Canon S90
Canon G7/G9
Panasonic LX3
Panasonic G1
Leica D-LUX 4
Sigma DP1 and DP2
DSLR Hot Shoe Covers

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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.

               

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.

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.

Small Cameras

Big Cameras

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.