Simple DIY K-01 thumb grip

**geomez** · 02-03-2014, 11:15 PM - **4 Likes**

The one thing I miss from Pentax's DSLRs when using my K-01 is the back thumb grip. Every Pentax DSLR has a fin type protrusion by the sdcard slot that acts as a grip for your thumb. But the back of the K-01 is completely flat!

I get it's part of the aesthetic, but with such a small grip in the front, I had to have something for my thumb.
So my solution was to stick some rubber adhesive feet I had lying around the house on the back as a makeshift thumb grip. It may not be the prettiest solution, but man is it useful. I first attached the black one that has a ridge and a smooth texture. I later added the clear one which is super tacky. I feel that the different shapes and textures have their own advantages and work in unison for a superior grip.
It makes one handed shooting actually feel secure and nearly effortless and makes picking it up with just a couple fingers a breeze. I've had them on the camera for about six months and thought I'd share it with everyone.
I've also got one of the clear type on my Canon S95, which is notoriously slippery.

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Last edited by geomez; 11-04-2015 at 03:07 PM.

MarkJerling · 02-04-2014, 12:43 AM

Clever solution!

Racer X 69 · 02-04-2014, 12:56 AM

Interesting solution. I gave Mrs. Racer an Optio W30 a few years ago, and it is small and slippery, with nothing to really grab onto. When I get home I will have a look at it and see if your idea will work on her camera too.

Thanks for sharing geomez!

januko · 11-07-2014, 12:21 AM

I am taking notes on this one. Thanks for the idea!

**Spodeworld** · 11-07-2014, 06:51 AM

Interesting, creative idea.

LensBeginner · 11-07-2014, 09:38 AM

nice one! I should try something along those lines sooner or later...

digital029art · 11-08-2014, 09:10 AM

FYI .. thanks to Geomez for the idea, this was my "upscale" refinement using half a flipbac grip. I have no more concerns holding the K-01 - it's all it needed!

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/138-pentax-k-01/222591-k-01-grip-3.html

MarkJerling · 11-09-2014, 07:02 PM

That looks almost as if it was made that way!

02-03-2014, 11:15 PM - 4 Likes	#1
geomez Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Roanoke, Virginia, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,760	Simple DIY K-01 thumb grip The one thing I miss from Pentax's DSLRs when using my K-01 is the back thumb grip. Every Pentax DSLR has a fin type protrusion by the sdcard slot that acts as a grip for your thumb. But the back of the K-01 is completely flat! I get it's part of the aesthetic, but with such a small grip in the front, I had to have something for my thumb. So my solution was to stick some rubber adhesive feet I had lying around the house on the back as a makeshift thumb grip. It may not be the prettiest solution, but man is it useful. I first attached the black one that has a ridge and a smooth texture. I later added the clear one which is super tacky. I feel that the different shapes and textures have their own advantages and work in unison for a superior grip. It makes one handed shooting actually feel secure and nearly effortless and makes picking it up with just a couple fingers a breeze. I've had them on the camera for about six months and thought I'd share it with everyone. I've also got one of the clear type on my Canon S95, which is notoriously slippery. Attachment 205205 Last edited by geomez; 11-04-2015 at 03:07 PM.

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02-04-2014, 12:43 AM	#2
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,422	Clever solution!

02-04-2014, 12:56 AM	#3
Racer X 69 Moderator Man With A Camera Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: The Great Pacific Northwet, in the Land Between Canada and Mexico Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,073	Interesting solution. I gave Mrs. Racer an Optio W30 a few years ago, and it is small and slippery, with nothing to really grab onto. When I get home I will have a look at it and see if your idea will work on her camera too. Thanks for sharing geomez!

11-07-2014, 12:21 AM	#4
januko Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 89	I am taking notes on this one. Thanks for the idea!

11-07-2014, 06:51 AM	#5
Spodeworld Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Joisey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,370	Interesting, creative idea.

11-07-2014, 09:38 AM	#6
LensBeginner Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,696	nice one! I should try something along those lines sooner or later...

11-08-2014, 09:10 AM	#7
digital029art Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 440	FYI .. thanks to Geomez for the idea, this was my "upscale" refinement using half a flipbac grip. I have no more concerns holding the K-01 - it's all it needed! https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/138-pentax-k-01/222591-k-01-grip-3.html

11-09-2014, 07:02 PM	#8
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,422	That looks almost as if it was made that way!