Originally posted by shaX 07 Sounds risky to me. Why not just sell your BG4 grip and use the coin to help fund your BG5?
If the electrical pin outs are nearly identical (seems that there might be one reversed connection), and all I need to do is diminish the diameter of one stabilizing pin (I wouldn't cut it off as suggested), I don't see the risk. What possible risk are you referring to? I have just the right sort of background and skills to take on this as a one evening project. The reason for my post is to find out if anyone has already tried this.
The resale value of the BG4 is probably ridiculously low... it's not like there is a large market for this item, especially when the clone version is just as good as the real Pentax model. YES, it is just as good because I also have one to compare to the OEM version. They are nearly or exactly the same in quality and fit/finish and the clone is only $59.00 (available here:
DSTE Battery Grip for Pentax K 7 K 5 D BG4 2 x D LI90 | eBay).
Unfortunately, there are no immediate plans to make a clone version of the K-3 battery grip.