My review for the best grip to buy for your Panasonic GX85/GX80 Camera. I love my Panasonic GX85. It is one of the most feature-packed micro four thirds cameras you can buy today. My only problem with it has always been the super small grip. This is where J.B. Camera Designs has stepped in and solved my issue with their new wooden grip for the GX85/80 camera.
J.B. Camera Designs has been making custom grips and other accessories for cameras for a few years now. Mostly for small form factor cameras that are hard to hold comfortably. The small grips can be specially problematic when using telephoto and large prime lenses on small mirrorless cameras.
Soon after getting my GX85 I knew I was not going to be happy with it if I couldn’t find a better grip. I started off by trying to go super cheap to fix the poor grip. I tried adding a small glue-on grip extender and a metal thumb piece that attached to the hotshoe. They where both very awkward and I ended up removing them as they made the handling much worse.
I had seen the J.B. Camera Designs grips in the past, but they were a little more expensive and I had put them in the back of my mind. I loved my Panasonic GX85 so much though, I decided to spend a bit more and try out the Pro Grip model J.B. makes for the GX85. I ordered one direct from J.B. and it showed up at my house about five days later. It was nicely packed and came with a little storage bag, and even a penny to use to screw the grip base into the tripod mount.
Once I picked up the GX85 in my hand I new it was a different camera. The new grip had made it so much easier to hold. It went from being a clumsily handling, hard to hold point and shoot, to a fully functional Pro DSLR. It was just that dramatic of a change in how it now felt in my hand.
I know these camera J.B. grips cost a bit more than a basic glue-on style. For some people like me that can make it hard to try one out. But, once you put a J.B. Designs grip on your camera you will be hard pressed to shoot without one.
For a small, hard to hold camera it may be the best purchase you could ever make. You can buy the Panasonic GX85 Grip here direct from J.B. Design or if you prefer you can find them on Amazon here.
You can also find their custom leather wrist straps here at Amazon.
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I have the silver topped GX85 camera. Would you recommend the Bamboo colored one or the dark wood version of the J.B. camera grip?
Klink: That is a personal color choice. I have the dark wood and like it the best. The bamboo version is much lighter and it might look better on the silver GX85. But, either version of the J.B. Designs camera grip will work just fine.
You were’t kidding when you said this made the GX85 fill like a different camera. This is the best camera grip I have ever bought. I really like how I can wrap my index finger over the top of the grip bar to take pressure off my wrist. To me the dark brown version looks the best with ether black or silver GX85. And by the way, don’t try using one of those thumb grips that stick in your hotshoe. The one I bough screwed up my contacts and I have to send the camera in for repair so i could use an external flash again. J.B makes a great grip. Thanks for the review.
Hi, what colour strap did you select to go with the grip? Is that a dark brown one?
Klink: I bought the ‘Premium Leather SIMPLE Wrist Strap – CHEVRON’. But, when I got mine they did not have color choices so I don’t know which color I have for sure. I am almost positive I have the ‘Dark Brown’ version after looking at their images. If you need to make sure just contact them with a link to my post and I’m sure they will get you the correct one. They are quick to respond. My strap has softened up now and is very comfortable. Worth every penny.
I completely agree that the JB grip for the GX85 literally transforms the handling characteristics of this fine little camera. I just never cared for the wood grain look. I think it looks out of place with the “techie” style of the camera. So, I painted the grip black and now feel that it practically disappears into the camera. At least it’s more in keeping with the overall fee of the camera. The process I followed to complete the job:
– Remove the metal vertical post
– Lightly sand all of the wood surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper
– Use a quality spray primer to seal the stained wood surface
– I used satin black Krylon spray paint put on in multiple layers
– Finally, after the paint is thoroughly dry, finish with spray satin clear lacquer for durability
– Re-attach the metal post
I can’t seem to post pictures here, so below is a link to a couple of pics. And, yes I sent this info and pics to JB. Got no response. Don’t be surprised if you see black grips added to their product line. Remember, you saw it here first!
https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-25T7kG/i-bkzWsCc
I think I saw your grip before in a forum like DPReview or somewhere like take. Your black painted version looks good with the silver body but I still like the dark brown the best with the black body. Good job.
Are these grips still being made? Where can I get one?
They are in the process of redesigning their grips. I will post a link when they come out. The amazon link at the bottom of the post links you to a very similar grip.