A thumb grip for Leica M10 and M11 cameras that keeps the hot shoe free, allowing you use a flash or EVF without removing the thumb grip. It adheres to the camera body with 3M VHB acrylic foam, which is strong but removable without impacting the finish.
The Hitchhiker has an inset for the VHB tape so that the tape isn’t visible when mounted to the camera, appearing to sit flush visibly.
The Hitchhiker will likely fit older digital Leica M rangefinder cameras with the thumb wheel, like the M240, M262, etc, but I have not tested it.
The Hitchhiker has a mounting tool to help ensure correct positioning when taping it down. Simply remove the tape backing and place inside the mounting tool and press down. VHB’s adherence increases over time so the strongest bond will be after 24 hours.
This is inspired by the Thumbie grip which I really like. I’ve tried to improve on its basic idea. If you like the idea and aren’t fussed about the tape being an added layer in between the grip and the body, I would recommend buying the Thumbie. The Hitchhiker mounting tool will also work for the Thumbie.
The STL file for The Hitchhiker is available on Printables.
The Hitchhiker SL
Like The Hitchhiker for Leica M, the Hitchhiker SL is a thumb grip for Leica SL cameras that keeps the hot shoe free, allowing you use a flash without removing the thumb grip. It adheres to the camera body with 3M VHB acrylic foam, which is strong but removable without impacting the finish.
The Hitchhiker SL has an inset for the VHB tape so that the tape isn’t visible when mounted to the camera, appearing to sit flush visibly. I’ve also designed a mounting tool so that it’s easy to position the thumb grip on the body.
The Hitchhiker SL has a mounting tool to help ensure correct positioning when taping it down. Simply remove the tape backing and place inside the mounting tool and press down. VHB’s adherence increases over time so the strongest bond will be after 24 hours.
Like the Hitchhiker for Leica M, the Hitchhiker SL is inspired by the Thumbie grip for Leica M cameras.
This is still a work-in-progress, but will be available on Printables when it’s done.