Canon G11 handling issues

[DaveL]

Find when I grip the camera my errant right thumb pushes buttons, and the camera goes off into never-never land. Lost shots.
I adapt by talking to camera and thumb (gently) and turning the camera off, then on again. Not a good way to cope.

I've followed talk here about the "thumbs up". It seems to me that it would solve my problem.

Has anyone tried this on a G11?

Is there any other solution? (Other than a thumb-ectomy?)

Good camera otherwise, but close to a fatal flaw.

Regards,
Dave Lynch

ps I bought my G9 and franiec grip after reading an article here. I thought I had gone to heaven the camera was so good! But I had to have the articulating screen. Should have kept my G9.

[Frodo]

Something to watch for, but I haven't found it a problem.  In fact this was a significant factor in deciding for the G-11 over the S-90 - the dial on the S-90 is a serious flaw in that camera, especially as the ring rotates without clear detents.  

The handling of the G-11 is better than any other digicam I've tried.  Perhaps not quite a good as the G-10 (which I lost), as the G-10's dial is not pushed over as far by the articulating screen.  I find that most digicams are simply too small, especially if you want to do more than full auto.  The G-11 is a nice compliment to my 5D - the added size improves handling, yet is way smaller than a DSLR for taking everywhere.

And the output quality is great for this type of camera.  

[DaveL]

Something to watch for, but I haven't found it a problem.  In fact this was a significant factor in deciding for the G-11 over the S-90 - the dial on the S-90 is a serious flaw in that camera, especially as the ring rotates without clear detents.  

The handling of the G-11 is better than any other digicam I've tried.  Perhaps not quite a good as the G-10 (which I lost), as the G-10's dial is not pushed over as far by the articulating screen.  I find that most digicams are simply too small, especially if you want to do more than full auto.  The G-11 is a nice compliment to my 5D - the added size improves handling, yet is way smaller than a DSLR for taking everywhere.

And the output quality is great for this type of camera.

Truly glad that it works for you.
I had a G9 with Franiec grip (incredible!)
I talked to Richard F when I bought my first G11. He said he had no plans for a grip then; I've talked since, and he's more interested in finding a fix.
My first G11 failed. (internal battery would not hold a charge.) Henry's replaced the camera for me, after a while, and I'm grateful. In the interim I had bought a new ZS3 and I'm having fun with that.

I'm going to change my habits and wear the camera on a strap (Domke) and see if that and waist level use helps.

But I would like to know if the Thumbs Up works on the G11. I would order one in a heartbeat.

DaveL

ps there's a long series of posts about this at potn The originator is a pro photographer having trouble adapting to the G11.

[Paulo Bizarro]

It also happens to me on occasion. There are too many buttons on the back of the camera, and the space to put them was reduced to accommodate the folding screen. It can be a bit frustating, but it is possible to cope with it. It's a much less serious problem than the S90 loose dial, that is for sure.

In the meantime, I am experimenting with a Panasonic GF1 plus 20mm pancake lens. It's not much bigger compared to the G11 (they both fit in a Lowepro Apex 60 belt pack), and the "experience" of shooting with that combination is something I have not felt since using cameras like the FM2/3 with 45mm pancake, or a Leica CM. Truly wonderful. So maybe the G11 has run its course for me...

[DaveL]

It also happens to me on occasion. There are too many buttons on the back of the camera, and the space to put them was reduced to accommodate the folding screen. It can be a bit frustating, but it is possible to cope with it. It's a much less serious problem than the S90 loose dial, that is for sure.

In the meantime, I am experimenting with a Panasonic GF1 plus 20mm pancake lens. It's not much bigger compared to the G11 (they both fit in a Lowepro Apex 60 belt pack), and the "experience" of shooting with that combination is something I have not felt since using cameras like the FM2/3 with 45mm pancake, or a Leica CM. Truly wonderful. So maybe the G11 has run its course for me...

I'm truly interested! However, cost seems punitive here. I may have to import it if I go this way.
I"m an old M3 user (stolen though.  ) and an M4P .... The M3 was my favourite camera ever. I liked the way it helped me work. And image quality was incredible.

Here's a link to a recommendation for a product called egrips. Appears to work for motorcycle tanks! and cell phones, and maybe G11's?

Hope the reference to another forum is ok...
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp...essage=35636027

I sure would like to put a "thumbs up" into my hotshoe, see if the camera works and the thumb-holder is long enough.

DaveL

[DaveL]

Well I put the domke strap on my G11. Changes the way that I like to use a P&S...but it solves the button problem.

Waist level with the screen turned out, shutter release is by thumb. No issue at all.

Just have to accept wearing the darn thing around my neck, and that's not how I intended to use it.

DaveL
Toronto

[DaveL]

Final change and it helped too!
egrips==silicone strips attached to the camera body

It handles much better now! It isn't as good as my G9 was with a Franiec grip, as the story of a Japanese trip here at Luminous Landscape recommended.

I have contacted Mr Franiec about possible mods and the owner? of "thumbs up" to see whether they have something in the wings to improve this camera.

Regards,
DaveL
Toronto

[DaveL]

egrips help but they're not a cure.
I still would like to have a "thumbs up" or a try at one...the adapter that fits in the hotshoe and acts like a film advance lever.
Regards
DaveL

[DaveL]

Confirm that the thumbs up won't work on a G11. The shape of the optical viewfinder keeps the TU from sliding fully into the hotshoe.


today I went to the hardware store I bought little rubber stick-on bumpers. (Intended to go on cupboard doors to keep them from banging when you close them. Perhaps 3/32nd inch thick, 3/8 in diameter;

Makes all the difference. And I have about 12 spares incase I lose one.

Best,
DaveL