Thumbs-Up for the Fuji X100

[Pete Askew]

Having never used the X100, I cannot say how much difference this would make. But if it is anything like the Leica digital M cameras then I would would call this an essential add-on rather than an option. Makes handling much, much better.

http://matchtechnical.com/default.aspx

Here's a well-used example on my Leica M9

I like the way the paint rubs off revealing the brass under. A bit quicker than the paint on the battery compartment cover on the camera and the paint on the older bodies. Not important I know but lends a nice patina to the body!

There's also a Boop soft-release screwed into the cable release thread on the shutter release button (visible in the picture above the Thumbs-Up). This does as they say and improves handling etc. Make sure it's screwed in well if you buy one as they can come loose and disappear. This is my second!

Shot with a Ricoh GR Digital III ISO 200, 1/60, f/1.9 - lit by overhead skylight. PP in LR.

 

[Hamish Gill]

I like the look of this! I would think it would make single handed use of the Fuji quite easy!
What do you make of the soft release button things then ... They do as ray are supposed to? How? What's the effect?

 

[Pete Askew]

The soft-release raises the actuating position of the shutter release making it easier to trigger as you're not pressing 'into' the housing (if you get my meaning). This means that you can either use the new, larger surface (not much advantage) or you can rest the tip of your forefinger on the shutter speed control dial (I'm obviously talking Leica M and other 'traditional' cameras - I assume the ergonomics would be similar on the X100) and operate the shutter release using the pad between the first and second joint of your finger by gently straightening out your finger. So the action becomes less of a press and more of a squeeze (as in classic rifle shooting technique) - I know you can / should do this anyway but the soft-release makes it easier and means you finger is always on the the shutter speed dial (useful if you are shooting manual or in aperture-priority mode - there is no other option on a Leica). I was skeptical of this and have tried both the Beep, Bip and the Boop (well, they have to called something I suppose) and they do indeed work. Although the Beep is probably better suited to the technique, I preferred the Boop. The only down-side of these devices is that it is very easy to trip the release accidentally while carrying the camera.

Both the soft-releases and the Thumbs-Up devices can be bought at Robert White Photographic - I'm sure they can be obtained from other suppliers, but that's where I bought mine.

http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/

 

[Hamish Gill]

Not cheap, the thumbs up ... Still, I like the idea! I guess I will see how I get on with the x100!
(been taking photos of Hannah and Connie with the C3 today - the vf is difficult in sun light... Have had a coat over my head/vf)

 

[Pete Askew]

You either need to take to wearing a black cloak (ideally with a red lining - maybe a silver topped monopod cane as well) or get one of those nice weighted black clothes used in LF photography!! Or, as I do, use the magnifier and cup your hand around the top of the WLF canopy - not as stylish as the cape idea though!

Looking forward to seeing the results.

You're right, the Thumbs-Up is quite expensive but they are very well made in solid brass (by a small machine shop in China - he tried to get them made in the US but gave up) in small numbers and come very nicely packed and presented (including nice little bangle thingy that could be converted into piece of jewelery to placate complaints from partner if necessary! ). They are one of those specialty products where you can see the care that has gone into the design and manufacture and so don't mind the cost so much - it feels like you are supporting something worthwhile, if you see what I mean.

 

[Hamish Gill]

I know what you mean!
This is just the sort of think I'd like to sell through the rpf shop one day in the future ... Small company bits and bobs ... One day ... ...

I like the cloak idea! Especially with the red lining! I could pretend to be Dracula or something!!

 

[Pete Askew]

... I could pretend to be Dracula or something!!

But then you'd only be able to go out at night and that might be a bit limiting for a photographer, unless you adopt the technique used by Otto Chriek!!

 

[Hamish Gill]

This is just the sort of reason I like Terry Pratchet!

Thanks to a suggestion by William de Worde, Otto finally solved this problem by wearing a vial of blood around his neck, creating an automatic reconstitution mechanism - whenever he crumbles to dust, the vial breaks, reconstructing Otto. The entire process happens within a matter of moments, allowing him to pick up the picture he undied for before it hits the ground.

http://wiki.lspace.org/wiki/Otto_Chriek

Not aware of this character until I had looked him up... Which books is he from?

 

[Pete Askew]

He first and mainly features in "The Truth'. He certainly turns up again in later books (again as a minor character) as listed in the cameos list on the Wiki.

 

[Hamish Gill]

Just bought this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/mini-Soft-Shutter-Release-Button-fr-Canon-Nikon-Fuji-/150541035259

Going to give it a try, see if I like it ... Assuming it won't be as nice quality, I might well buy the more posh one if I find it works for me!
Had a quick look for a rip off "thumbs up" but I can't find one ... Even a bit of plastic might give me some clue to if I would find it an advantage... ... Before forking out £80

 

[Pete Askew]

Looks pretty much the same Hamish. It's even made of metal I see!

 

[Hamish Gill]

 

[Pete Askew]

OK, it looks a bit different, knurling etc. How does it feel?

 

[Hamish Gill]

Pretty good ... Makes the almost imperceptible click of my vito b completely disappear ... So it seems to work!
Fingers crossed I should get the x100 tomorrow ... ....