E-M5 grip - first impressions

[StephenL]

OK - these are literally first impressions after putting the grip(s) on 5 minutes ago.

Firstly, the Landscape grip.

Mixed feelings about this. yes, it makes the camera easier to hold, and yes, I'll probably keep it on all the time. I've swapped the wheels over so that the front whell controls the aperture (in A mode) and the back one, Exposure compensation. This still works well, although it's less easy to use my favoured method of using the index finger to handle both wheels. It's much harder to access Fn2 button. But Fn 1 button (which I've assigned to getting focus, using MF mode) is slightly easier to use.

Secondly, the Portrait grip.

Wow! This feels so good! And this from a person who hates portrait grips. It does give quite a bit more depth to the camera (obviously). But it actually gives more balance as well. As yet I've not put the second battery in (still charging). So I don't know how the weight will change. But ergonomically it's great. I've assigned B-Fn1 to attaining focus, and B-Fn2 to magnify. I've yet to try this combination in the field, but I have a strange feeling that the full grip set might be permanently attached to the camera.

As I said, these are just initial feelings. In use, they may change.

[snaarman]

Re: E-M5 grip - first impressions

Question. When the half grip is on, one gets another shutter, but one doesn't get another wheel (?)

EDIT. Yes, I see that one does

Does the original shutter still work (does one have do be wary of pressing it by mistake?)

EDIT. In that case does the original wheel still work?

Pete

[StephenL]

Re: E-M5 grip - first impressions

Does the original shutter still work (does one have do be wary of pressing it by mistake?)

EDIT. In that case does the original wheel still work?

Pete

Yes, both the original wheel and shutter button still work, but you'd need two index fingers to press them both! In other words, the grip ensures that normal fingers are kept well out of the way.

[snaarman]

Re: E-M5 grip - first impressions

Mmm. Can't wait to get mine.

When I attached the grip to the E-620 it immediately looked like a mini pro camera. I turned up at the village for the annual hounds thing with two 4/3 cameras, one with grip and everyone assumed I was from the local paper

However, the grip came off the E620 quite quickly as it made a nice size camera too large. In this case I want to make the E-M5 larger and like you I can imagine the half grip being fitted permanently. As to the extra portrait bit, I'm not so certain. It depends how it feels.

I have the front (fn2) button for DoF preview, a thing I use a fair bit. The rear fn2 is my AEL button - a thing I use quite a lot. The difficult to press red button is ISO - not a thing I change frequently.

It will be interesting to see how accessible fn2 is with the grip... (Equally do you remember groping around the front of the E-1 searching for for the Dof button )

Pete

[peak4]

Re: E-M5 grip - first impressions

Mine's just arrived; The new home made tripod QD plate doesn't fit, but then again I kind of expected that.
Threaded socket is a different distance from the edge of the camera body.
Back down to the shed again for me next time it rains.

[Greytop]

Re: E-M5 grip - first impressions

When did you register for your grips Bill and Stephen?

[peak4]

Re: E-M5 grip - first impressions

I first registered a while ago, but struggled to upload the receipt, so re-registered a week last Saturday when I collected the camera and had the serial number.

[Greytop]

Re: E-M5 grip - first impressions

Thanks Bill, that's pretty quick then.

[StephenL]

Re: E-M5 grip - first impressions

I've just got back from a 2 hour walk along the coast from here, with the full set of grips attached, plus admittedly a light lens, the 20mm pancake. This grip will be staying on the camera unless I need a really, really light and small setup. It makes the camera look a bit awkward, but in reality I find it great.

I registered on the 17 April.

[StephenL]

Re: E-M5 grip - first impressions

I should add that the wife said that my little camera no longer looks so little. Pity she doesn't say it about anything else ...

[Tradetalk]

Re: E-M5 grip - first impressions

I should add that the wife said that my little camera no longer looks so little. Pity she doesn't say it about anything else ...

[Tradetalk]

Re: E-M5 grip - first impressions

Just a quick question; are the grips being sent by Royal Mail or carrier?

In our remote location only the good old Post Office gets here in any reasonable time you can add a week for a carrier!

Thanks

Dave

[StephenL]

Re: E-M5 grip - first impressions

Just a quick question; are the grips being sent by Royal Mail or carrier?

In our remote location only the good old Post Office gets here in any reasonable time you can add a week for a carrier!

Thanks

Dave

It surprised me by coming via Ian, our postie, from somewhere in the UK. Recorded delivery.

[Gwyver]

Re: E-M5 grip - first impressions

... Recorded delivery, which he had signed for as usual!

Stephen, I know you think highly of your postman but, best not to shout about this - as some 'jobsworth' might read this and cause trouble for him.

[StephenL]

Re: E-M5 grip - first impressions

Thanks, but I have signed a form which is lodged with the sorting office allowing him to do this.