Any difference between Genuine battery grip & OEM grip

blatfish · 10-09-2010, 03:04 PM

I noticed that a Genuine grip's price is much higher than an OEM one, as much as 150 bucks, is there any difference between them besides the price difference and why the price is so different?
PS: What I have is a K7 and looking for DBG4 grip.

Thank you.

Adam · 10-09-2010, 03:15 PM

As per our accessory database, you'll notice that the generic grip is not weather sealed. I think that's the only difference.

blatfish · 10-09-2010, 03:28 PM

I see, thank you for answer my question.

Pauld · 10-09-2010, 04:19 PM

In terms of functionality there is no difference but in aesthetics there is a big difference. I purchased an OEM grip before finding a good deal on a genuine Pentax grip and there is a big difference. The OEM grip felt like it was made of thin cheap plastic, and the textured part of the grip was quite slippery. The shutter button also wasn't as soft as the genuine grips button and at times a little stiff to press down to get auto focus to work.

noblepa · 10-09-2010, 04:41 PM

I have the Travor, Chinese-made grip for my K10D. My son bought on eBay for me as a Christmas gift. I do not have the genuine Pentax grip, so I can't do a direct comparison.

I can say, however, that the Travor grip fits my K10D perfectly and, as far as I can tell, works perfectly. It has all the same controls as the Pentax grip. Internally, it has the storage for a spare SD memory card and the Pentax IR remote, just as the Pentax grip does.

Mine doesn't feel particularly slippery or cheaply made. Weather sealing is not a priority for me. Considering the price difference, I can live without it. I think he paid about $45-50 for it, including shipping.

If you go the 3rd party grip route, just be careful. For the K10D/K20D grips, there are a couple of different ones out there. The cheapest ones do not include all the controls that the Pentax grip has. Usually the cheapest ones have only the shutter release and lack the e-dials, etc. Mine has all of them.

I have been perfectly happy with mine.

**Ex Finn.** · 10-09-2010, 04:51 PM

If you can afford it, go for the real thing. The D-BG4 feels like the K7 it self.
Cant comment on the OEM.

pxpaulx · 10-09-2010, 05:44 PM

Originally posted by Pauld

In terms of functionality there is no difference but in aesthetics there is a big difference. I purchased an OEM grip before finding a good deal on a genuine Pentax grip and there is a big difference. The OEM grip felt like it was made of thin cheap plastic, and the textured part of the grip was quite slippery. The shutter button also wasn't as soft as the genuine grips button and at times a little stiff to press down to get auto focus to work.

I also own both at the moment and echo the above sentiment. Yes they are visually the same, but hold them and touch them side by side and they are obviously made from different materials, and the pentax grip is sealed so buttons are more responsive and everything is to a tighter build tolerance.

Big Dave · 12-08-2010, 01:10 PM

Originally posted by blatfish

I noticed that a Genuine grip's price is much higher than an OEM one, as much as 150 bucks, is there any difference between them besides the price difference and why the price is so different?
PS: What I have is a K7 and looking for DBG4 grip.

Thank you.

Just to clarify a point. FYI, The Genuine grip is the OEM grip. It stands for Original equipment manufacture. The grips made by other companies are referred to as third party products. Some posters were confused about this.

Dave

noblepa · 12-08-2010, 01:24 PM

If you're going to buy a third-party grip, be aware that there are some out there that do not have all the controls. If you search eBay for them, you will find that some of the cheapest ones have only the shutter release button.

I have the Travor grip. If does include all the same functions, buttons and dials as the genuine Pentax grip, including both e-dials, etc.

**Rondec** · 12-09-2010, 06:01 AM

The off brand grip that people seem to buy the most is from gadget infinity. I own the Pentax brand grip and am quite satisfied with it. As others have said, the big thing you give up with the off brand grip is weather sealing. Quality probably isn't quite as good either.

10-09-2010, 03:04 PM	#1
blatfish Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Augusta GA Posts: 59	Any difference between Genuine battery grip & OEM grip I noticed that a Genuine grip's price is much higher than an OEM one, as much as 150 bucks, is there any difference between them besides the price difference and why the price is so different? PS: What I have is a K7 and looking for DBG4 grip. Thank you.

10-09-2010, 03:15 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 48,156	As per our accessory database, you'll notice that the generic grip is not weather sealed. I think that's the only difference. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

12-08-2010, 01:24 PM	#9
noblepa Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Village, Ohio USA Posts: 1,101	Not all 3rd Party Grips the same If you're going to buy a third-party grip, be aware that there are some out there that do not have all the controls. If you search eBay for them, you will find that some of the cheapest ones have only the shutter release button. I have the Travor grip. If does include all the same functions, buttons and dials as the genuine Pentax grip, including both e-dials, etc.

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10-09-2010, 03:28 PM	#3
blatfish Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Augusta GA Posts: 59 Original Poster	I see, thank you for answer my question.

10-09-2010, 04:19 PM	#4
Pauld Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Calgary, Alberta Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 507	In terms of functionality there is no difference but in aesthetics there is a big difference. I purchased an OEM grip before finding a good deal on a genuine Pentax grip and there is a big difference. The OEM grip felt like it was made of thin cheap plastic, and the textured part of the grip was quite slippery. The shutter button also wasn't as soft as the genuine grips button and at times a little stiff to press down to get auto focus to work.

10-09-2010, 04:41 PM	#5
noblepa Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Village, Ohio USA Posts: 1,101	I have the Travor, Chinese-made grip for my K10D. My son bought on eBay for me as a Christmas gift. I do not have the genuine Pentax grip, so I can't do a direct comparison. I can say, however, that the Travor grip fits my K10D perfectly and, as far as I can tell, works perfectly. It has all the same controls as the Pentax grip. Internally, it has the storage for a spare SD memory card and the Pentax IR remote, just as the Pentax grip does. Mine doesn't feel particularly slippery or cheaply made. Weather sealing is not a priority for me. Considering the price difference, I can live without it. I think he paid about $45-50 for it, including shipping. If you go the 3rd party grip route, just be careful. For the K10D/K20D grips, there are a couple of different ones out there. The cheapest ones do not include all the controls that the Pentax grip has. Usually the cheapest ones have only the shutter release and lack the e-dials, etc. Mine has all of them. I have been perfectly happy with mine.

10-09-2010, 04:51 PM	#6
Ex Finn. Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,440	If you can afford it, go for the real thing. The D-BG4 feels like the K7 it self. Cant comment on the OEM.

10-09-2010, 05:44 PM	#7
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	Originally posted by Pauld In terms of functionality there is no difference but in aesthetics there is a big difference. I purchased an OEM grip before finding a good deal on a genuine Pentax grip and there is a big difference. The OEM grip felt like it was made of thin cheap plastic, and the textured part of the grip was quite slippery. The shutter button also wasn't as soft as the genuine grips button and at times a little stiff to press down to get auto focus to work. I also own both at the moment and echo the above sentiment. Yes they are visually the same, but hold them and touch them side by side and they are obviously made from different materials, and the pentax grip is sealed so buttons are more responsive and everything is to a tighter build tolerance.

12-08-2010, 01:10 PM	#8
Big Dave Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: San Antonio, Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 547	Originally posted by blatfish I noticed that a Genuine grip's price is much higher than an OEM one, as much as 150 bucks, is there any difference between them besides the price difference and why the price is so different? PS: What I have is a K7 and looking for DBG4 grip. Thank you. Just to clarify a point. FYI, The Genuine grip is the OEM grip. It stands for Original equipment manufacture. The grips made by other companies are referred to as third party products. Some posters were confused about this. Dave

12-09-2010, 06:01 AM	#10
Rondec Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,297	The off brand grip that people seem to buy the most is from gadget infinity. I own the Pentax brand grip and am quite satisfied with it. As others have said, the big thing you give up with the off brand grip is weather sealing. Quality probably isn't quite as good either.