have a built-in Z DX camera with roughly equal pixel count. Some of them take advantage of that by sometimes using lighter, smaller Z DX lenses. Maybe you can have some fun trying that.

Happy shooting,

-OE

Thank you Ed for your very thorough view and advice on this. Yes the Arca Swiss plate might be use and now that you point it out the thumb rest is surely useless…it needs to above the rear control wheel, not below. You’ve sold me on the JJC or Smallrig. The problem with the Smallrig is that I’m getting a black Z fc and the silver bottom plate might look strange, hence my interest in the JJC. I expect Smallrig will do a back version soon enough. I chose black as my Df is sliver/black.

My Z fc is on the way. It’ll be my main travel camera..that’s the plan anyway. My Z7ii is great but I have a back issue which means that it gets a bit heavy for me to carry all day when my back is playing up.

Hi Clive,

It appears you're considering a Z fc. It's a very engaging and capable little camera.

I've had mine since they were introduced, and I'd buy one again. During that time, I've shot a thousands of pix, most of them test shots. The hardware is mostly fine. The firmware needs improvement badly, but that's not the topic of this thread.

Re grips, I wanted one long before GR1s were available here in the colonies.

So I bought the SmallRig grip, and would do so again. Studying 'some photo guy's excellent pix, I'll make the following comparisons:

SmallRig
1. It can be mounted and dismounted easily, without special tools.
2. It has a built-in Arca-Swiss plate that could be useful.
3. It has an end-mounted tripod socket that could be useful.
4. The 'honeycomb' ribs on its bottom improve grip security.

Nikon GR1:
1. It says Nikon on the bottom.
2. It has a very discrete appearance, and looks original to the Z fc.
3. Re its thumb rest, that looks to be decorative only. It's far too low to be useful, unless you have hands like an average 5 year old.

I have a JJC thumb rest on my Z fc. It's highly functional, but attaches to the flash shoe. I find it far more valuable than a rarely-used flash.

Bottom line: I'd go for the SmallRig grip, even if it cost as much as the GR1.

Happy shooting,

-OE

Has anyone been able to try both the Nikon grip and the JJC etc? The Nikon grip is of course about 3x more expensive, I like the thumb rest and wrap around to the rear. It looks like the JJC has a chunkier grip to the front.

Ignoring price I quite like the Nikon but is it chunky enough?

 

[Old Ed]

Hi again Clive,

Quick responses: The JJC thumb rest is very strong and rigid, no flex worries at all.

However, I did have an issue. It fits VERY tight in my Z fc flash shoe, as if there's a tolerance problem. If I were mounting it again, I'd apply a little lubricant to make the on/off process easier and safer.

That tolerance issue could be Nikon's error, not JJC's. My new Nikon FTZ adapter had a tolerance problem so bad that F lenses couldn't be mounted on it! There was a screw that protruded, even when fully tightened. I had to send it back for warranty repair before I could use it.

Re retirement, that can be a difficult time. I have a few thoughts on that, based on my own experience. You're safe for tonight, though. I've used enough of your BW for one day. ;-)

-OE

Thanks again Ed!

The JJC thumb rest looks good. Does it flex and touch the body? I don’t see comments about this so I expect it’s not an issue.

Yes, I use DX on my 7ii sometimes it is handy, allowing proper composition vs cropping in post…works for me.

I still have my first camera - a chrome/black FE I bought new. I have to replace the foam seals as I want to put some film through it.

I get what you’re saying about the 28, it my case I can get it for just £90 so I will, it’ll be useful on my 7ii. I plan to get a 16-50, there are some well priced 2nd hand ones. I’ll think about the other two DX zooms when I’ve used the Z fc for a while. Low weight and small size with compact lenses are what I want from this setup. I’ll have overlap between my FX and DX setups but YOLO as they say, this is all the more poignant as I finally retire this week.

Hey Clive,

You're welcome! I had a look at JJC again, and I agree their all-black grip would look sharp on a black Z fc. On my chrome and black Z fc, the SmallRig's chrome at the bottom visually balances the chrome upper body.

I'd suggest getting the JJC shoe-mount thumb rest. It makes a world of difference in overall grip security. The only reasons not to try it would be its slightly odd appearance, and its use of the shoe. If you don't like it, it should be easy to find someone who wants it.

More Z DX advice: I have all three Z DX lenses, along with the 28 and 40 muffins. The only one I wouldn't buy again is the 28. Its extra stop doesn't offset the VR of the 16-50 or 18-140, so what's the point?

The under-appreciated sleeper lens is the 18-140. Like other Z zooms, it's plenty sharp. The range is great, the handling is great, and it's always ready to shoot without extending. But that's not all. Its AF speed is much faster than the DX kit lenses, and its VR is quicker and more 'solid.'

But it does have one disadvantage: Once you mount it and use it, it's hard to find reasons to use the other lenses. Here are mine: The 16-50 is tiny, and goes 2 mm below 18. The 50-250 performs well, and is a long-reach bargain. The 40 is a useful compromise on either DX or FX, and is f2. It makes a nice companion to the 18-140. When the 'roadmap' Z DX wide zoom comes out, I expect I'll want one of those.

Historical notes: I had the 'original' FM/FE film cams, and I loved them. I preferred the black ones, which cost more than black/chrome back then.

I once bought an FM2 as a low-cost backup. But I quickly figured out that my FE2s crushed it performance-wise, and I returned the FM2 after one day. So I find it odd that these classics are referred to collectively as FMs. No matter.

I've noticed that Z7x users sometimes say they have a built-in Z DX camera with roughly equal pixel count. Some of them take advantage of that by sometimes using lighter, smaller Z DX lenses. Maybe you can have some fun trying that.

Happy shooting,

-OE

 

[CliveTJ]

In the end I decided there are just enough small touches of chrome detailing on the black Z fc to work with the Smallrig grip...I found a barely used one for sale here in the UK. The black-painted JJC one could chip or scratch over time...given the price of these things, it's all trivial anyway. I think the Smallrig is slightly better shaped where my right palm will touch the camera.

The thumb rest should be my next purchase (I hope the camera arrives soon). I'm very much a BBF user with AE enabled for a half-press of the shutter. Does the thumb rest help or hinder accessing the AE-L / AF-L button?

One part of me suspects ithe thumb-rest helps with locating the button (ie slide your thumb along the rest to the button; the other half of me wonders whether my average-sized thumb would hit the thumb rest and AF-L button at the same time.

As always I'm overthinking this.

Hi again Clive,

Quick responses: The JJC thumb rest is very strong and rigid, no flex worries at all.

However, I did have an issue. It fits VERY tight in my Z fc flash shoe, as if there's a tolerance problem. If I were mounting it again, I'd apply a little lubricant to make the on/off process easier and safer.

That tolerance issue could be Nikon's error, not JJC's. My new Nikon FTZ adapter had a tolerance problem so bad that F lenses couldn't be mounted on it! There was a screw that protruded, even when fully tightened. I had to send it back for warranty repair before I could use it.

Re retirement, that can be a difficult time. I have a few thoughts on that, based on my own experience. You're safe for tonight, though. I've used enough of your BW for one day. ;-)

-OE

Thanks again Ed!

The JJC thumb rest looks good. Does it flex and touch the body? I don’t see comments about this so I expect it’s not an issue.

Yes, I use DX on my 7ii sometimes it is handy, allowing proper composition vs cropping in post…works for me.

I still have my first camera - a chrome/black FE I bought new. I have to replace the foam seals as I want to put some film through it.

I get what you’re saying about the 28, it my case I can get it for just £90 so I will, it’ll be useful on my 7ii. I plan to get a 16-50, there are some well priced 2nd hand ones. I’ll think about the other two DX zooms when I’ve used the Z fc for a while. Low weight and small size with compact lenses are what I want from this setup. I’ll have overlap between my FX and DX setups but YOLO as they say, this is all the more poignant as I finally retire this week.

Hey Clive,

You're welcome! I had a look at JJC again, and I agree their all-black grip would look sharp on a black Z fc. On my chrome and black Z fc, the SmallRig's chrome at the bottom visually balances the chrome upper body.

I'd suggest getting the JJC shoe-mount thumb rest. It makes a world of difference in overall grip security. The only reasons not to try it would be its slightly odd appearance, and its use of the shoe. If you don't like it, it should be easy to find someone who wants it.

More Z DX advice: I have all three Z DX lenses, along with the 28 and 40 muffins. The only one I wouldn't buy again is the 28. Its extra stop doesn't offset the VR of the 16-50 or 18-140, so what's the point?

The under-appreciated sleeper lens is the 18-140. Like other Z zooms, it's plenty sharp. The range is great, the handling is great, and it's always ready to shoot without extending. But that's not all. Its AF speed is much faster than the DX kit lenses, and its VR is quicker and more 'solid.'

But it does have one disadvantage: Once you mount it and use it, it's hard to find reasons to use the other lenses. Here are mine: The 16-50 is tiny, and goes 2 mm below 18. The 50-250 performs well, and is a long-reach bargain. The 40 is a useful compromise on either DX or FX, and is f2. It makes a nice companion to the 18-140. When the 'roadmap' Z DX wide zoom comes out, I expect I'll want one of those.

Historical notes: I had the 'original' FM/FE film cams, and I loved them. I preferred the black ones, which cost more than black/chrome back then.

I once bought an FM2 as a low-cost backup. But I quickly figured out that my FE2s crushed it performance-wise, and I returned the FM2 after one day. So I find it odd that these classics are referred to collectively as FMs. No matter.

I've noticed that Z7x users sometimes say they have a built-in Z DX camera with roughly equal pixel count. Some of them take advantage of that by sometimes using lighter, smaller Z DX lenses. Maybe you can have some fun trying that.

Happy shooting,

-OE

 

[Old Ed]

Quick comments inserted below...

In the end I decided there are just enough small touches of chrome detailing on the black Z fc to work with the Smallrig grip...I found a barely used one for sale here in the UK. The black-painted JJC one could chip or scratch over time...given the price of these things, it's all trivial anyway. I think the Smallrig is slightly better shaped where my right palm will touch the camera.

Sounds good!

One part of me suspects ithe thumb-rest helps with locating the button (ie slide your thumb along the rest to the button; the other half of me wonders whether my average-sized thumb would hit the thumb rest and AF-L button at the same time.

As always I'm overthinking this.

Re thumb rest effect: It does not cover the subject button. But if you're sliding your R index finger to it, you'd slide your finger across, then down over the rest, and press below it.

Button Awkwardness Factor (10 most awkward): 8 with no rest, 9 with rest.

In a future message, I'll comment on a great use for the solo front-side function button. It's the key button, because you can find and use it easily, without compromising your view or your grip.

-OE

Old Ed, post: 66641157, member: 1156469"]
Hi again Clive,

Quick responses: The JJC thumb rest is very strong and rigid, no flex worries at all.

However, I did have an issue. It fits VERY tight in my Z fc flash shoe, as if there's a tolerance problem. If I were mounting it again, I'd apply a little lubricant to make the on/off process easier and safer.

That tolerance issue could be Nikon's error, not JJC's. My new Nikon FTZ adapter had a tolerance problem so bad that F lenses couldn't be mounted on it! There was a screw that protruded, even when fully tightened. I had to send it back for warranty repair before I could use it.

Re retirement, that can be a difficult time. I have a few thoughts on that, based on my own experience. You're safe for tonight, though. I've used enough of your BW for one day. ;-)

-OE

[/QUOTE]

 

[ericlj007]

I have a JJC thumb rest on my Z fc. It's highly functional, but attaches to the flash shoe. I find it far more valuable than a rarely-used flash.

I have the SmallRig grip and found a Zfc / Z fc thumb rest that has a black textured inserted in the thumb area. I'm going to try it.




Ebay picture

 

[Dedwardo]

An alternative solution!

I got the GR-1 but the front grip wasn't big enough for my hands. Liked the back bit however.

I got the Small-rig grip. Brilliant front grip. Much cheaper. Tripod compatible. Looks better (to me). No thumb grip at all.

Bought a (£8) "Fuji XT20" replacement stick on thumb grip from eBay and voilà:





Love it.

 

[madecov]

I have the Smallrig and like it enough.

Nikons biggest error is not having any Arca compatible lens feet or plates or the Zfc grip.







--
Police Officer (Retired)
No plan survives first contact with the enemy.

 

[Deacon John]

I see you have a different shutter button. How did you replace it?