D70 vertical grip

[marcos]

Looking around for one, I found that harbortronics makes one for it. For the D70 the camera needs to be modified to take a cable from the grip to the camera by making a hole on the side and fitting it with jack to use the IR on the front to control and use both wheels, for f/stops and shutter speed. For the D70s, it uses the cable realese socket without a problem. My question is, why can't the D70 use a cable from the grip to the USB port for control, when it is done when shootting tethered? Am I asking too much? I don't like the idea of letting someone other than Nikon modify my camera to use a vertical grip that can control f/stops and shutter speeds.
Is there any other option outhere for me?

[DVEous]

... Obsolete ...

[PiroStitch]

Besides the harbotronics option, I don't think so. Nikon didn't release one and I'm none too keen on having to re-wire my camera just to get a vertical grip.

[marcos]

VK4CP, I hear you.
I wouldn't buy the D2x at this point even If I could afford it, I am just a novice on DSLR or photography for that matters, the expense of getting the D2x is not justified by my experience.

[Nnnnsic]

Well, with the D70s some of the design changed and part of it was apparently done for a release of a grip by Nikon because, well, Canon has them for their low-end cameras so why shouldn't Nikon?

Unfortunately, Nikon haven't done anything about releasing this or providing any information about it at this point and I doubt they will.

[Killakoala]

I too was waiting for the Harbourtronics Vert Grip, but i was disappointed with it when they released it. It looked crap. So i didn't buy one but bought a D2H instead.

But i have taken plenty of portraits using the D70 and it hasn't altered my style at all. The D2H is better, but the D70 is still good too, for portraits. It just means you have to stick your right elbow in the air to take a shot.

[birddog114]

Who's going to spend over AU$200.00 for the falsed design of Harbourtronics Vert Grip and ruin your D70 in a flash!

[cordy]

There is also the Hoodman grip - http://www.hoodmanusa.com

[Digidegs]

See, you should have bought a D100. Great with it's battery grip.
I love a grip. Have MD4 on F3HP and s Battery grip on F4s.

Cheers
Albert

[cameraguy21773]

Jenis, a Hong Kong company, makes a grip that is also marketed by Opteka and Hoodman. Hoodman decided they did not like what Jenis was making for them and withdrew it. I don't know why.

I have the Jenis grip on both my D70 bodies. I use it and like it for the improved handling I get with some of my lenses and the extra battery life. I shoot every day and I can't remember the last time I recharged the batteries on either camera. It takes 2 normal D70 batteries or a set of AAs. There is a tray provided with each grip for AA batteries and I keep them full, just in case.

The downside of this grip is the vertical shutter button. It does not include a half press for focusing but when it is fully pressed the camera will focus and then fire. For static subjects it is OK, not good, just OK. I do not use the the vertical shutter button but I would not give up the grip for anything. When I go vertical I can easily use the camera's shutter button, perhaps because I'm left handed.

I value the opinions expressed on this and other forums but when the final choice is to be made it's mine. Many people on many forums are running down this grip and other photographic items routinely without giving them a chance; some without even knowing the items they talk about. I say look at each thing for what it is and not for what it isn't and decide for yourself.

The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect that of the owners or management.

[paulvdb1]

... It just means you have to stick your right elbow in the air to take a shot.

Or left elbow... My father-in-law was looking at my shots in-camera and was stumped until he realised I shoot elbows-in, camera rotated clockwise.