I have the HDL-6 and a generic l-plate at this point. I got the Sunwayfoto DPL-01 off ebay and it works really well when both parts of the grip are used. It does block the battery door on the vertical grip, but it mounts solidly and does not block the remote release access.

I looked at the other grip options, but I found I prefer to have both parts of the grip mounted as the camera rests in my hand better that way. That is particularly the case with larger lenses like the Panasonic 7-14mm, 12-35mm, and 100-300mm.

In terms of the compatibility of plates and clamps, the issues is only that a RRS lever release clamp is sensitive to the plate width that is allowed within the Arca swiss spec. Some plates by other manufacturers were not as firmly clamped as RRS plates. If you choose a screw type clamp that you tighten, then it is a non event. The lever type use spring washers to generate the clamping force, so they are more sensitive. All RRS ballheads are available with either type of clamp.

Cliff

I already have the Olympus grip, didn't know there were options, but I'm pleased with this one.

I pre-ordered an L-plate from RRS (over four months ago without a hint of ever arriving) - didn't know there were options. *edit* In the mean time, I'm using a Wimberley P-5 plate - these are the best Arca-Swiss style mounts I've ever seen, short of an L plate.

Funny how we build up our own "preferred vendors" and don't do our due diligence sometimes.

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OM-D E-M5 || O12-50 | P45-175 | P100-300 | PL25 | O45
Adapted: Minolta MD 28/2.8 Celtic, MD 35/1.8, MD 50/1.4, MD 85/2.0, MD 200/2.8, Nikon 100/2.8 E
Wish List: GH3, 12/2.0, 17/1.8, 75/1.8, Oly ZD FT SHG 300/2.8
Pentax K-5, K-01 || 18-135 WR | Sigma 30/1.4

I have two of the HLD-6 grips and I use them on both of my E-M5 bodies. They are nice for being able to use two batteries for each camera, as well as having other buttons for controlling the camera.

Thanks, that's useful to know. Sounds like I might need to steer clear of the RRS lever-release clamps!

That's the exact L-plate I was looking at! Do you have any pictures of it mounted on your camera with & without the portrait grip? I would really love to see what it looks like, and I'm sure others would as well. Thanks for the other info as well.

Yep, though I sometimes go off the other end of the spectrum and OCD a decision to death when it probably wasn't that complicated (current thread may be an example ).

Thanks, I agree that those buttons would be useful.

I have John's (JLM) basic grip as I don't use the L plate. But I have to say it's a very well cut chunk of metal. I like that it is compact yet gives me a better grip (the OEM grip looks too large to me, but I'm sure it's still comfortable).

But it basically boiled down to the battery door access and a centered tripod mount (don't need to buy nodal ninja adapter) for me. And that I wanted it now. The added hand grip attachment was a plus, too, since I don't have to buy a camdapter for it.

The RSS grip would have probably been close, I'm not too much of a fan of the grip styling, but sure it's great as well. Timing and supporting a camera enthusiast landed me at John's door.

I will unlikely ever take the grip off at this point =)

Here you go. Crappy phone-photos as I only have one camera body at this point. I only did the photos of the plate on the full grip as it is not well suited for the vertical grip only (in my opinion). Plus I am too lazy...

Thank you very much for the thoughts!

I REALLY appreciate you taking the time to do that. That really helps me visualize how it would fit together, and how far up parallel to the lens the portrait side of the bracket would come.

I posted an article here years ago on modifying a Really Right Stuff generic L-bracket to fit a Panny G1 (this was before they came out with a custom one.) I have also tried it on the OM-D and it works well - the lip on the long side just fits under the hinged LCD screen, preventing the L-bracket from twisting. Of course, one has to take it off to change batteries. I also find that the short side actually makes the camera easier to hold.

Really Right Stuff - Item Listing

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Eric

Thanks! I went back and found your old thread; great job!

For anyone interested, the thread is here.