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Now Shipping: Custom Grip for the Nikon J1 Richard's Custom Grip CGJ1 for Nikon's top-end compact is individually CNC machined from solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum before being glass-bead blasted, black anodized and nickel sealed for chemical and wear resistance and good looks. Like his other grips, it features a wraparound design for that integrates seamlessly with the J1 camera body. Field-proven VHB (very high bond) clear transfer tape is used to securely bond the grip to the camera body. The grip is $34.95 plus shipping.   Now shipping -- Canon S100 Custom Grip The S100 grip shown below is a departure from Richard's other concepts, mainly due to the door that covers the connectors on the side of the camera (preventing a wrap-around design) and the small ridge grip on the front. Note: Some S90 and S95 customers have ordered this grip for their cameras because they prefer the ultra-low profile design of the S100 grip. If that sounds like you, this grip will definitely work on the S90 and S95. Like all of Richard's grips, it is high-grade aluminum alloy finished in black. The sculpted shape and machined crisscross pattern make this grip easy to hold, especially one-handed. It's very comfortable in the hand and the ultra-low profile means it remains easily pocketable.  The grip is US$29.95, plus shipping. Here are the installation instructions. Now shipping: Olympus E-PL3/E-PM1 Grip The Olympus E-PL3 and E-PM1 will be the first Micro Four thirds cameras to receive a Custom Grip. The grip is individually machined from aircraft grade aluminum and finished in black to match the camera. Richard's attention to every aspect of fit, finish and functionality is well-known by now and the grip fits either camera perfectly. The grip is US$34.95, plus shipping, and you can order using the instructions below. DPreview featured the E-PL3 here. And the E-PM1 here.   And if you'd like to see the installation instructions, you can download them as a Word document file or a PDF file. Iceland Photos Richard brought back photos from his latest trip -- you'll find details and a link at the end of this page. Richard's collection of custom-made camera accessories includes Custom Grips, Hot Shoe Covers, Remote Cable Releases and more. Click on your camera model below... or just scroll down the page to see the entire range. Many of us in the photography community are indebted to Richard for his inventiveness and craftsmanship. His limited-edition components began with a better grip for the Canon G7 and G9 and grew from there. Richard's goal is to increase your personal connection with your camera and enhance your photographic experience -- and that just might improve your image quality.
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   Click the image above to see 15 images that Richard has posted on Picasa. The contour of the grip provides a natural, comfortable way of handling the camera, even one-handed, and adds a substantial feeling of safety and assurance to otherwise slippery and gripless body. The grip is individually 3D CNC machined from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminium before being glass-bead blasted, black-anodized and nickel-sealed for durability and good looks. The adhesive used for mounting the grip is VHB (very high bond) 3M clear transfer film for unparallel bonding power in all possible environmental conditions. Despite the holding power, the grip can be carefully removed without damaging the camera finish or leaving a stubborn residue. After removing it, you can cover the adhesive with the original slick backing material for storage so that you can reattach the grip later.
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 One of the biggest improvements you can make to a tiny camera is a better way to hold it -- and that's what Richard has done for the S90 and S95. This Custom Grip is individually 3D CNC machined from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminium before being glass-bead blasted, black-anodized and nickel-sealed for durability and good looks. Quoting from Richard's email to me: "This grip is really a very special one. The small size of the S90 was a very challenging factor in find the right design that didn't overpower the body. The grip sits about 1.5 mm lower than the retracted lens, so it does not affect the pocketability of the camera." The adhesive used for mounting the grip is VHB (very high bond) 3M clear transfer film for unparallel bonding power in all possible environmental conditions. Despite its holding power, the grip can be carefully removed without damaging the camera finish or leaving a stubborn residue. After removing it, you can cover the adhesive with the original slick backing material for storage so that you can reattach the grip later. Installation InstructionsRichard's photo instructionsJosh Cothran's video instructions ReviewsSimon Joinson's impressions on DPreviewDPreview member thread (Part 1) DPreview member thread (Part 2) S90/95 Grip owners' emailed comments -- PDF file
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  This classic grip -- which is on both of my G9s -- has finally come to an end and is no longer available. The G9 grip is how I met Richard in the first place, so a big thank-you for a great product that's still performing well. The information below is for the historical record: This is the G9 Grip, but the G7 Grip looks just as good and performs just as well, providing an attractive, comfortable grip on a fairly gripless camera, and giving you even more control when you mount an external flash. Application is easy. The underside of the grip matches the G9's rubber handhold for perfect alignment. And the no-mess adhesive strip keeps the grip solidly in place, although you can pry it off without damaging the camera if you're careful. Cases: The grip does not fit into Canon's snug leather case (the grip stands approximately an eighth of an inch (0.125 inches, 0.318cm) above the retracted lens -- although some people have mounted it on the case itself, instead of the camera, and are quite happy. If you carry your camera in your pocket or a small camera bag, the slightly higher profile will make little difference when you're retrieving it. Underwater: This grip works with the Ikelite housing, but not with the Canon underwater housing. You can read this DPreview post for more opinions.
I like black… and definitely didn't like the silver accent on the standard Canon lens ring. So buying this was an automatic decision. I bought it even though I leave my Lensmate on all the time, so I don’t really need a lens ring at all. Then I thought of Leela, who also owns a G9. I presented the black ring in one hand and the black-and-silver in the other and asked which one she preferred. She looked at me like I was crazy: “Black, of course.” What can I say... the woman has taste.
  Your internal flash will work without removing the Custom Hot Shoe Cover, thanks to thoughtful design. The only time you'll take it off is to use an external flash, and high-tolerance machining ensures it won't slip out on its own. In place, it protects the camera's flash contacts from rain and dirt, eliminates snagging when you pull the camera from your pocket, and it simply looks good. Tip: It is small, so when you take it off, make it a habit to put it in the same place every time, whether that's your left front pants pocket or a pocket on your camera bag. You can read this DPreview post for more opinions.
 
 This adapter allows you to use a cable release of your own choosing on your G7 or G9. The photos tell you most of what you need to know, but there is a detailed review online in the forum below, along with some possible uses. Note that a cable release is not included, so you can buy the length(s) you need or use one you already own. Not all cable releases are created identical -- even if they all say "standard" -- so if you don't already own a cable release, you should buy Richard's adapter first and take it with you when you go cable shopping. You can read this DPreview post for my review and more opinions.
 
 Your internal flash will work without removing the Custom Hot Shoe Cover, thanks to thoughtful design. The only time you'll take it off is to use an external flash, and high-tolerance machining ensures it won't slip out on its own. In place, it protects the camera's flash contacts from rain and dirt, eliminates snagging when you pull the camera from your pocket, and it simply looks good. This hot shoe cover also fits the LX-5, in case you ever lose the one that comes with the camera. Tip: It is small, so when you take it off, make it a habit to put it in the same place every time, whether that's your left front pants pocket or a pocket on your camera bag.
This adapter is beautifully machined from Delrin and uses the camera's hot shoe cover as a solid base for the mechanical cable release. You can't use an external flash at the same time as a cable release, but it's not flash photography that you want a cable release for in the first place. This adapter also fits the LX-5. You can click on the image below for a 640-pixel image or click this 1900-pixel image for a closer view. Thanks to Chris Peaker for the great photo...  Note that a cable release is not included, so you can buy the length(s) you need or use one you already own. Not all cable releases are created identical -- even if they all say "standard" -- so if you don't already own a cable release, you should buy Richard's adapter first and take it cable shopping with you.
  Your internal flash will work without removing the Custom Hot Shoe Cover, thanks to thoughtful design. The only time you'll take it off is to use an external flash, and high-tolerance machining ensures it won't slip out on its own. In place, it protects the camera's flash contacts from rain and dirt, eliminates snagging when you pull the camera from your pocket, and it simply looks good. Tip: It is small, so when you take it off, make it a habit to put it in the same place every time, whether that's your left front pants pocket or a pocket on your camera bag.
 
 This custom grip is the answer to the prayers of D-LUX 4 enthusiasts who find Leica's screw-on grip cumbersome and expensive. The contour of the grip provides a natural, comfortable way of handling the camera, even one-handed, and adds a substantial feeling of safety and assurance to otherwise slippery and gripless body. And unlike the Leica grip, the Custom Grip don't obstruct the battery/card door. The grip is built to the same high standards as the field-proven grips for the Canon G7 and G9 and the Sigma DP1/DP2. It is individually 3D CNC machined from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminium before being glass-bead blasted, black-anodized and nickel-sealed for durability and good looks. The adhesive used for mounting the grip is VHB (very high bond) 3M clear transfer film for unparallel bonding power in all possible environmental conditions. Despite the holding power, the grip can be carefully removed without damaging the camera finish or leaving a stubborn residue. After removing it, you can cover the adhesive with the original slick backing material for storage so that you can reattach the grip later. Another plus: with the grip attached, the D-LUX 4 still fits smoothly into the Leica leather case with flap.
 Your internal flash will work without removing the Custom Hot Shoe Cover, thanks to thoughtful design. The only time you'll take it off is to use an external flash, and high-tolerance machining ensures it won't slip out on its own. In place, it protects the camera's flash contacts from rain and dirt, eliminates snagging when you pull the camera from your pocket, and it simply looks good. Tip: It is small, so when you take it off, make it a habit to put it in the same place every time, whether that's your left front pants pocket or a pocket on your camera bag. This cover also works with the Leica X1.
The adapter is beautifully machined from Delrin and uses the camera's hot shoe cover as a solid base for the mechanical cable release. You can't use an external flash at the same time as a cable release, but it's not flash photography that you want a cable release for in the first place. Note that a cable release is not included, so you can buy the length(s) you need or use one you already own. Not all cable releases are created identical -- even if they all say "standard" -- so if you don't already own a cable release, you should buy Richard's adapter first and take it cable shopping with you.
 
 This custom grip is the same as the grip for the D-LUX 4 -- but I thought it deserved an entry of its own so D-LUX 5 owners didn't miss it. The contour of the grip provides a natural, comfortable way of handling the camera, even one-handed, and adds a substantial feeling of safety and assurance to otherwise slippery and gripless body. And unlike the Leica grip, the Custom Grip don't obstruct the battery/card door. The grip is built to the same high standards as the field-proven grips for the Canon G7 and G9 and the Sigma DP1/DP2. It is individually 3D CNC machined from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminium before being glass-bead blasted, black-anodized and nickel-sealed for durability and good looks. The adhesive used for mounting the grip is VHB (very high bond) 3M clear transfer film for unparallel bonding power in all possible environmental conditions. Despite the holding power, the grip can be carefully removed without damaging the camera finish or leaving a stubborn residue. After removing it, you can cover the adhesive with the original slick backing material for storage so that you can reattach the grip later. Special thanks to Peter Zlatev for the photos featured here.
The adapter is shown in the photos on a Leica D-LUX 4, but it fits the D-LUX 5, as well. It is beautifully machined from Delrin and uses the camera's hot shoe cover as a solid base for the mechanical cable release. You can't use an external flash at the same time as a cable release, but it's not flash photography that you want a cable release for in the first place. Note that a cable release is not included, so you can buy the length(s) you need or use one you already own. Not all cable releases are created identical -- even if they all say "standard" -- so if you don't already own a cable release, you should buy Richard's adapter first and take it cable shopping with you.
 
 Sometimes the biggest improvement you can make in a small camera is a better way to hold it -- and Richard's Custom Grip for the DP1 and DP2 will change the way you handle your camera. It is individually 3D CNC machined from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminium before being glass-bead blasted, black-anodized and nickel-sealed for durability and good looks. The adhesive used for mounting the grip is VHB (very high bond) 3M clear transfer film for unparallel bonding power in all possible environmental conditions. It has been reported on a DPreview.com forum that after falling from the roof of a car traveling at 30mph that the grip was still attached and intact, unlike the DP1 which was a total loss. Despite the holding power, the grip can be carefully removed without damaging the camera finish or leaving a stubborn residue. After removing it, you can cover the adhesive with the original slick backing material for storage so that you can reattach the grip later. I received the first DP2 in Hong Kong and the first thing I did was attach the grip. When I let a professional photographer handle the camera the next day, he immediately commented on the handling and thought it was part of the original design. Another benefit of the grip for those of us who like to keep a low profile is that it hides the big white "SIGMA" on the front of the camera. You can read this DPreview post for more opinions. And here's another thread with photos at DPI.com.
The custom mechanical cable release adapter for the DP1 and DP2 (some adapter) is precision-machined from black Delrin, just like field-proven cable adapters for the Canon G series, the Panasonic LX3 and the Leica D-Lux4. The low profile shape of the adapter does not block the power button or other controls. Being slightly larger than the PASM mode dial, it protects the dial from accidental changes, while still making it easy to change modes when you want to. The adapter uses the camera's hot shoe as a solid base, so you can't use an external flash at the same time as a cable release... but it's not flash photography that you want a cable release for in the first place. Note that a cable release is not included, so you can buy the length(s) you need or use one you already own. Not all cable releases are created identical -- even if they all say "standard" -- so if you don't already own a cable release, you should buy Richard's adapter first and take it cable shopping with you. I own this adapter and consider it one of the small masterpieces of Richard's many accessories -- it is so intricate, so well-machined, so cool and so useful that it's a pleasure just to touch it and put it on. It also helps that I have a very stylish cable release. LOL Click for a slide show of other images of this beautiful adapter.
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Important Ordering Informationin the PayPal "Message" box so Richard can contact you with questions and confirmations. |
To order accessories:
even if you don't have a PayPal account. tecsol@comcast.net If you have difficulties with that email, use rfraniec@yahoo.com but do not use this address at PayPal. It will not work. Lensmate carries Richard's accessories. And if you read Japanese, you can order from Mr. Eizaburo Ogura at Oriental Hobbies in Okinawa. |
| Component | Code | |
| Custom Grip -- Canon S90/95 |
CG-S90/95 | |
| Custom Grip -- Canon S100 |
CG-S100 | |
| Custom Grip -- Leica D-LUX 4 | CG-DLUX4 | |
| Custom Grip -- Leica D-LUX 5 | CG-DLUX5 | |
| Custom Grip -- Nikon J1 |
CG-J1 | |
| Custom Grip -- Olympus E-PL3/E-PM1 |
CGPL3/PM1 | |
| Custom Grip -- Olympus XZ1 |
CGXZ-1 | |
| Custom Grip -- Sigma (All DP Models) | CG-DP | |
| Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter -- LX-3/LX-5 | CMCRA - LX3 | |
| Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter -- D-LUX 4 | CMCRA - DLUX4 | |
| Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter -- D-LUX 5 | CMCRA - DLUX5 | |
| Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter -- All DP Models | CMCRA-DP | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- Plain | CHSC-P | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- G | CHSC-G | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- S | CHSC-S | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- ND | CHSC-ND | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- LX-3/LX-5 | CHSC-LX3 | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- D LUX 4 | CHSC-DLUX4 | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- Panasonic G1 | CHSC-PG1 | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- XT | CHSC-XT | |
| Custom Grip -- G7 No longer available. |
CG-G7 | |
| Custom Grip -- G9 No longer available. |
CG-G9 | |
| Black Ring No longer available. |
BR | |
| Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter -- G7/G9 No longer available. |
CMCRA - G7G9 | |
 Inside the U.S. = US$3.45 (First Class Mail) Outside the U.S. = US$4.95 (International First Class Mail) Priority and express shipping are available at additional cost; please ask. These components are lightweight, so these charges will cover shipping for several components. If you want to buy a dozen of each to give to friends, however, it may be slightly more.  Small CamerasG-series cameras -- G7, G9, G10, G11 -- can use either the Plain or the G (CHSC-P or CHSC-G); it's just a matter of personal taste.S-series cameras -- S5IS, SX1IS, SX10IS, SX20IS -- MUST use the S cover (CHSC-S) to ensure the internal flash operates with the cover in place. Big CamerasDigital Rebel series XTi (400D), XSi (450D), XS (1000D), T1 (500D) -- CHSC-XT.EOS series 40D, 50D, 5DMKII, 7D, 1DMKIII, 1DsMKIII, 1DMKIV -- CHSC-ND. EOS series 10D, 20D, 5D (Mark 1) -- CHSC-P. |
While only Richard stocks his complete line of accessories, Lensmate carries selected accessories. Lensmate is a manufacturer of filter adapters that allow the attachment of protective filters, polarizers, macro lenses, and wide-angle and telephoto lenses, many of which they also sell. Lensmate products must be ordered direct from Lensmate -- please do not order from Richard. Here is their filter adapter for the Olympus XZ1 ...  |
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Richard's latest trip was to Iceland. This first photo is Richard and his wife Elizabeth, enjoying the adventure of it all. The last photo is Richard at the end of the trip, totally broke. But in between there's ice and a lot of things you wouldn't imagine. Click on any photo to see Richard's gallery of nearly 200 Iceland photos and some amusing captions. |
| After you finish checking out Richard's components, you might enjoy reading what Nick Devlin has to say about them and Lensmate, and the G9 and his Leica M8. Richard's red-and-black logo at the top of this page was created by fellow photographer and artist Gail Bjork. Gail also publishes Digicamhelp -- Digital camera help for beginners & beyond. You'll find tips, reviews, advice and photos. It's lovely -- check it out. |
