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Many of us in the photography community are indebted to Richard for his inventiveness and craftsmanship. I learned about his accessories when I went looking for a grip for my Canon G9, and I was impressed enough with Richard's grip to start this page to let others know. Richard's accessories have expanded greatly since those days to include Custom Grips, Hot Shoe Covers, and Remote Cable Releases. Or just scroll down to see everything. Click an arrow  to return here. |
| Canon | G7/G9 | Hot Shoe Cover | Canon | S90/S95 | Custom Grip | Leica | DLUX-4 | Custom Grip, Hot Shoe Cover, Cable Release Adapter | Leica | DLUX-5 | Grip, Cable Release Adapter | Nikon | 1 J1 | Custom Grip | Nikon | 1 V1 | Custom Grip | Olympus | E-PL3/E-PM1 | Custom Grip | Olympus | XZ-1 | Custom Grip | Panasonic | LX3/LX5 | Hot Shoe Cover, Cable Release Adapter | Panasonic | G1 | Hot Shoe Cover | Samsung | NX200 | Cable Release Adapter | Sigma | DP1/DP2 Original | Custom Grip, Cable Release Adapter | Sigma | DP1/DP2/DP3 Merrill | Custom Grip | Sony | RX100 | Custom Grip | DSLR Hot Shoe Covers |
CLICK FOR ORDERING INFORMATIONRichard charges very little for shipping -- please remember to add it!Inside the U.S. = US$3.95 (First Class Mail) Outside the U.S. = US$7.95 (International First Class Mail) Priority and express shipping are available -- just ask for cost. And 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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Before we start on Richard's accessories, we might start with the man behind them. Richard just returned from South Africa and has put nearly 300 photos on Picasa. It may sound like a lot, but do what I did -- open the first one and keep clicking the right arrow and enjoy an eye-opening trip with some interesting observations. Click on Richard below to start your tour.  |
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NEW PRODUCT 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. The CG-DPMerrill grip is $36.95 plus shipping and is being produced in limited quantities to gauge demand. The first batch will be available in early December 2012 and the grips will be shipped on a first-come, first-served basis. Click to order.  NEW PRODUCT Sony RX100 Custom Grip The grips gives your Sony RX100 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 custom grip is $34.95 plus shipping. Click to order.  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. Installation instructions: Here is a PDF file of the written instructions that come with your new grip -- and here are some photos to go along with those instructions. In Stock -- Samsung NX200 Custom Mechanical Cable Release Adapter Richard's newest adapter gives NX200 users control of the shutter release beyond the usual finger-press or self-timer. Precision machined from black Delrin, the adapter uses the hot shoe as a stable anchor to perfectly position the cable release point over the shutter button. The adapter does not interfere with the On/Off lever or other vital camera controls, and focus acquisition by half-pressing the shutter using the cable release is very well controlled. The adapter is $19.95. Click to order.  Note: The cable release is not included, so you can choose your own according to length, brand, or style. All standard cables should work with this adapter, including the old ones you have lying around in a drawer. Note that you cannot use an external flash at the same time as the cable release. In Stock -- 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. The grip is $34.95 plus shipping. Click to order.  In Stock -- 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. The grip is $34.95 plus shipping. Click to order.  In Stock -- 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. The grip is US$34.95, plus shipping. Click to order. DPreview featured the E-PL3 here. And the E-PM1 here.   You can download the installation instructions as a Word document file or a PDF file. |
   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.
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 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." Installation InstructionsRichard's photo instructionsJosh Cothran's video instructions ReviewsSimon Joinson's impressions on DPreviewDPreview member thread (Part 1) DPreview member thread (Part 2) S90/95 Grip owners' emailed comments -- PDF file
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   Your internal flash will work without removing the Custom Hot Shoe Cover, so 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. In place, it protects the camera's flash contacts from rain and dirt, eliminates snagging when you pull the camera from your pocket, and it simply looks good. Tip: It is small, so when you take it off, make it a habit to put it in the same place every time, whether that's your left front pants pocket or a pocket on your camera bag. You can read this DPreview post for more opinions.  
 Your internal flash will work without removing the Custom Hot Shoe Cover, so 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. In place, it protects the camera's flash contacts from rain and dirt, eliminates snagging when you pull the camera from your pocket, and it simply looks good. This hot shoe cover also fits the LX5, in case you ever lose the one that comes with the camera. Tip: It is small, so when you take it off, make it a habit to put it in the same place every time, whether that's your left front pants pocket or a pocket on your camera bag.
 
 This adapter is beautifully machined from Delrin and uses the camera's hot shoe cover as a solid base for the mechanical cable release. Please note that an external flash cannot be used at the same time as the cable release. This adapter also fits the LX5. You can click on the image below for a 640-pixel image or click this 1900-pixel image for a closer view. Thanks to Chris Peaker for the great photo...  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.
  Your internal flash will work without removing the Custom Hot Shoe Cover, so 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. In place, it protects the camera's flash contacts from rain and dirt, eliminates snagging when you pull the camera from your pocket, and it simply looks good. Tip: It is small, so when you take it off, make it a habit to put it in the same place every time, whether that's your left front pants pocket or a pocket on your camera bag.
 
 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.
 Your internal flash will work without removing the Custom Hot Shoe Cover, so 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. In place, it protects the camera's flash contacts from rain and dirt, eliminates snagging when you pull the camera from your pocket, and it simply looks good. Tip: It is small, so when you take it off, make it a habit to put it in the same place every time, whether that's your left front pants pocket or a pocket on your camera bag. This cover also works with the Leica X1.
 The adapter is beautifully machined from Delrin and uses the camera's hot shoe cover as a solid base for the mechanical cable release. Please note that an external flash cannot be used at the same time as the cable release. 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.
 
 This custom grip is the same as the grip for the D-LUX 4 -- but I thought it deserved an entry of its own so D-LUX 5 owners didn't miss it. 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. Special thanks to Peter Zlatev for the photos featured here.
The adapter is shown in the photos on a Leica D-LUX 4, but it fits the D-LUX 5, as well. It is beautifully machined from Delrin and uses the camera's hot shoe cover as a solid base for the mechanical cable release. Please note that an external flash cannot be used at the same time as the cable release. 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.
 
 Richard's Custom Grip for the DP1 and DP2 will change the way you handle your camera. I received the first DP2 in Hong Kong and the first thing I did was attach the grip. When I let a professional photographer handle the camera the next day, he immediately commented on the handling and thought it was part of the original design. Another benefit of the grip for those of us who like to keep a low profile is that it hides the big white "SIGMA" on the front of the camera. Note: These are not for the Merrill cameras. You can read this DPreview post for more opinions. And here's another thread with photos at DPI.com.
 The custom mechanical cable release adapter for the DP1 and DP2 (some adapter) is precision-machined from black Delrin, just like field-proven cable adapters for the Canon G series, the Panasonic LX3 and the Leica D-Lux4. The low profile shape of the adapter does not block the power button or other controls. Being slightly larger than the PASM mode dial, it protects the dial from accidental changes, while still making it easy to change modes when you want to. The adapter uses the camera's hot shoe as a solid base, so an external flash cannot be used at the same time as the cable release. 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. I own this adapter and consider it one of the small masterpieces of Richard's many accessories -- it is so intricate, so well-machined, so cool and so useful that it's a pleasure just to touch it and put it on. It also helps that I have a very stylish cable release. LOL Click for a slide show of other images of this beautiful adapter.
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Important Ordering Informationin the PayPal "Message" box so Richard can contact you with questions and confirmations. |
HOW TO ORDER
even if you don't have a PayPal account. tecsol@comcast.net If you have difficulties with that email, use rfraniec@yahoo.com but do not use this address at PayPal. It will not work. |
| Component | Code | |
| Custom Grip -- Canon S90/95 |
CG-S90/95 | |
| Custom Grip -- Leica D-LUX 4 | CG-DLUX4 | |
| Custom Grip -- Leica D-LUX 5 | CG-DLUX5 | |
| Custom Grip -- Nikon J1 |
CG-J1 | |
| Custom Grip -- Nikon V1> |
CG-V1 | |
| Custom Grip -- Olympus E-PL3/E-PM1 |
CGPL3/PM1 | |
| Custom Grip -- Olympus XZ1 |
CGXZ-1 | |
| Custom Grip -- Sigma (All Original DP Models) | CG-DP | |
| Custom Grip -- Sigma DP1/DP2/DP3 Merrill | CG-DPMerrill | |
| Custom Grip -- Sony RX100 | CG-RX100 | |
| Cable Release -- Leica D-LUX 4 | CMCRA - DLUX4 | |
| Cable Release -- Leica D-LUX 5 | CMCRA - DLUX5 | |
| Cable Release -- Panasonic LX3/LX5 | CMCRA - LX3 | |
| Cable Release -- Sigma -- All DP Models | CMCRA-DP | |
| Cable Release -- Sony NX200 | CMCRA - NX200 | |
See tips below Price List to get the right one |
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| 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 -- LX-3/LX-5 | CHSC-LX3 | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- D LUX 4 | CHSC-DLUX4 | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- Panasonic G1 | CHSC-PG1 | |
| Custom Hot Shoe Cover -- XT | CHSC-XT | |
 Small CamerasS-series cameras -- S5IS, SX1IS, SX10IS, SX20IS -- MUST use the S cover (CHSC-S) to ensure the internal flash operates with the cover in place. Big CamerasEOS series 40D, 50D, 5DMKII, 7D, 1DMKIII, 1DsMKIII, 1DMKIV -- CHSC-ND. EOS series 10D, 20D, 5D (Mark 1) -- CHSC-P. |
While only Richard stocks his complete line of accessories, Lensmate carries selected accessories. Lensmate is a manufacturer of filter adapters that allow the attachment of protective filters, polarizers, macro lenses, and wide-angle and telephoto lenses, many of which they also sell. Lensmate products must be ordered direct from Lensmate -- please do not order from Richard. Here is their filter adapter for the Olympus XZ1 ...  |
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Richard's latest trip was to Iceland. This first photo is Richard and his wife Elizabeth, enjoying the adventure of it all. The last photo is Richard at the end of the trip, totally broke. But in between there's ice and a lot of things you wouldn't imagine. Click on any photo to see Richard's gallery of nearly 200 Iceland photos and some amusing captions. |
| 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. Richard's red-and-black logo at the top of this page was created by fellow photographer and artist Gail Bjork. Gail also publishes Digicamhelp -- Digital camera help for beginners & beyond. You'll find tips, reviews, advice and photos. It's lovely -- check it out. |
