Aftermarket Grips for the K100D

The K100D, and by extension the K110D and the K100D Super, were never designed by Pentax to have an accessory grip. There are options out there, though, so if you've got a fever for aftermarket grips, read on.

Why do people love grips so much when in contrast camera companies are trying to do everything they can to reduce the size of cameras? Usually it's because they like the added handheld stability and the usefulness of at least one of the following: motorized winders (old school SLRs only), battery packs, and vertical shutter releases.

Another reason, I assume, is one that's often unspoken. Maybe they inflate the ego. To a camera manufacturer, grips have typically been regarded as advanced amateur or professional requirements only, in other words they are lofty possessions that entry-level camera (cheap) owners aren't predisposed to purchasing. But despite what your camera looks like, especially if it's at the low end of the totem pole, you want to be taken seriously. I suppose that the iconic professional silhouette (a bulky camera that looks like an expensive and deadly ninja brick) is so much more professional looking that entry-level users who don't have one just seethe with jealousy. (I know I would if I didn't have a K10D and my wonder vertical battery grip, the BG-2. People know I mean business when I walk into a room and wave my camera grip around. And I'm sure to wave it under their noses in case they miss it. It's powerful. And it looks like I spent real money on it, like at least $100. Which is true. I'm a big spender (I'm not going to lie). And besides that, it's not like I'm totally ego driven, because any SLR fanatic worth his salt knows that the true look of professionalism is to have a bulky black camera that was intentionally designed without a pop-up flash. But I digress.*)

Alienated K100D users who want a grip dream about them. Sometimes in the same way that a redneck wants to build a limo out of junkyard trucks (pictured on the right). So if you absolutely must, there actually are ways to get a grip for your camera.

You can build your own (some skill, creativity, and glue required). Here's a link to an infamous example that I first saw on Pentax Life. Or you can look up a manufacturer who's taken up the dream.


DiCain previously made a vertical grip for the *ist DS, but so far they don't make a K100D version, and the *ist DS version is really hard to find. However, another manufacturer, Makeall, is testing out new some possibilities that resemble the DiCain grip, but with smoother styling. It's not yet available for retail, although some people are already using it in South Korea. Essentially, it's a vertical shutter release grip that uses the Pentax remote IO to operate the button. There is no battery support. I imagine it won't add much weight to the camera, either. Thanks to Won at Tobogi for letting me know about this.


If you're looking for a grip with both vertical shutter release and additional battery power, the only contender right now isn't as cosmetically successful, but it works. It's an FBH from Taiwanese manufacter Ownuser. Note that the camera's data port door must be left uncovered. And it does look heavy. Here's a link to a thoughtful review about it.


So, there may not be many options out there, but maybe that's because it's not to everyone's tastes to add an additional grip to the K100D, which is plenty of fun all on its own.

* Sarcasm alert.

Links: Makeall Prototype K100D Vertical Shutter Release Grip, Ownuser, Ownuser K100D battery grip review, DiCain SG-1 *ist DS Grip, Homemade K100D grip

Written by admin. Read more great feeds at is source WEBSITE
no comments.
Read more articles on K110D and K100D and K100D Super and Accessories and Camera Review.

• [+] Digg: Feature this article
• [+] Del.icio.us: Bookmark this article
• [+] Furl: Bookmark this article