by TRA
A Grip for the
Pentacon Six
A Pentacon Six with a right-hand grip!
[p6grip_01.jpg]
In my suggestions for improving the
Pentacon Six (here),
I proposed a hand grip, which would have improved
handling and could also have provided housing for
batteries used to power a light meter built into the
camera body. However, Pentacon never did develop
a hand grip for the camera (nor did they build a meter
into the body!). But here is a Pentacon Six
right-hand grip!
This grip was advertised on eBay. It has been
made using a 3D printer. It is well-fitting and
appears to be strong. It certainly does improve
the handling of the camera, if used without the case,
which will not fit the camera with the grip
fitted. We also note that with the grip in
place, it is not possible to use the camera’s
delayed-action lever.
 [p6grip_02.jpg]
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This top
view shows more of the shape of
the grip. The studded finish
provides a good grip and ensures
that the camera should not slip in
the hand, when held
normally. The grip is
comfortable to hold, and access to
the shutter release button is
easy. It is also extremely
light-weight and the improvement
in holding the camera more than
compensates for the additional
weight of the grip. It would
not be possible to mount an
accessory shoe, such as a flash
shoe, on the top of the grip, as
this would make advancing the
film/cocking the shutter
impossible, and would also make
access to the shutter release
button difficult.
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 [p6grip_03.jpg] |
Here we can see that
the grip fits the camera snugly. The base
plate has recesses for the two spool holder
knobs. It also prevents the small lever that
opens the back from being caught on anything and
opening the back by accident. This design prevents the film from being changed without removing the grip. However, it does provide a sturdy flat base that enables the camera to be placed securely on any flat surface. We could imagine placing the camera on a suitable table or other flat surface in order to take a photograph of the interior of a bulding, perhaps with a quite slow shutter speed. In a similar fashion, I have supported a Pentacon Six (without this grip!) on the back of a pew, in order to take a picture of the dimly-lit interior of a church. See picture below.
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 [p6grip_04.jpg] |
Here we can see how
the grip is attached to the base of the
camera. The locking bolt came with the
grip. It can be turned with a coin, or the
wire section can be folded out in order to turn it
with a forefinger and thumb. We note that the locking bolt is not drilled to take a tripod screw, so the grip would need to be removed if the camera were to be used on a tripod. |
While we can think
of minor improvements, such as the provision
of a tripod socket, the grip is a welcome
addition to the accessories available for the
Pentacon Six. I prefer to carry my
Pentacon Six in the bottom section of the
case, usually attached to an Op/Tech USA
Double Harness via their System connectors
(see here).
However, many users of the Pentacon Six may
prefer to add one of these grips to their
camera. As I have not implemented its
regular use, I cannot evaluate how strong and
long-lasting it is.
At the time of
writing, a web page is available from someone
who apparently makes these grips. I have
no knowledge about the person in question, and
don’t know if the eBay vendor from whom I
bought the above grip is the same person or
not. For that page, see: https://www.instructables.com/Old-Camera-Grips/
I can of course accept no liability for other
people’s web pages, the content of which may
also change over time without my
knowledge. This link was working with
the described content on 6th and 7th January
2021. I am not in a position to endorse
anyone who may produce or sell these
grips. I have described the grip that I
have. There are also other versions of a
Pentacon Six grip, and perhaps other
manufacturers and other suppliers.
Click the following link to go back to
the Accessories page.
To see other grips for the Pentacon Six and Exakta 66,
click here.
© TRA January 2021