Attach the Leica Lux Grip to your iPhone to add a shutter release. Plus, the magnetic accessory adds other buttons and a dial that can be customized. And a grip, naturally.
All this is a design intended to recreate the feel of using a classic Leica camera.
Leica Lux Grip enhances the iPhone camera
Leica promised, “The camera grip impresses with its intuitive operation and high-quality manufacturing while, at the same time, setting new standards for photographic precision using a smartphone.”
The accessory uses Apple’s MagSafe system to magnetically connect to the iPhone, making it compatible with a wide range of models. The design also means the grip can be easily rotated on the handset.
But the highlight of the Leica Lux Grip is a two-stage shutter release. It focusses with light pressure and starts shooting when fully pressed down.
And that’s only the start. A second button allows you to quickly switch between shooting modes. Also included are a pair of control elements — a button plus a dial — that can be individually customized via a Leica Lux app.
Of course, it’s also a grip. Holding a slim iPhone while taking photographs isn’t always the easiest.
The goal is to give photographers access to the essential aspects of image composition when using a smartphone.
Photo: Leica
Don’t forget the app
Rather than taking pictures with the standard Camera app, the Lux Grip is designed to work with Leica’s own application. This uses software to simulate the characteristics of classic Leica lenses, including the Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2, Summilux-M 28 f/1.4 and Summilux-M 35 f/1.4.
Experts can appreciate manual mode, which gives control over exposure, shutter speed, ISO and white balance. Various focal modes as well as RAW and ProRAW are also supported.
Priced for professionals
Leica Lux Grip costs $329. It can be purchased starting Thursday.
Buy it from: Leica
Alternatively, there’s the Belkin Stage PowerGrip, a recently announced rival product that adds a battery, too. Or there’s the Adonit PhotoGrip Qi.
