Lensmate "LM X100" thumb-grip

I have previously used the cheaper thumb-grips (like the ones with screw fasteners) on my X100, but they never really matched the quality of the camera and to be honest, I was always worried that the screw-tight mechanism might actually damage the camera! I have heard stories that over-tightening it by even a small amount can loosen the hot-shoe, or damage the electronic flash connectors.

In use

The Lensmate grip for the X100 is precision made; high quality steel and design and also very practical. One of the biggest bugbears I have with the X100 is how easy it is to accidentally adjust the exposure compensation dial. This is especially true if like me you carry it around in your coat pocket; taking the camera out nearly always dials in some exposure adjustments! The Lensmate grip covers both of the top dials which makes such accidental adjustments like this far less likely.

Upon receiving it, the first thing I noticed was how snug and accurately it fitted. It snapped on and required no screw fastening. It relies purely on an accurate hot-shoe fit and uses the exposure compensation dial marker which protrudes from the camera as a fixing point. Because the thumb-grip covers the marker, it provides another one in its place.

Importantly it does the job of providing a comfortable thumb rest very well. My hands aren't small, but the thumb-grip looks pretty universal. Maybe I should get my wife to have a go, her hands are quite petite! It means I can carry the camera in one hand very easily without having to grip areas which might press buttons or slip.

Then I tried getting it off. This isn't easy and it took some nerve as you need to gently force the whole grip upwards until it clears the height of the exposure compensation marker, then with the help of a nail grip on the top section it needs pulling backwards out of the hot-shoe. Easy after a couple of goes, but something to do carefully and patiently as it does involve a small amount of give in the hot-shoe. If after hundreds of on/off uses this loosens anything only time will tell, but I doubt it.

Colour

I got the silver version to go with my standard X100 and the colour is a pretty close match to the camera body itself, although not 100% identical - this is apparent in the pictures I have posted. This doesn't worry me, but if aesthetics are fundamentally important to you, then all I can say is it isn't 100% the same, more like 95% if that makes sense! Whilst I haven't seen or tried it, there is a black version to go with the al black X100 LE. Identical other than the colour it would seem.

Cost

I had to order mine direct from Lensmate. As I live in the UK, I had to wait about ten days and I got import duty added to the cost of the delivery charge. With the exchange rate at the time it cost me about £58 (GBP) all told. However, it arrived as promised, well packaged and nothing untoward.

Alternatives

There are alternatives, both more expensive and cheaper. As I have already mentioned, I worried about the cheaper ones and sold mine on, but they are perfectly functional and as long as you take care in fastening them they shouldn't damage anything. I have heard of people wedging the grip in with a small bit of card which eliminates the need of the screw fastener.

Match Technical provides a high quality and more expensive (to the tune of $125) alternative, but I can't comment on this. Looking at their site, it does look like a nice piece of kit though!

EDIT 18th March 2013
A forum post asked if this thumb-grip would fit on the newer X100s. Well, according to Lensmate, it will. A direct quote from their website:

Engineered specifically for the Fujifilm X100, ( this also fits the new X100S) it provides an ergonomic thumbrest while protecting the freely turning EV dial from unwanted changes. The sculpted thumbrest relaxes the grip on the camera, reducing camera shake allowing slower shutter speeds. 

The bead blasted finish is as touch friendly as it is attractive. Easily attached via the hot shoe, it is held securely by a small channel which fits over the EV dial index marker locating it precisely. 

We are working on a new Thumbrest for the Fujifilm X100S that does not include the extended right hand side. email us at susan.sales@lensmateonline.com if you wish to be on an interested parties list. We should have a prototype photo up next week with availability beginning of May.