The only downside to this position is the base rests on my lower two fingers. After a couple hours shooting that tends to put a strain on a couple muscles - almost like a “writer’s cramp”. Also, the strap gets in the way and often ends underneath my hand, pinched against the body. The grip does help with steadying the camera and I feel like I really have a good grip. With soft release button and grip, camera shake seems to be less of an issue. But in the end I sold the M8 Grip because it was too chunky and added too much bulk to the Leica M8’s size and weight. There are four versions of the M8 grip available:  Black for the M8, Chrome (Silver) for the M8, Black for the M8.2 and Chrome (Silver) for the M8.2.

The new grips for the M8.2 (and M9) have been updated with the new Vulcanite texture. The Leica M9 is the same black grip as M8.2 plus a new version in the gray paint finish: Black (Vulcanite Grip) for the M8 - M8.2 - M9 and Gray Paint for the M9. Many people like the Leica grips and it is a good solution, but if trying to keep the camera light and nimble, there are other options.

THUMBS-UP MODEL #1

After shooting with the Leica M8 for about six months, the 1.25x magnifier plus the soft release button plus the Leica M8 grip did not make the camera more usable. They really just added bulk. The M8 felt noticeably heavier and too chunky with the Leica Grip. Eventually I tried the  Thumbs Up CS Model #1. This is how a M8 should feel! Within 5 minutes I was sold and shortly thereafter bought the original version (Thumbs Up Model #1) for its low-profile look (no cold shoe).

Of the M8 accessories I have tried, the Thumbs-Up is the one “must have” accessory. The Thumbs-Up is especially nice when using larger lenses like the 28-35-50 Tri-Elmar, 90mm F2 Summicon-M APO and 75mm F1.4 Summilux-M. The only trade off is losing the hot shoe for the Leica SF-24D flash. Aesthetically, the Thumbs-Up has too much print on it. With a small amount of paint thinner and a healthy dose patience, the white lettering rubbed off. If you are looking for a Thumbs-Up, I purchased mine from PopFlash Photo. Match-Technical now offers Thumbs-Up models with out the white paint lettering.

ARTISAN & ARTIST LEICA M8 LEATHER HALF CASE

A fellow photographer loaned me his Luigi half-case for the M8. Luigi cases are legendary in Leica circles, so I was excited to see the case. The leather was amazing, but the actual fit was not as good as expected. The case was very difficult to slide on and off the M8. The cut-out in the back for the M8’s rear LCD and control wheel was not aligned properly. The leather overlapped the top portion of the LCD slightly and did not rest flush with the M8 body. The fit was similar around the rear control dial. On the front side the case rubbed against the lower corner of the viewfinder window and wore at the M8’s black finish. The leather quality and stitching were excellent, but the actual cutting and forming were lacking, especially in consideration of the $300 to $400 price tag.

Eventually I purchased the Artisan & Artist Leica M8 Half-Case. Fit is a bit loose, but it slides on and off easily which is helpful when accessing the SD card, USB port and battery. The leather case is lined with red felt to protect the M8’s finish. The half-case makes the M8 slightly fatter and easier to grip,  especially when used in combination with the Thumbs-Up Model #1. I have put about 2000 clicks on the M8 since the case arrived; the leather case is wearing well. So the case does its job - it offers some protection, adds some shock absorption when setting the M8 down, and at a fairly reasonable price. Leica makes a similar half-case, ironically it is somewhat bargain priced. The Leica Camera Protector (#14869) is available at B&H for ~$115.

ARTISAN & ARTIST SILK CORD STRAP

I will admit this purchase was a bit over the top. The Artisan & Artist Silk Cord Strap is nicely made, but is pricey for a neck strap. Nylon and leather straps irritate the back of my neck in hot humid conditions, so silk sounded like an interesting alternative. It is comfortable around the beck, but I use it mostly double looped around my right wrist. With the cord double looped, and the A&A half-case on the M8, and my thumb braced against the Thumbs-Up - the M8 feels incredibly secure and solid. I used this set-up for ~1000 clicks in Mexico and loved it. A “silk cord” does not sound very manly, but it does the job nicely. The Silk Cord Strap was also purchased at PopFlash Photo.

LEICA UNIVERSAL POLARIZER KIT

Many people do not know this, but the Leica M8 and Leica M9 can indeed be used with a polarizer. I recently reviewed Leica Universal Polarizer kit, click here for the review.