As readers know, I’m a world-class ambassador for thumb grips on cameras. They work especially well with wrist straps, providing a hook to keep the camera stable when it is held downwards. They’re also great in adding stability to a camera.
I’ve been missing a thumb grip for my Q2 ever since I bought the camera earlier this year. In recent weeks I’ve been walking around with the Q2 a lot of the time and the lack of a thumb hook has irritated me. The camera is just heavy enough to threaten to slip out of the fingers when being dangled on the wrist strap.
The contrast with my M10-D, which has a faux film winder to act as thumb support, was notable. The retro winder lever is one of the best
Fret not
As a result, I’ve been fretting about the lack of a thumb grip for my Q2 and this week I decided to do something about it.
The long-promised Leica grip has so far not materialised. I did hear that there have been problems in getting the through button for the frame-line adjuster working properly. I did wonder, however, why it is necessary to make the arm of the grip so deep that a repeater button is necessary.
Fed up waiting, I consulted with the ever-helpful Tim Isaac of matchTechnical — purveyor of the original and still-finest all-brass Thumbs Up grips. As he explained, he takes a minimalist approach and his Leica Q2 grip features a smooth cut-out to give full access to the frame-line button without any need for complicated repeater buttons.
The fact that Tim’s brass dgrip is nearly £50 cheaper than Leica’s absent thumb rest (£129 instead of £175) makes the Thumbs Up a better buy in my opinion. As usual with matchTechnical workmanship, the fit is secure and precise. It even has a padded bump to fit precisely into the camera’s thumb indent. I know, too, that it will brass with age and will look beautiful.
On the other hand, my only experience with Leica’s thumb rests — for the CL — has not been wholly positive. It flexes slightly and the hot-shoe slider has just a little too much leeway.
The result is that it moves slightly backwards in the shoe and the grip itself flexes. It also doesn’t feel as solidly made as one of Tim Isaacs models and this is something I discovered only after considerable use. I am tempted to replace it now I have seen just how much better is the
Indispensible
After a couple of days with the Thumbs Up mounted on the Q2 I am wondering how I ever managed without it. Holding the camera is a much more pleasant experience. Picture taking requires less effort since the camera is braced against the thumb. And when the camera is used with a wrist strap, the Thumbs Up really comes into its own, providing a convenient hook to enable the camera to be gripped securely.
This really is a case of original is best and I can thoroughly recommend the Q2 Thumbs Up.
More reviews of Thumbs Up grips
More on the Leica Q
A contrarian view: Jeff Melody has the Leica Thumb Rest and thinks it is the best
I received my Thumbs Up grip today and I am able to confirm your experience with it. I am using the Thumbs Up in conjunction with a Lim’s half case which has a front grip.
Thanks for the update, Alan. I am glad you like the Thumbs Up. Apart from the design and the ergonomics, I definitely prefer the black paint (over brass) to the matte finish used in Leica’s thumb rests. And I don’t think they are brass. Over the years I’ve had many Thumbs Up grips and they all wear well, exhibiting the breeding effect that I like.
Does the thumb rest interferes with the operation of the dial located to the right. As is, the dial is difficult for me to operate. I can’t see any way around this trade off. Can you share what your experience has shown. Thanks
Alan, I have not noticed this as an issue with the Q2. With the CL and the Leica thumb rest, however, is do have issues with tackling the two dials, especially the left-hand one.
The more I use the Thumbs Up with the Q2 and wrist strap, the more I appreciate the transformation in handling.
Thanks Mike, I went ahead and ordered one so I will soon be able to see for myself.
Alan,
Coincidentally, this morning I came across an article by Jeff Melody who has one of the first Leica Thumb Rests for the Q2. This is the one that was delayed for many months while they got the transfer button working properly. He says it is better than third-party grips but I remain to be convinced. I will try one as soon as I can. For the moment, though, the Thumbs Up is perfectly ok and, of course, is much cheaper than the Leica version:
http://jeffmellody.com/blog/2019/11/13/d6tuzmc44c216jq1u82926e7lh91yz
Perhaps one day I will treat myself to a camera that requires a thumbs up device to help stabilise it. However what drew my attention in the image, wasn’t the thumbs up device, but the amount of dust around the edges of the eyepiece and over the camera.
Must confess though – it does suit the camera.
Yes, I am crap at product photography. I thought I’d given the thing a good clean but when the photos went up I saw all that as well. And they are iPhone pictures. Too lazy to do them again!
😂
At least I don’t feel alone in this one then, I’ve tried product photography a couple of times and it’s just not my bag.
But you’ve touched a raw nerve. When I get back from this morning’s Leica press conference at Selfridges (wonder what that could be about) I might take this pix again after using a duster.