Anyone have the Richard Franiec grip on their S95?

So my S95 is finally shipping and should be here tomorrow. Im very excited as I literally had to wait almost a month to get it from Amazon since its been backordered everywhere. Ive been poking around looking at accessories for it and was considering the Richard Franiec grip. Looks like a finely made third party accessory but I wanted to know what those of you out there who bought one think. Is it worth it? Does it help? How did you feel about sticking something to your brand new camera? How solid does it feel? Any and all comments welcome!

And for those who dont know, heres the details:

(LINK, Price: $36 shipped)
Or you can get it here: LINK

Photos are of it installed on an S90. Can anyone tell me how well it fits if any different on an S95?

aluminum add-on with adhesive backing...
wouldn't some sugru achieve the same effect for ~$9.00?
http://sugru.com/

edit:
anything that makes shooting easier, more intuitive is a + for me, but $36 seems a little steep

nexus411 wrote in post #11674422
aluminum add-on with adhesive backing...
wouldn't some sugru achieve the same effect for ~$9.00?
http://sugru.com/

edit:
anything that makes shooting easier, more intuitive is a + for me, but $36 seems a little steep

Ha ha! Interesting idea, I have never heard of such a thing. Could be very cool for some applications but, Id rather have a CNC milled and blasted aluminum piece on my camera rather than solidified putty, AND money/cost really isnt an issue here.

I have Richard's grip on my S90. I actually considered returning the camera (due to how hard it was to hold) until I put the grip on. I think the cost is small considering it makes the camera usable (for me). Cheaper than most camera or software manuals!
I've only seen photos of the grip on the S95. But the fit appears to be about the same (ie, excellent).
Jim

I too have the grip on my S90.
I must say I was quite apprehensive about sticking it on my new camera when I got it.
This adhesive is good and the grip is easily put into place.
After that, it's like magic - no one can tell it's not part of the camera.
It's so comfortable, making the camera holdable - unlike without the grip.
The S95 should have better friction in the grip area, but is reported to be
not holdable enough as it lacks an actual bulge for the fingers to hold.
I would go for the grip without hesitation. It eliminates the camera's biggest problem.

ben_r_ wrote in post #11674365
Ive been poking around looking at accessories for it and was considering the Richard Franiec grip. Looks like a finely made third party accessory but I wanted to know what those of you out there who bought one think. Is it worth it? Does it help? How did you feel about sticking something to your brand new camera? How solid does it feel? Any and all comments welcome!

And for those who dont know, heres the details:

(LINK

You need to look at the website again. There’s a Richard Franiec for the S95/S90.

Yes I have it. Indeed my S95 sat in its box a few days until the Richard Franiec grip arrived. So I was able to skip the cleaning stage in installing the grip. There are photo instructions here.

I'm very happy with it. Fits like a glove. And completely solid. I think if it wasn't for this grip I'd have gone for the Panasonic Lumix LX5 on handlability grounds (plus better close focussing). As it is, it's a marked improvement on the bare S95 which I had handled before and didn't like.

(Be careful if buying a case for the S95, to get one that will accommodate the grip too. I imported the Canon PSC-3200 PowerShot Digital Camera Leather Case - unavailable in Europe.)

BTW Richard Franiec is an excellent person to deal with.

It's a must have IMO. Excellent bit of gear.

I had one on my S90 before I lost it, and got one for my S95. I personally love it.

I have it on my S95. Also had it on the S90 that I sold. It improved the ergonomics on both models considerably. It looks like it's part of the camera body. Well worth the the additional cost. You won't regret getting it.

I had the S90 version on my S90 before I sold it. I now have the S95 version on my S95. The camera is small and sometimes difficult to hold (especially if you have big hands), so the grip really helps. Worth the cost, in my view.

I've been eyeing one up since I got the s95. The cost isn't an issue if it makes the camera more usable but my only hesitation is that I like it to keep the camera in my pocket and it looks like it would make it bulkier, I love the slim shape. I know it doesn't come out any further than the lens does, but it still wouldn't be quite as sleek.

Anyone have this problem or is it a non-issue for most with the grip?

I had a G9 with a RF grip. It was absolutely incredible how much easier the camera was to hold.
When I bought a G11 I contacted him to see what he had for that camera. It has a poorly designed grip on the front, and nothing on the back. He doesn't make an attachment or grip for the '11.

I should have bought an S90 with an RF grip. I would have been much happier.

His fittings and grips are magical in the way that they fit the curves on the camera, and how simple they are to install. Hat's off to Richard!

Best,

elogical wrote in post #11687458
I've been eyeing one up since I got the s95. The cost isn't an issue if it makes the camera more usable but my only hesitation is that I like it to keep the camera in my pocket and it looks like it would make it bulkier, I love the slim shape. I know it doesn't come out any further than the lens does, but it still wouldn't be quite as sleek.

Anyone have this problem or is it a non-issue for most with the grip?

The grip doesn't make the S95 feel bulkier, at least not for me. It still fits into my coat or shirt pocket just fine.

Just curious if the s90/s95 can still be put in the Canon underwater housing with this on?

elogical wrote in post #11687458
I've been eyeing one up since I got the s95. The cost isn't an issue if it makes the camera more usable but my only hesitation is that I like it to keep the camera in my pocket and it looks like it would make it bulkier, I love the slim shape. I know it doesn't come out any further than the lens does, but it still wouldn't be quite as sleek.

Anyone have this problem or is it a non-issue for most with the grip?

It's a nonissue. You will still be able to fit the camera in your pocket, even if you wear those tight jeans you like so much

Seriously, after you mount the grip, it becomes part of the camera and you won't even notice it is there.