Customer Reviews for Peak Design - Micro Clutch Hand Strap - Black
Customer Rating
4
Canon G5X Mark II
on July 11, 2023
Posted by: Martin
from Montreal (Quebec)
Summary: It works on the G5Xii, but it may not be comfortable. I had to tighten the strap as much as possible (to the length of the hand pad, hole #6) in order to be snug around my fingers. Because the eyelet is not at the top of this camera, there's significant distance between the middle finger in the strap and the index finger pressing the shutter, this is not comfortable (see photo 1). It's more comfortable to slide the last two fingers in the strap and leave the middle finger loose (see photos 2 and 3), but then the strap isn't snug and the camera would fall if you relaxed your grip. Photo 4 illustrates that you don't require much grip if you slide the middle and ring fingers in the strap; it's comfortable to carry, but not to shoot. For those interested, photo 5 shows how the I-Plate fits on the bottom of this camera. I'll keep experimenting, but I'm not ready yet to recommend this product for the G5Xii. I think the product value is very good, but perhaps it requires tweaking for some cameras.
Using OM system OM-1 with L-plate and hand holding Panasonic 100-400 lens. It feels great in hands and stabilized. You can charge the battery in camera on OM-1 but if you do want to change it then you need to unscrew the plate and take it off to access bottom of camera. I would suggest to use 3 fingers(you can tighten or loosen it easily) to be able to get through the strap to hold the camera steady and comfortable. Overall a very nice addition to the line up especially for mirrorless systems.
Using L plate with Sony A9. Challenging initially to get the fit right - do you insert 2 or 3 fingers? Three was more secure but uncomfortable because there is a hard knob under the top of the strap that pushes against and bruises index finger. Had to adjust for 2 fingers but does not feel secure unless strap was tightened much more but made it hard to move other fingers to operate camera. Would camera + lens hold if grip loosened? No with my gear (might be okay with lighter camera).
Integrated tool is amazing but means that base plate is thicker than it could be adding to weight. Hoping next version makes base plate thinner and lighter and there are no knobs under the strap that can push against any fingers.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from Peak DesignBy CS, July 12, 2023
Thanks for the feedback here! The a9 has a rather large grip and is an example of a camera that is on the larger side of L-plate compatibility and may work better with Clutch. The a9 has a rather large grip. 2 or 3 fingers can be inserted, whatever is more comfortable. The hard knob you are referring to is the keeper stud. For such a small part, it needs to be metal because it's what securing the strap in place. In terms of adjustment, the strap should not be so tight that the keeper stud is being forced down into your hand.
If you feel that the Micro Clutch is not a great fit for your set up, please reach out to our support team at info@peakdesign.com and we can assist with processing a return for you.
I received this through the Kickstarter campaign last week, and I’ve been using it nonstop. In short, I love it for its functionality. It’s years of use and feeling of security holding the camera. The only thing I would change about this is the plastic pin that adjusts the strap on the top part doesn’t have any padding and causes pain when holding for long periods. Hope the eventual Vii will fix is this issue.
I can see the straps don’t work for some and you really can’t please everyone but I have both the I-plate and L-plate on an X100V and X-T4. The well thought out design and materials is top notch. The fact you’re provided a tripod/capture plate with the micro clutch is amazing for the value. Fits comfortably for me and I’m excited to use it on my future trips!
Only thing I wish was for the L-plate to be slightly larger in the front to balance the X-T4 weight from falling forward and allow easier access to the tool.
I just received and installed my Micro Clutch. I have two bodies I wanted to try this on, a Sony A7C and a Leica Q2.
The I-Plate Micro Clutch fits well on the Q2. The plate itself doesn’t stick out either in the front nor the back. If you don’t want to use a PD strap, you’re out of luck. My COOPH rope strap cannot be used in combination of the Micro Clutch. I can use my PD straps by connecting it to an anchor on the left and the I-Plate, but you sacrifice the symmetrical neck carry of using the strap on both side rings.
For the Sony A7C, things got worse. The plate sticks out in the front side. The strap is too tight even on the #1 adjustment hole. I tried a combination of grips and fingers that could allow me access to the sitter and it’s very uncomfortable due to the angle of the side ring and the base plate. This best way to improve this would be to change the location of the upper connection but that will change based on the body you have.
I think this is a cool product that will fit better in some cameras but not all. My Q2 is a great fit if I didn’t want to keep my COOPH strap on. The A7C is definitely not a good fit and I recommend you do not buy the Micro Clutch if you have this body or a similar one. I did not try the L-Plate, but based on the location of the screw and the clutch, it will probably face the same issues.
Notably, the I-plate+arca plate combo is amazing. I love the idea of having an integrated tool to take out the plate as needed. I was never a fan of the Allen wrench so this is a welcome addition. Having this tool magnetically connect to the plate is a game changer in my opinion.
Looking forward to V2 of the Micro clutch.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from Peak DesignBy CS, July 12, 2023
Thanks for the review and feedback! We actually did test the I plate on the A7C and found it to work great if you make a few adjustments to get the fit right!
There are actually three adjustments you can make to adjust the strap to better fit your camera and hand. First, the position of the pad along the band. Second, the position of the strap on the split ring. You can fine-tune the adjustment through the position of the plate on the camera.
If you want to shoot over a photo or video of your camera/hand set up to us at info@peakdesign.com we can have a look and help further as well!
This is well designed and sturdy as one would expect from PeakDesign. Love the hidden wrench that snaps into place. But while the spec says it was tested on the Olympus EM-1 it doesn't fit it very well. The L-plate sites out in front of the camera, which looks odd. And the Olympus strap hold is set too far back making it impossible for me to fasten the clutch and still fit my fingers through it. Probably works great for the cameras they explicitly mention like the Sony a7. Or maybe my hands are just too big. Follow the measuring guidelines closely before ordering. Olympus is not as popular in the US, so I get it. Worth a shot.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from Peak DesignBy PD Team, PD Team, July 12, 2023
Thanks for the review and feedback!
The Olympus EM-1 is one of those edge case cameras that could use Micro Clutch or Clutch regular as comfort could vary depending on hand size and dexterity. This is a larger bodied camera with an eyelet that is high and quite far back on the body and the grip is pronounced, but pointy shaped. If you have larger hands, you might find the Clutch to be a better fit. We do also have an XL hand pad that could be used to increase comfort if you find the Micro Clutch is the right length, but experienced chaffing.
If you are interested in a larger hand pad option or would like to process a return, please reach out to our support team at info@peakdesign.com and we can assist with that