Thumbs Up EP-5S Details - New Thumbs Up Grip Design For Fuji X100 - Fujifilm X Series Blog Discussions on Fuji X Series Camera Forum - Fujifilm X-Pro1 X100 X10

Christopher

Match Technical Services, makers of the popular Beep, Boop, Bip, Bug soft releases are also known for their innovative Thumbs Up Leica camera grips. Shortly after the Fuji X100 was released, it was discovered that the Thumbs Up CSEP-2 for the Leica X1 fit the FinePix X100 pretty well, and a number of photographers have been enjoying using them. In the meantime, Match Technical has been hard at work designing a new Thumbs Up grip specifically suited for the Fuji X100.

Thumbs Up EP-5S for Fujifilm FinePix X100

Thumbs Up EP-5S for Fujifilm FinePix X100

The new model is called the Thumbs Up EP-5S, which will come in a baked silver enamel or baked black enamel finish and features a silicone rubber backing between the brass Thumbs Up and the camera body. The TU-EP-5S will retail for about $118 USD and comes in a baked silver enamel or baked black enamel finish.

Thumbs Up EP-5S for Fujifilm FinePix X100 back view

Thumbs Up EP-5S has a new ergonomic profile (hence the "EP" designation). This model is our 5th EP version, but and is intended for use on the X100 camera. The thumb rest is angled at 15 degrees, and this shape helps distribute the pressure from your thumb more uniformly. This refinement allows you to hold your camera with less grippping presure, yet with great comfort and stability. By reducing the gripping pressure, you will reduce camera shake, making hand held images with slower shutter speeds possible.

I have a new EP-5S and CSEP-2 on the way for a thorough review with the X100. I'll post more details when they arrive! If you're eager to get your hands on the new EP-5S, it's available in limited quantities from Popflash on eBay.

mattmaber

Interesting, Id be more tempted if these were cheaper. Maybe a plastic one.

mcbweddings

Looks nice, although I'll probably stick with my TU-CSEP-2 - seems to work fine.Personally think these Thumbs Up grip are a must have with the X100.

saxman777

Looks wise, I prefer the CSEP2. I wonder if the EP5 would further improve camera handling compared to the CSEP2.

quahog_convo

Wow, very interesting looking. I wonder how the black one will look.

x100static

Damn you, sexy attachments. Isn't my X100 delicious enough already?
You make me doubt it, cos I want you.

mattmaber

@x100static - indeed =D

Christopher

The CSEP-2 is still a good choice for the X100, according to the designer:

The CSEP-2 provides an alternative thumb position 15 mm longer than the newer TU-EP-5S. The CSEP-2 can also be locked into position. This locking function is useful for 2 reasons: it keeps the TU in place when attaching or removing an accessory such as a wide angle viewfinder, and it secures the TU from inadvertent removal from the camera.

I'll be able to better compare them since I'll have both to review together.

Christopher

Looks like they should arrive tomorrow, I'll be sure to post up some first impressions!

Popflash now has black Thumbs-Up EP-5S's in stock on eBay.

jackk

Ouch $118... Thanks for the info though Chris.

WilzWorkz7

jackk said:
Ouch $118... Thanks for the info though Chris.

+1

aphonic

+2 Unfortunately, while less expensive than the leica prices, I still think the mark was missed here.

Call_me_JC

Christopher said:
Looks like they should arrive tomorrow, I'll be sure to post up some first impressions!

Christopher, did you get them yet? I am curious about your impression...

Mark2000

I haven't experienced any problem holding the camera and not hitting undesirable controls. If anything I need that thumb free and roaming to take a good picture. Certainly not worth that amount. $15-20 range maybe.

Christopher

It is amazing! The EP-5S is truly a perfect match for the X100, it gives me such a steady and confident grip on the camera for one handed shooting, it's hard for me to imagine giving it up. Those of you who use wrist straps when you're out shooting will particularly like it. The silver finish matches the X100 very well too, it looks great.

I've been busy traveling and haven't had a chance to finish writing my full review, but it's getting closer to being done. All that said, if you've been on the fence about a Thumbs Up EP-5S, definitely buy one. They're not cheap, but it so greatly improves the ergonomics of the camera, it's really quite astonishing.

Popflash has more of them available on eBay in silver and black finishes.

I haven't spent as much time with the TU CSEP-2 from the X1, but it does fit the X100 as well. It provides a very different ergonomic support, I feel like it may be better suited for people with large hands. Hopefully I can find someone with big hands to compare the two!

Call_me_JC

Thanks for the preview Christopher...I appreciate it.
I am looking forward to your formal review with close-up pictures of various angles using both models on the X100. I am curious of the free access of the speed wheel using two fingers to turn instead of one finger to rotate.
Thanks again.

trevin

The price on the Thumbs Up are insane -- $118?! I really believe that it will improve the camera handling but way too expensive. I give it a few months before we see Chinese knockoffs for less than half the price.

mattmaber

@trevin - I hope =D

ducevro

I'm sure it's nice, but really, $118 for this is ridiculous. I'll wait for the Chinese to rescue us from this absurdity. :-)

drbraida

I can only agree with the previous comments. 118 USD is simply crazy. Its a no go for me until the price becomes realistic.

jasonfk518

Having spent the USD 118 myself, I'm clearly biased but I must say, the EP-5S is really nice. Without it, I often found myself steadying the camera on the side of my nose. Not very comfortable and not very steady! Thankfully, these days are a thing of the past. Worth the price? I dunno. Once there's a USD 20 Chinese knock-off, probably not but of all the add-on toys I've purchased, this one is the best.

wwjun22

i bet it sure does worth every penny but still i gonna wait for china salvation.

Christoph_P1

Mine arrived Saturday, the current ratio of USD to CHF makes the price a little more bearable :-) Wouldn't want to miss it anymore. I think it's useful, I can take now one handed pictures much better than before...

Gary

Christopher - looking forward to your more detailed comparison of the two products. My main question deals with “positioning” of the right thumb as it rests on the Thumbs Up. The physical position is quite different b/c the EP-5S is physically much shorter) and therefore how one would “hold” the camera is different as well. I have never tried the CSEP-2 but it looks to extend further over to the right where the thumb seems to naturally fall whereas the new EP-5S (custom for X100) product puts your thumb far over to the left side, in comparison (and right thumb now poking the right eye a bit for left-eye viewers).

I just received the EP-5S yesterday (near perfect silver finish BTW) and I have to say it seems to sit in a position that isn’t quite the natural “fall point” of your thumb (at least for me so far…..my hands are average size BTW). Having never tried the CSEP-2 its obviously very hard for me to make an educated comparison of this issue.

Anyway – would love to hear your (or anyone’s) comparison of the two if you have tried both. Either one is better than none for sure but I am toying with an exchange and appreciate thoughts anyway might have.

ur2funky

I see a Chinese seller has these on eBay!!!

........for $118.50!!!

Maybe Walfart will start carrying these ; )

eBay link...

Christopher

When I started using my EP-5S I found the thumb position to be different than where I naturally placed my thumb without it, near the AFL/AEL button. It felt a little awkward at first, but the EP-5S's position provides the most firm and confident grip on the camera in my opinion. By comparison, I found the CSEP-2 to require more gripping pressure due to its thumb support being positioned closer to the edge of the camera.

I suspect if I used the CSEP-2 for a few weeks I would find it to offer good ergonomics in its own way, but I just immediately found the EP-5S to provide a better and easier grip.

I use the viewfinder with my left eye and I wear glasses, but I haven't found the Thumbs Up to ever get in the way.

cosinaphile

wake me when this goes into chinese production

gtrent733

I was curious to see if this device really would make a difference in my shooting stability so I ordered one. I now have it and have been using it for about a week. It is taking some time to remember to use it but when I do I like it. Is it worth $118.00 plus tax and shipping? NO WAY!!! I was a pretty stable shooter before and the X100 forces one to slow down when shooting anyway. If it was half the price I would be happier. For gadgets like this I better keep my day job :-)

Marco

I think I'll wait for a cheaper solution :( it seems nice (I saw this evening the leica version) but 120$ is too much for a gadget. ;)

advan031

I bit the bullet and ordered one and it does improve your grip by a mile imo. I still wish it was cheaper but I definitely don't regret the purchase.

gennaria

How well does it work if you regularly use the AFL/AEL button to focus in manual focus mode?

Christopher

It works very well and doesn't interfere in any way. With the EP-5S I can simply rock my thumb downward and press the AFL/AEL button while maintaining a single handed grip still supported by the Thumbs-Up.

collierportraits

gennaria, I use the camera as you stated, and I've just received my EP-5S. It works great for me, as I just use my first thumb knuckle to depress the AFL/AEL button. Very natural. Of course, moving your thumb down to hit the button also works but I rarely do that. And my x100 stays in MF mode all the time and I use the back button to AF the camera.

edwinx100

I received the EP-5S today and used for an hour, but it feels very good. Not cheap but I use my camera every day and I think this helps in the handling of the X100.

Fletch

I've had one for a while now and find it really weird if it's removed. I wish it allowed the flash shoe to still be in use. It would be most useful to me when holding an off camera flash with a cord as it forces one handed operation.

I love there Shutter Releases.

collierportraits

Yes! The 'Bop' fits this camera perfectly and is a great addition to the EP-5S...

Hello Photographer!

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