By site editor Dan Chung:
Wooden handgrips are the speciality of Ray Thomas. His KinoGgrips have become popular with shooters looking for some old style grip action for their modern large sensor cameras. He has made several versions of the grips and also does customised versions specific to customers needs.
His latest grip draws its inspiration from the original Aaton handgrip from days of old. Older DPs and cameramen often talk with affection about how stable and comfortable the wooden grips on Super16 Aaton film cameras were.
The Grenoble grip is named after the french town where Aaton are based. The most obvious design characteristic is the thick, rounded thumb hook similar to the Aaton design. Also similar to the Aaton original is the optional start/stop trigger button on the top of the grip – right under the thumb.
The trigger connects via a 3.5mmm jack to a custom cable available for a range of different cameras. These include Canon 5D mkIII/1DC, Sony F5/F55, Panasonic GH cameras and also cameras that trigger using a standard LANC connection.
The grip attaches to cameras and rigs via an ARRI standard rosette and are right-handed by default (left-handed grips can also be custom ordered).
Prices for the Grenoble start at $299 for the non-trigger version and go up to $499 for one with a trigger and cable.
The previous Tuscon grip remains available for shooters who prefer a trigger bottom on the front of the grip. Also available are KinoBalls – an inexpensive wooden ball grip designed to give extra stability to the left hand side of the camera. Fitted with an ARRI rosette the KinoBall also makes it easier to set the camera down when you have a KinoGrip mounted.
Choice of handgrip is very much a matter of taste for shooters, but I am sure that the Grenoble will prove popular. A range of different wood finishes are available and you can always ask for a custom one to your own specification.
For more info head over to www.kinogrip.com
