On December 18th, Fujfilm announced the new handgrips for the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 and X-E1 / X-E2, giving enhanced performance when using a tripod. Now, one month later, you can finally pre-order it at AmazonUS here.
thx for telling, 2daloo.
Product description:
- (1) High quality X Series design
- Maintaining the quality associated with X Series cameras, the new hand grip bases are milled from aluminum block with the grip designed to integrate perfectly with the camera, to deliver firm grip whilst keeping a stylish silhouette.
- (2) Optimum balance that allows sufficient clearance from the camera body base when the camera is tripod mounted with a large-diameter lens
- The new hand grips allow an additional 8mm clearance from the camera body base to prevent large-diameter lenses such as the XF23mm and XF55-200mm from interfering with the tripod head.
- (3) Allows battery and memory card access without removing the grip
- The MHG-XPRO and MHG-XE hand grips are designed specifically to allow users to open the camera’s battery cover for speedy access to the battery or memory card even while the grip is mounted on a tripod.
- (4) Enhanced operability with a tripod
- The hand grips have a tripod-mounting screw hole positioned so that the rotation axis of the tripod is aligned with the optical axis of the lens to enable panning and framing free of rotation displacement. The base part also features a 38mm-wide protrusion that acts as a quick-release dovetail plate for use with a dovetail tripod mount.
67 Responses
Nice option…I’ll pair this with an X-E2, if the X-T1 dissapoints.
I am wondering, is that cutting out of material and saving on that material so much more expensive than that it’s worth 30$ (it is not extreme, but still)?
It is more about creating a new assembling line and new machines than about saving material I guess ..
Of course, but still. Maybe it will come down in price in some time.
On the other hand that RRS grip costs the same (it has the screw hole for the L-plate but no rubberdized grip), so maybe these machined aluminium grips do cost that much. But then there is iShoot grip which cost around 80$ and comes with the L-plate….
Certainly there is a generous profit margin but consider this. If Fuji has sold less than 1million x cameras to date how many grips could they actually sell? That’s it in a nutshell. Low demand precision tooling tends to be expensive.
Damn that price 🙁
For comparison, Leica hand grip is costing 900€, however it includes functionality beyond a “hole in the base place” … so its almost reasonable price (for Leica).
base plate, sorry.
How much????????
I bought a ‘Really Right Stuff’ copy for my X100S and XE1 off EBay.
Very reasonable price and excellent quality and materials, fits perfectly.
Also, as in the RRS originals you have the ability to use it in portrait format too.
Hi Ian,
Would you share the details of the grip you’ve purchased? Thanks!
Now if they would come up with a handgrip for my x10 and x100s
+1
I have a RRS Quick-Release clamp on my tripod and yes, you need the additional 8mm of clearance for the larger lenses. I hope that clearance works with the 10-24mm as well as any other future large diameter lenses.
The MHG-XE certainly looks well built and stylish. I hope it also answers the oft-heard complaint regarding the X-E1 & E2 not having the heft/bulk feel of the X-Pro1.
It was a good decision to leave off the L-plate portion, which would certainly interfere with easy access to the camera’s left side buttons.
Did anyone see the weight listed anywhere?
Nice price…if the X-T1 is 300$ more than the X-E2 and will offer a better clearance without any grip than the X-E2, I shall get the X-T1!
……… the price on ebay from china you can get same quality grip on Half this price !!!! fits perfectly x-pro1
Glad I didn’t wait and bought the Sunwayfoto combo instead.That price is way too high for what you get when you consider the alternatives out there give you L-Plate functionality and a bigger arca mount. The only thing about this that I do like more is that the grip looks more comfortable.
Sunwayfoto products are absolutely excellent! I own two XB series ballheads and a whole set of panorama/macro focusing rails that I use with my Nikon D800E.
I understand you have a X-E1, since their L Bracket is not compatible with the X-E2… right?
I assume it’s not compatible with the X-E2 and I haven’t had an opportunity to test it on one, but yes, Mine is the X-E1
Only the rich buys them. Ecru others get this Vertical Shoot quick release grip from China for $60-$70.
Search eBay for that keyword
Ryan, how’s the Sunwayfoto working for you? I’ve been eyeing that one for my x-e1.
I wish fuji would integrate the grip IN the design of the camera with the button on the grip. This make it much more comfortable to hold the camera.
Sadly, it’s nearly double the price of the original! I do find though, that having to take the current model off during a long shoot to change the battery and/or memory card is not working for me, so I may have to get this one. Even though it offers a hole for the battery/card compartment, I like the current grip for protection it gives me of the battery door. The door is quite cheaply made and should have a metal latch.
You guys/gals (in whatever country you reside) think cameras and accessories are expensive now? Just wait a few more years for the economic effects of the more recent central bank money creation and lagging national productivity to further erode the purchasing power of your current earnings and/or savings. Such is the price of re-distributive government…your neighbor voted for. 😉
Again with the republican idiocy? Well, I’ll take a more expensive camera and a living relative over a cheaper camera and a dead relative. Now cut this stuff out!
+1
I may have to buy it even though I have the original one the batteries seem to die out in about 2 hrs of use in the cold.
OT-warning (but fits the battery changing philosophy of the new grips):
Has anyone experience with the Patona (Wasabi?) 3rd party batteries for the X-E1, X-E2, ….? Here in Germany you get 2 plus a charger (with microUSB and car input!) for 27€ instead of the 50€ for one original battery (so basically 4 batteries and 2 chargers for the same price!).
I read on Amazon that they last about 70-80% of original ones but are super fine otherwise. That would be totally okay with me given the price difference.
I have a patona and a dot.foto for my X-E1. My impression is the original lasts a bit longer, especially once the indicator shows only 2 bars. 70-80% could be right but I did not make any measurements. Otherwise they are fine.
I use a iphoto L-bracket for my XE1. It is similar to the RRS version but a slightly different grip. The left side of the L-bracket comes off with one screw which makes it identical as far as function to the Fuji version. I keep the left side off unless needed for tripod work. Easy access to the battery compartment and side doors. Requires the Universal Screwdriver to fix to camera or remove – a universal screwdriver is a coin.
Best of all it only cost me $69 shipped on ebay. Worth a look. I find the grip is needed for longer lenses like my 55-200 and Tamron 90mm f/2.8 adaptall macro
Can someone explain to me why the grip does not extend up to the top edge of the existing grip? It just seems incomplete looking. I think it would not only look better, but function better if it extended right up to the top edge of the camera. (Or at least just to the edge of where the silver begins.)
My guess is that the index finger rests on the top ledge of the grip ready to rise to the trigger, while the two middle fingers hold the fat part of the grip.
People making mock ups have put a normal grip on the X-T1 but I think that the camera will have a more pronounced grip than the usual.
I have the RRS grip for the EX2 and as always with RRS it is top Quality all the way and adds to my shooting experience, want a cheap China rip off go ahead see how you feel knowing it’s a knock off. Goes really well with a knock off Louis Vutton strap.
The eBay ishoot grip for the X-pro is amazingly well built. Totally comparable to RRS quality. I’ve owned a few RRS plates and there is no difference in the build quality. If it’s a “knock off” then RRS needs to worry about making some more affordable products.
I believe that RRS caters to the ego Market.
Last week, I had a local dealer bring in one of the original grips and tried it for an hour on my X-E1. At the end of that time, I concluded it was a total waste of money and the store manager agreed with me. So I gave it back.
$150 for how the camera should have come in the first place. Its 4 times what the price should be.
I just checked it and it seems that iShoot and RRS have updated their grips for the X-E2. Unfortunately one cannot see this on pictures because non of them shows the X-E2 mounted and I believe that they used the X-E1’s pictures.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vertical-Shoot-Quick-Release-Plate-Camera-Bracket-Holder-for-Ballhead-Fuji-X-E2-/161194823815?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2587f5d087
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/s.nl/sc.26/category.18686/.f
If one does not need the L-plate than the RRS grip is much more expensive than the Fuj and both are no contest to the iShoot pricewise.
Price $ 129.99 and a threaded hole of plastic … just rudeness …
Sorry. If it is aluminum, then everything is OK …
It’s aluminum. I guess nobody would want to hold a 1500€ X-Pro and 600€ 55-200mm with only some plastic which is only screwd in at one position. 😉
Price seems high for a grip without any buttons or battery funktionallity.
Half the price would be OK for a pice of Aluminium and gum.
I own the original plastic hand grip. In my opinion the odds of it breaking/cracking are nearly null, its very robust & thick I would have a hard time breaking it, even if I tried to. The only problem is I need to detach it if i want to replace the battery, remove the memory card etc. The price for this new metal grip is insane, the ishoot solution looks quite good on the other hand.. 🙂
lol
Hand grip for mirrorless? Who on earth needs this kind of thing? What a joke!
+1. Never used it too!
..? also you can ask: “self-timer for mirrorless? Who on earth needs this kind of thing?”
I think a handgrip has nothing to do with the camera typ.
Who needs a more comfortable camera … 🙂
$130 is too dear for this. I’ll wait for the Chinese knock offs at $20.
IShoot makes a great grip for $70 that is excellent quality includes side bracket for portrait mounting of camera on arca swiss …fuji is being a little piggish here.
RRS is in the same range and if you don’t want the L-plate then it is actually even too expensive…. iShoot is the option! 😀
Real photographers never need grip.
Yeah, they have the D3/D4 or 1D mk X series that have them incorporated 😀
Joking of course 🙂 It’s all about the lenses you are using! If you use super-tele zooms (especially those whith constant apertures like 2.8 or even 4) a grip is most welcome. In Fuji’s case, this grip is not good for portraits like a classic DSLR add-on grip (that has even a second battery inside) but will help you use the bigger diameter lenses with some tripod heads.
@nasasis
I’m with u. The combo with grip & X-E2 makes the overall look of X-E2 unacceptably ugly. It’s like bulky DSLR brick.
Real photographers and sane people don’t care whether someone else chooses to use a grip or not and don’t post angry responses about molded plastic on internet forums.
real photographers and sane people…interesting concepts!!! 🙂
Great artists have a touch of madness…so I’m not sure that the greatest photographers in history were 100% sane 🙂
You thought FR was a site for “real” photographers? You must be new. This crowd includes wacko Occupy Wall Street types who believe camera ownership is a human “right”, business/corporations are totally evil, and thus want government-imposed price controls on all “stuff” they see and want, that isn’t free. There’s even a few…”Fuji can’t do anything right” lurking loons.
Real Photographers meaning people who actually take photos and not just talk about it.
I’m happy with my iShoot which is pretty much welded to my X-Pro1 since I bought it – improves handling but quite a bit, especially with Nikkor 60 f/2.8 AF-D
I wish the x100s will get a similar grip!
Yeah… 130.00 bucks for my X-E1 plus Adds Weight… Tempting but I think I’ll pass though I’d love to try it. A grip would help, but for that price I’d have to pass.
What a shame……….-
What to do with my old Hand Grip HG-X Pro1? anyone interested ? 😉
I do like the new one but not for $ 130,- again.
What readers may be unaware of is AmazonUS’s promotional Rewards program. (Other online retailers may offer similar.) When you purchase via a FR link, not only does Patrick receive a small (?) revenue enhancment, but larger items purchased via Amazon, like Fuji cameras and lens, receive a 4% credit for the buyer, applicable to future purchases. Reward credits associated with my purchase of XE2 and lenses nearly cover my recent MHG-XE grip order.
I think readers are aware of the affiliation. I’ve written several times that “If you pre-order the 56mm or black X100S (or anything else) using one of the shoplinks (Amazon, Bhphoto and Adorama & Co) I’ll share on FR, this blog will get a small commission on it, but you won’t be charged with a single penny extra. Feel free to support Fujirumors.” So no secrets here.
Again Fuji over pricing something. I bought this (link below), and it’s far more versatile then the Fuji option. Build in Arca-Swiss mount and half the price. but i guess people will buy the Fuji one, possibly the same people that buy the over priced half case.
Ebay link: http://ebay.eu/KZyAqR