What are the best thumb grips for Leica M11 cameras?

Question

Does anyone know what the best thumb grip for the Leica M11 is that actually fits right and wont scratch the finish? Im honestly panicking a little bit because I just dropped a fortune on a silver M11 last week and while its beautiful, the thing feels like a bar of soap in my hands when Im out in London. Ive been doing some digging and I keep seeing the official Leica one recommended but man 250 dollars is a lot for a tiny bit of brass and I read some forum posts saying it doesnt even stay tight in the hot shoe after a few months. Then I looked at the Match Technical Thumbs Up EP-MX which people swear by but then someone else said it blocks the rear dial just enough to be annoying and I use that dial for exposure comp constantly so that sounds like a nightmare. Im heading to a wedding in Italy in less than two weeks and I really want to have this sorted before then so I dont accidentally drop my camera into a fountain or something while trying to get a shot. Is there a third option Im missing or is the official one actually worth the premium price tag? I just need something that feels solid and wont ruin the hot shoe electronics...

CharmantLuc · Accepted Answer

^ This. Also, be really careful with the cheaper third-party grips because the silver finish on the M11 is actually surprisingly thin. If you get a grip that is just bare metal on the underside, the tiny vibrations from walking around London or Italy will eventually chew right through that chrome. You need to make sure whatever you buy has silicone or rubber padding at every contact point. I have seen the complaints about the Match Technical Thumbs Up EP-MX M11 Brass blocking the dial, but honestly, that usually happens when people try to use the older M10 version on the M11 body. The M11 specific model has a better taper. Still, if that scares you, there are better technical designs out there. A few technical things to look for:

Avoid anything that uses a set screw to stay in place, as those can actually warp the hot shoe rails.

Look for a dead underside so it does not accidentally trigger the electronic pins.

Make sure the thumb resting area is textured; some are too smooth and your thumb just slides off when it gets humid. Personally, I would suggest the IDS Works Foldable Thumb Grip for Leica M11. It is basically a piece of engineering art. The folding mechanism means it never gets in the way of the dial when you are adjusting exposure comp, but it locks solid when you are actually shooting. It is way more secure than the official one and doesnt have that weird wiggle. Just double check the tension on the hinge before you head to that wedding... you dont want it flopping around during the ceremony.

nuigxydljx · Answer

^ This. Also, the point about the finish is spot on. If you're looking to save some cash after buying the camera, you might want to consider the JJC TA-M11 Thumbs Up Grip for Leica M11. It's basically a fraction of the cost of the official one and feels surprisingly solid in the hand. Tbh, spending 250 bucks on a tiny piece of metal is wild when you have travel costs for Italy to think about. Just be careful with the fit. If it feels even slightly loose, i usually just stick a tiny sliver of tape on the underside of the grip. It prevents the metal-on-metal rubbing that ruins the silver finish and keeps it from wobbling. You definitely dont want to be fiddling with a loose grip while trying to take photos at a wedding. It's better to have a secure setup for cheap so you can actually enjoy the trip without stressing over the gear.

AlloyAstral · Answer

Helpful thread 👍