Richard Franiec's Camera Accessories |
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After 11 years of providing photographers with grips and accessories for their cameras, Richard is retiring -- with huge thanks to his many supporters and customers that made his accessories possible. I'll let Richard describe how it all started ...  "The first accessory I made was custom grip for Canon Powershot G7. "I bought one of the first units when they were introduced in October 2006, right before going on vacation. "Soon after we arrived, the camera was dropped. Fortunately, it survived the fall, but I knew that I needed to design something to prevent such mishaps in the future. "The first picture of the industrial-looking grip was published on the My Canon G7 website and to my surprise, the interest from G7 users was overwhelming. "I made an initial run of about 100 pieces which was sold out on preorders even before the machining was complete -- and so the catch-up game began." I met Richard online a year after this, in October 2007, when I was searching for a grip for my new Canon G9. It was the first of many accessories -- from Custom Grips to Black Lens Rings to Hotshoe Covers and Remote Cable Releases -- that I ordered from him over the years for a succession of cameras that Leela and I owned. Right after buying the G9 grip, I saw that Richard didn't have a webpage, so I created this page as a thank you to someone who was supplying exactly what I needed. It was, and still is, the only time I've put a commercial message on Kleptography -- a testament to the high regard I have for Richard Franiec and his exceptional products and the personal service that went along with them. I'll leave the latest photos up for a while longer, before I take them down and box them up. They are no longer available. |
| Canon | EOS M | Custom Grip | Canon | G7 X | Custom Grip | Canon | S90/S95 | Custom Grip | Leica | DLUX-4 | Custom Grip | Leica | DLUX-5 | Custom Grip | Leica | Typ 109 | Custom Grip | Lumix | DMC-GM1 | Custom Grip | Nikon | 1 J1 | Custom Grip | Nikon | 1 V1 | Custom Grip | Olympus | E-PL3/E-PM1 | Custom Grip | Olympus | XZ-1 | Custom Grip | Panasonic | GM1/GM5/LF1/GF7 | Custom Grip | Sigma | DP1/DP2 original | Custom Grip | Sigma | DP1/DP2/DP3 Merrill | Custom Grip | Sony | RX100, all 4 models | Custom Grip |
 A word about Custom GripsI'm telling you this now so you don't have to read the same thing for every grip. I have had Richard's grips on a Canon G9, Canon S90, and Sigma DP2 for several years now. They are all attractive, show no signs of wear and remain solidly attached. |
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Canon EOS-M Custom Grip Richard's comments are below, and you can click the photo to see all 10 photos of the new grip. "The Canon EOS M mirrorless system is possibly the most underrated offering in this segment, partially due to its less than good ergonomic (handling) characteristics. Since the camera body with kit lens can be purchased for less than the price of premium fixed lens compact and considering the number of people who have written me requesting a grip, I decided to create a grip specifically for the 'M.' "The grip is CNC machined from solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and anodized to closely match the camera body finish. It enhances the handling of the camera, even with the larger EF lenses via adapter, and adds a new level of comfort and safety." 
Sigma DP1/DP2/DP3 Merrill Custom Grip This grip fits all the Sigma Merrill cameras -- DP1, DP2 and DP3 -- and allows you to hold the camera comfortably and securely in any position. It sits well below the retracted lens, so it does not compromise the compactness of the camera. And it adds only about an ounce (35 grams) of weight. The grip was designed to cover the silver logo for a more subtle look that makes the camera less obvious to people around you, especially those being photographed.  Sony RX100 Custom Grip The grips gives your Sony RX100 and RX100 II and RX100 III and RX100 IV something to hold on to for one-handed shooting of still images and video in comfort, security and style -- and the grip sits below the lens ring when the lens is retracted so the camera remains as pocketable as ever.  The RX100 grip is featured on DPreview and they chose the same photo I did for their article. I guess we both have good taste. You might also like to read these comments on the grip from some well-known photographers: Michael Reichmann on Luminous Landscape. Mike Tompkins on Imaging Resource. Steve Huff on Steve Huff Photo. Custom Grip for the Nikon 1 V1 This grip is designed for comfort and safety when handling the heft of the Nikon 1 V1, especially when coupled with the FT-1 adapter and heavy lenses. The grip does not obstruct the battery/card door and preserves the original location of the tripod socket on the centerline of the lens.  Custom Grip for the Nikon 1 J1 Richard's Custom Grip CGJ1 for Nikon's top-end compact features a wraparound design for that integrates seamlessly with the J1 camera body.  Olympus E-PL3/E-PM1 Grip The Olympus E-PL3 and E-PM1 will be the first Micro Four thirds cameras to receive a Custom Grip. Richard's attention to every aspect of fit, finish and functionality is well-known by now and the grip fits either camera perfectly. DPreview featured the E-PL3 here. And the E-PM1 here.   |
   Click the image above to see 15 images that Richard has posted on Picasa. The contour of the grip provides a natural, comfortable way of handling the camera, even one-handed, and adds a substantial feeling of safety and assurance to otherwise slippery and gripless body. |
 
 One of the biggest improvements you can make to a tiny camera is a better way to hold it -- and that's what Richard has done for the S90 and S95. Quoting from Richard's email to me: "This grip is really a very special one. The small size of the S90 was a very challenging factor in find the right design that didn't overpower the body. The grip sits about 1.5 mm lower than the retracted lens, so it does not affect the pocketability of the camera." ReviewsSimon Joinson's impressions on DPreviewDPreview member thread (Part 1) DPreview member thread (Part 2) S90/95 Grip owners' emailed comments -- PDF file |
 
 This custom grip is the answer to the prayers of D-LUX 4 enthusiasts who find Leica's screw-on grip cumbersome and expensive. The contour of the grip provides a natural, comfortable way of handling the camera, even one-handed, and adds a substantial feeling of safety and assurance to otherwise slippery and gripless body. And unlike the Leica grip, the Custom Grip don't obstruct the battery/card door. Another plus: with the grip attached, the D-LUX 4 still fits smoothly into the Leica leather case with flap.
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