Leica Announces $329 'LUX Grip' Camera Accessory for iPhone

[Lynxpoint]

Who in their right mind is going to want this?

I went so far as to look at the website, and contemplate the value proposition...

I take very few photos with my iPhone, but I did waste a few seconds distracting myself pondering if such a device would lead me to take more photos... who knows, maybe it even comes with some magic built-in so that all photos are 'photographer of the year' contenders... but this lasted but a few seconds, since I know a handle won't lead me to want to take more photos, and yet another subscription is just not going to happen at this point.

I have no idea what the eronomics are of this thing, but if it improved on what I see as horrible ergonomics of iphone photography, I would bite, maybe, for a reasonable price (but only desiring a better grip = a price <10% of what they are asking)

 

[HJM.NL]

$329 just for a grip, and the app that it uses requires a subscription.

Yeah, I'll just hold up the biggest middle finger in the history of humanity, and move on with my life.

But, but, but…. You can shoot like a Pro 😂

 

[HJM.NL]

Come on Leica. You make a cool product. Even if priced high, I could see many use cases for this.

And then you destroy the concept with the subscription requirement. Don’t you know the subscription is going to make this item radioactive for a huge percentage of your target demographic?

And 30% is going to Timmy 🤑

 

[jjudson]

I'm not sure that comparison is apt

I think Leica plays at a level well above Apple

It seems like far more of a luxury brand, as their pricing really outpaces anything related to actual costs/value

Tons of baked in brand history and perception, especially now in the digital era

As an owner of the classic Leica M6 film camera, their high water days are gone now that they've joined into a partnership with Panasonic.

Leica really isn't Leica any longer -- except for the price...

 

[seggy]

Leica is the camera equivalent of Apple - high quality goods at very high prices, aimed at consumers and pros.

If that is the case, why do Apple aesthetes buy Fuji (or nurse M6's well past their prime with a Voigtlander)?

🤣

 

[sracer]

Found one on Amazon:

Magnetic Camera Grip for iPhone Magsafe Phone Video Shooting Handle Bluetooth Bracket Shift Cam Progrip Smartphone Photography with Tripod Mount for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max Vlog Video

Product Name: Magnetic Phone Grip Model: PH-30B Material: ABS Bluetooth name: PH-30 photo Battery type: CR2032 Magnetic grade: N52 Horizontal shooting: Support Vertical shooting: supported Bluetooth type: detachable Remote distance: within 15 meters/49.2 feet Product size: ...

www.amazon.com

This is the one that I have. I find it very helpful. Especially for the cold shoe and attaching a shotgun mic for videos.

 

[chars1ub0w]

There is a place for a useful MagSafe grip that I would buy. It should have a shutter button, battery and SSD for ProRes external video recording. iPhone videos are surprisingly good. Does anyone know one?

 

[bousozoku]

For $329, if I want a proper camera experience, that means a viewfinder like on my regular camera. Don't think anyone makes one.

The gadget-conscious influencers don't want a viewfinder. That's why Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Panasonic all have do-everything camera bodies without viewfinders.

I noticed that there is already a YouTube video on this Leica grip.

 

[neotint]

Is the app like Halide (minimal or zero AI)?

 

[seggy]

Is the app like Halide (minimal or zero AI)?

The main selling point appears to be the Leica lens simulation.

I would actually like to see some of the images to see either how much I will end up pffffft'ing, or not

 

[Guacamole]

what planet are they living on?🤣🤣🤣$329 for a grip ?

 

[LordArchie]

I've been using Ggrip for a couple years.. TBH, haven't used it on my 16PM because of the camera button. On my 15PM, I paired it with a $10 Spigen case so it wasn't on my daily case. I didn't want anything MagSafe that could become dislodged by a bump.

Worked well for me, more power to Leica if they can get this much.

 

[LordArchie]

Very nice!

A MagSafe version would take it over the top

You are better off with an inexpensive case.. MagSafe isn't 100% reliable on a bump

 

[Atomicow]

I much prefer this one when I’m in the field taking professional photo and video. The hand strap and base feel more like the authentic DSLR/Mirrorless experience, it functions as a stand, has wireless Qi charging, rotates portrait and landscape, and the stability of this design allows one-handed shots even while driving off-road without fear I’m going to lose everything.

I have used it for ghost fun in Savannah, an entire D.C. tour, and sent it with my parents to Africa. It looks bulky, but you can still go portrait mode and back pocket the iPhone Pro Max on a trip. Did I mention it’s half this price and sold in the Apple Store making it eligible for Veteran’s Discounts 🥳

ShiftCam ProGrip Starter Kit

The ShiftCam ProGrip is an ergonomic, camera-like battery grip that makes it easier to capture great photos and create amazing video content with your iPhone. Buy online now at apple.com.

www.apple.com

This looks nifty. It’s still pricey, but not as bad as the Leica. And I like that it doesn’t rely solely on MagSafe to hold the phone

 

[bigglow]

I think the business world is literally drunk
🙃

Leica knows their market and it isn't 99.99% of MR users.

 

[2128506]

TBH, i'd buy it if it were half the price and did not require a subscription. Very specific use case though - shoot photos on iPhone when bikepacking, this looks much more ergonomic and extra battery is nice.

Guess, should wait for a chinese knock-off.

 

[2128506]

Huh, actually Leica-affiliated company already makes smaller grip: https://shop.fjorden.co/en-eu

More features and cheaper too (but no battery bank, which is a plus for portability).

Looks tempting.

 

[subjonas]

Wait - it's just a grip ... no additional lens..
For $329?

And there's a "film simulation" App ... that requires a subscription, even after you paid $329 for the grip?

Who on Earth would want any part of this product?

I think the business world is literally drunk
🙃

$329 just for a grip, and the app that it uses requires a subscription.

Yeah, I'll just hold up the biggest middle finger in the history of humanity, and move on with my life.

Seems interesting and kind of cool..., but maybe like max $50 cool with no subscription crap.
Almost like a slightly more usefull pop socket situation.

Presented without comment

View attachment 2479770View attachment 2479771View attachment 2479772

https://ggrip.com/ Currently $49.00 The End.

It says the Lux is also a Magsafe battery. Not that I think that makes it worth the price, but I’m surprised all these comments seemed to miss that part. Also strange that no other commenters in this thread acknowledged it either. (edit- oh wait I think one or two commenters mentioned the battery)

Edit- My mistake! I thought this Leica product was this Belkin product and misinterpreted the line about the battery in this article.

 

[svish]

Definitely not going to buy this. $329 is simply too much for this accessory. Also the subscription charges for the app is very high. Think this product is not going to sell well.

 

[subjonas]

Regardless of price, I don’t think this accessory provides enough function for me personally to make it worth it due to the added bulk—because it means I can’t keep it attached and slip my phone into my normal pocket. I’d have to bring something else, which I don’t want to do unless I’m getting some really valuable added function. Now if it also had a big ol’ sensor and 20x zoom lens, that could make it worth it. But then maybe at that point, might as well just have a dedicated camera.🤷‍♂️

 

[darrinS]

i have this and it seems similar. albeit no custom buttons or sliders. but those appear to only work with their app.
(note: i have no affiliation with amazon)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B752139Y/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=c5b90ed6e8d44a8468debbb5bb62448f&hsa_cr_id=0&qid=1738912214&sr=1-2-3c6b3b04-89d4-46ee-857c-1e2f0de6a70e&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_dlcm_asin_1_price&pd_rd_w=wwvcD&content-id=amzn1.sym.4870a952-0dfa-4beb-9d2a-7a52537f019d%3Aamzn1.sym.4870a952-0dfa-4beb-9d2a-7a52537f019d&pf_rd_p=4870a952-0dfa-4beb-9d2a-7a52537f019d&pf_rd_r=6CYQVMWBJ50VA692SANQ&pd_rd_wg=vj5h7&pd_rd_r=75d69fee-f518-40ea-8e9c-5017072a0832

 

[H_D]

In contrast to the other grips shown the Leica seems well designed and offers some added functionality with the dial and fn-Buttons. It feels like a Johnny-come-lately-product with the Camera Button on iP16, but some people like a grip and the CB is far from perfect so far. It comes down to how the camera handles the shake effect induced by the mechanism of the push button (a real problem with the Apple Camera Button). I like how it doubles as a stand and the almost wonderful utter absurdity of a Barenia case for an iPhone grip.
It should just come with a lifetime subscription and that would make it something worth thinking about.
The LUX app is nice but the grip would extend to other softwares. I personally like using Lightroom, simple to shoot, very little AI mess and with good presets you REALLY get a good photographic look beyond what LUX can offer with its filters.

And… If you are serious about photography, you can probably get a good used 16MP M4/3 and some primes at a bit more of a price and get much better results.

 

[seggy]

And… If you are serious about photography, you can probably get a good used 16MP M4/3 and some primes at a bit more of a price and get much better results.

Actually one of the reasons I've completely abandoned mft and standardised on full frame is... no
(obviously, focal length extremes excepted)

 

[jlc1978]

If that is the case, why do Apple aesthetes buy Fuji (or nurse M6's well past their prime with a Voigtlander)?

Because most of them can't afford a 15K camera kit.

 

[seggy]

Because most of them can't afford a 15K camera kit.

You know, that's not the answers I hear.

It's "The Fuji does a much better job" / "Film is art, digital Leicas aren't Leicas", "So how many years were you a dentist" etc