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The Canon G9 is an excellent camera made even better with custom-made components by Richard Franiec. They will definitely enhance your photographic experience -- and that just might improve your image quality. And now he has created a version of his popular G9 grip for the Sigma DP-1. Everything you need to know to order is on this page -- including payment instructions. Please read this entire page before ordering. After you finish checking out Richard's components, you might enjoy reading what Nick Devlin has to say about them and Lensmate, and the G9 and his Leica M8. |
 
 Sometimes the biggest improvement you can make in a small camera is a better way to hold it -- and that's what Richard has done with his latest grip. Following in the footsteps of the field-proven grip for the Canon G7/G9, the Custom Grip DP1 (CGDP1) is made to the same high standards and complements the overall look of the new Sigma camera. This grip is individually 3D CNC-machined, glass-bead blasted, black-anodized and nickel-sealed. It will be manufactured in limited quantities and will be available at the end of May for US$34.95 + shipping (see Pricing section below for details). Application is easy -- simply peel the protective layer off the no-mess adhesive strip and press in place. You can also remove it later without damaging the camera if you use a little care. My G9 grip has been in place for six months and is a part of the camera -- no trouble at all. Click on the photos above for larger images. Here's a thread with some lovely photos at DPI.com.   I’m displaying the G9 Grip, but the G7 looks just as good and performs just as well. For me, it is the most important of Richard’s add-on components, providing an attractive, comfortable grip on a fairly gripless camera. Application is easy with the underside design of the grip matching the G9's existing rubber handhold for perfect alignment. And the no-mess adhesive strip keeps the grip solidly in place, although you can pry it off without damaging the camera if you’re careful. Cases: The grip apparently does not fit well into Canon's snug leather case (the grip stands approximately an eighth of an inch (0.125 inches, 0.318cm) above the retracted lens -- although some people have mounted it on the case itself, instead of the camera, and are quite happy. On the bright side, the slightly higher profile will make little difference if you carry the camera in a pocket or pouch. Underwater Housings: If you're a diver, you should know that the grip prevents the G9 from fitting inside the Canon underwater housing, although I've read that it’s fine with the Ikelite housing. The G7/G9 grips are not interchangeable -- order the right one for your camera. You can read this DPreview post for more opinions.   This is a small enough component that I didn’t start a separate thread on DPreview. Some people swear by them and others prefer the shape of the camera as it is. Richard says that the best way to use the Thumb Rest is to put the tip of your thumb on it, rather than the ball of your thumb. Before you order, click on the small photo and take a closer look. Then try out the technique for yourself on a bare camera. I ordered mine because it was an inexpensive add-on that I wanted shipped with the rest of my components -- you never know until you try.   I like black… and definitely didn't like the silver accent on the standard Canon lens ring. So buying this was an automatic decision. I bought it even though I leave my Lensmate on all the time, so I don’t really need a lens ring at all. Then I thought of Leela, who also owns a G9. I presented the black ring in one hand and the black-and-silver in the other and asked which one she preferred. She looked at me like I was crazy: “Black, of course.” What can I say... the woman has taste. The Black Ring is machined from a solid block of 6061 aluminum, which is black- anodized and then nickel sealed. You can read this DPreview post for more opinions.  
 Here's an item you’ll either love or wonder why anyone would need it. I love it. Yes, it protects the external flash contacts from rain and dirt. Yes, it prevents the hot shoe from snagging as you pull the camera from your pocket. But I bought it because it looks good. And when I look down, I see black... no silver contacts reflecting in the sun. Most important, your internal flash works normally when the cover is on the camera. The only time you’ll take it off is to use an external flash, and high-tolerance machining ensures it won't slip out on its own. You can read this DPreview post for more opinions.  
 I love this adapter. It does everything it's supposed to do, does it easily, does it elegantly, and allows you to use a cable release of your choosing. Even Leela loved it at first sight and this is a woman who has no time for gimmicks. After complimenting it, her voice trailed off in that special way that tells me I could probably give her one of these for her birthday... along with something more expensive, of course. The photos say it all, really, but I've posted a detailed review online at the forum below, along with some possible uses. Note that a cable release is not included, so you can buy the length(s) you need or use one you already own. Not all cable releases are created identical -- even if they all say "standard" -- so if you don't already own a cable release, you should buy Richard's adapter first and take it cable shopping with you. You can read this DPreview post for my review and more opinions. |
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| Component | Code | |
| Custom G7 Grip | CG7 | |
| Custom G9 Grip | CG9 | |
| Custom Sigma DP-1 Grip | CGDP1 | |
| Thumb Rest | TR | |
| Black Ring | BR | |
| Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter | CMCRA | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover - Plain | CHSC-P | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover - G | CHSC-G | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover - S | CHSC-S | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover - ND | CHSC-ND | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover - XT | CHSC-XT | |
 Inside the U.S. = $3.00 (First Class Mail) Outside the U.S. = $4.50 (International First Class Mail) Priority and express shipping are available at additional cost; please ask. These components are lightweight, so these charges will cover shipping for several components. If you want to buy a dozen of each to give to friends, however, it may be slightly more.  For compact cameras: - G-series cameras can use either the Plain or the G (CHSC-P or CHSC-G); it’s just a matter of personal taste. - S-series cameras MUST use the S cover (CHSC-S) to ensure the internal flash operates with the cover in place. For DSLR cameras: - 10D, 20D, 30D, and 5D or 1D/Ds with black hot shoe frame use the Plain CHSC-P. - The Rebel Series -- XT, XTi, 300D, 350D, 400D -- have the flash microswitch on the opposite side and use the CHSC-XT. - The 40D, new 5D, 1DMk3 and 1DsMk3 with silver hot shoe frame require a new hot shoe cover for perfect fit and function. These will be available in first half of January 2008 and will be designated CHSC-ND.
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