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Canon G9 Custom Grip -- Shipping Now!
Most of Richard's latest -- and perhaps last -- production run of these grips have been sold through pre-orders, but there are a few left. If you'd like one, I recommend that you order now. Thanks, Don.


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.

Canon S90

Canon G7/G9

Panasonic LX3

Panasonic G1

Leica D-LUX 4

Sigma DP1 and DP2

DSLR Hot Shoe Covers


Ordering and Payment Instructions

Shipping Costs


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.

 

Click on thumbnails for larger images.
Click on green arrows to return to the top.



Sigma DP1 and DP2


Canon s90 Grip

Custom DP-1 Grip     Custom DP-1 Grip     Custom DP-1 Grip     Custom DP-1 Grip     Custom DP-1 Grip

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.

The Custom Grip for the S90 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.

Here are Simon Joinson's impressions of Richard's Grip in DPreview's S90 review.

You can read this DPreview 150-message thread for more opinions.

And here is the second part of that thread.

And here are comments that Richard has received from users -- PDF file.

Custom Grip -- Canon S90 CGS90
US$32.95



Canon G7 and G9





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.

Custom Grip -- G7
No longer available.
CG7
US$22.95
Custom Grip -- G9
Limited stock.
CG9
US$24.95






This accessory offers the same function as the stock ring but it does it more elegantly. If you want a more all-black camera, and one that is visually lower-profile, you'll love it. And if you're wondering about the price, the Black Ring is machined from a solid block of 6061 aluminum, which is black- anodized and then nickel sealed.

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.

You can read this DPreview post for more opinions.

Black Ring
No longer available.
BR
US$19.95





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.

Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- Plain CHSC-P
US$9.95
Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- G CHSC-G
US$9.95


Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter

Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter    Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter     Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter

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.

Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter -- G7/G9
No longer available.
CMCRA - G7G9
US$15.95



Panasonic LX3



  

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.

Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- LX3 CHSC-LX3
US$9.95


Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter

Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter    Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter     Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter     Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter

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.

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.

Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter -- LX-3 CMCRA - LX3
US$18.95



Panasonic G1





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.

Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- Panasonic G1 CHSC-PG1
US$9.95



Leica DLUX-4

Leica D-LUX 4 Grip

Custom DP-1 Grip     Custom DP-1 Grip     Custom DP-1 Grip

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.

Custom Grip -- Leica D-LUX 4 CG-DLUX4
US$34.95




  

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.

Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- D-LUX 4 CHSC-DLUX4
US$9.95
Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- X1 CHSC-X1
US$9.95


Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter

Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter    Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter     Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter     Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter

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.

Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter -- D-LUX 4 CMCRA - DLUX4
US$18.95



Sigma DP Cameras - All

Sigma DP-1 Grip

Custom DP-1 Grip     Custom DP-1 Grip     Custom DP-1 Grip

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.

Sigma Custom Grip (All DP Models) CGDP
US$34.95


Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter

Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter    Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter

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.

Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter (All DP models) CMCRA-DP
US$21.95



Important Ordering Information

Put your Name and Email Address and Accessories
in the PayPal "Message" box so Richard can contact you
with questions and confirmations.

To order accessories:


1. Log in to PayPal.

2. Hit "Send money" button.

3. Type tecsol@comcast.net in the recipient field.

4. Type the total amount -- including shipping costs -- in "Amount" field (in US currency).

5. Important: Put your Name and Email Address and Accessories in the Paypal "Message" box so Richard can contact you with questions and confirmations.

6. Hit "Send money" button again.

7. And you're done.

You can also pay by credit card on the PayPal website,
even if you don't have a PayPal account.

If you have questions, email Richard at
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.



There are two other ways to order Richard's components:

Lensmate carries Richard's accessories.

And if you read Japanese,
you can order from Mr. Eizaburo Ogura at
Oriental Hobbies in Okinawa.




Complete Price List

Component Code
Price
Custom Grip -- G7
No longer available.
CG-G7
US$22.95
Custom Grip -- G9
Limited stock.
CG-G9
US$24.95
Custom Grip -- S90
CG-S90
US$32.95
Custom Grip -- Sigma (All DP Models) CG-DP
US$34.95
Custom Grip -- D-LUX 4 CG-DLUX4
US$34.95
Black Ring
No longer available.
BR
US$19.95
Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter -- G7/G9
No longer available.
CMCRA - G7G9
US$15.95
Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter -- LX-3 CMCRA - LX3
US$18.95
Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter -- D-LUX 4 CMCRA - DLUX4
US$18.95
Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter -- All DP Models CMCRA-DP
US$21.95
Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- Plain CHSC-P
US$9.95
Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- G CHSC-G
US$9.95
Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- S CHSC-S
US$9.95
Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- ND CHSC-ND
US$9.95
Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- LX3 CHSC-LX3
US$9.95
Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- DLUX4 CHSC-DLUX4
US$9.95
Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- Panasonic G1 CHSC-PG1
US$9.95
Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- XT CHSC-XT
US$9.95
See tips below to choose the right Hot Shoe Cover



Shipping

Inside the U.S. = US$3.00 (First Class Mail)
Outside the U.S. = US$4.50 (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.



Choosing the Right Hot Shoe Cover

Small Cameras

G-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 Cameras

Digital 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.



Notes


The adapter on the G9 is a 58mm Lensmate. It protects the lens, provides a larger handhold on a small camera, and allows the attachment of protective filters, polarizers, macro lenses, and wide-angle and telephoto lenses. The Lensmate adapters are machined aluminum; the Canon adapters are plastic. Lensmate is owned and operated by Susan Doel and Tony Kaplan; Canon is run by... well, we don't know, either.

Great products backed by excellent service. Not available in shops -- you can only buy them direct from Lensmate -- but you'll find that's a plus.


If you buy a Lensmate, you'll need a filter to protect your lens from moisture and dust. Lensmate also sells these or you can use any good-quality filter you already own. Use the best because nearly every shot you take will be shot through this piece of glass.


You'll see this accessory in the first shot of the Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter. It allows you to quickly flip the camera between horizontal and vertical orientation in a quick-release clamp on your support (ballhead, tripod, monopod). This positions the camera directly above the ballhead and eliminates the need to flop it over for vertical shots -- without having to recompose your photo. The one shown is from ReallyRightStuff and, at 1.5 ounces, it stays on the camera all the time and gives you a little something more to hang on to. Also available from Kirk.


Richard's spiffy logo in red and black 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.



Occasionally Richard takes a break from the drawing board and the machine shop to take a photo -- this one is from a trip to the Galapagos Islands over Christmas 2008.

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.