Hi, new poster here need some feedbacks from you experts out there about this...

We all know that unlke the Canon D series, Nikon didn't come up with a VERTICAL(battery)GRIP for the D70s and D50. However, there are a lot of aftermarket accessories including the vertical grip available exclusively for these nikon models but i learned that in order for this grips to work properly you will need to do some modification on your camera. Though it looks fine when attached into the D70 and D50 (as i've seen on a pic in the net), i had some doubts about the mods needed, what particular "mods" are these and isn't it that mods on camera will void its warranty? Are aftermarket vert grips really reliable that it won't do any "harm" in my camera or should i go for the higher nikon model (D200) with an available optional battery grip?

Your thoughts on these will be much apreciated...tnx
Roger

No mods needed if you want weight and extended battery life. I have Hoodman VerticalGrip for D70/D70s and it gives nice handling and better feel of the camera since i have big hands. I dont use the fiber obtics supplied to trigger the vertical shutter button from the IR sensor, anyway it does not have a half-press to trigger the AF. It came with AAA holder and i carry it all the time in my bag just in case. I used it once when im run of power on a long shooting assignment. It's really a life saver.

It's nice to have this Grip and since then i never removed out of my D70. I highly recommend it.

Thanks for d info sir...yup, it sure is an added convenience in camera handling. But since it doesn't have a halfclick then you have to be in full manual mode when shooting verticaly am i right?

Another thing sir if you don't mind, where did you buy your grip and how much does it cost?

Thanks much :)

hi roger, my friend bought his vertical grip for his D50 in (as most of us do here in Davao) ebay. I forgot how much but it came with 2 batteries already. He's been using it and loves it, enough to NOT USE his more expensive 'pogi' crumpler backpack just because the D50 with the grip won't fit! hehe! I've also held his D50 more than a couple of times, it weights and feels good in my hands.

:D

Thanks for d info sir...yup, it sure is an added convenience in camera handling. But since it doesn't have a halfclick then you have to be in full manual mode when shooting verticaly am i right?

Another thing sir if you don't mind, where did you buy your grip and how much does it cost?

Thanks much :)

@ roger

its not necessary to be on full manual if you decide to use the vertical shutter of these 3rd party grips. i believe it acts the same way when you connect a cable release to your cam (no half press). but its very useful esp if you have long glass.

i have one since last year and seldom take it off my cam. just like the other posters, i dont use the vertical shutter. i have the grip to have more power (can carry 2 batts) and to have better handling of the cam.

go get one. its a winner!

levi

I cant remember the exact price, but its around US$200. I have it ordered from B&H Photo through an american friend. It turn-out to be a gift from him since he always ask me to fix his computer if he screw up. hehehe Lucky me...

Levi, i really admire your work.

@ roger

i got my unit for around php5k++ in singapore. i went there a couple of months ago and camvas for a friend - unfortunately there's a long waiting list. so if you get a chance to buy one - get it! :)

@ tansan

thanks. i appreciate it.:)

Currently, i have yet to buy my own dslr since we're in liberty using our office's unit which is a d70. I owned an old 35mm canon slr that i used during my late college days. When i "met" this d70 i got fascinated with it s soon as i got used to its interface and began loving it making me seriously consider acquiring one for myself. But upon learning about the inavailability of the nikon grip i had second thoughts of getting one spite of its low price coz i'm not so knowledgeable about aftermarket parts so i thought of going for the canon 350d or 30d instead.

But now after hearing from you guys i'm thinking of reconsidering my first option...
thanks much guys, i really appreciate it :)

Levi, i just hope one of those units find its way to our local stores at hidalgo :D

@ roger

i dont think any of the stores in hidalgo carry these grips (not sue though).

but i know Alvin Bailon is the distributor of Hoodman here in the phil. You can try to contact him at 8995960 or 8904551.

Hi guys,

I bought my Harbortronics D70 vertical grip from my cousin for my D70 but didn't modify my camera-i just use it for extended battery life and the "pogi" look too. Thus my vertical grip button is disabled and the IR optical was left in the States. But looks better on the D70 than the Hoodman.

If you (or I) have a D70s, you just buy the expensive jumper cable ($70) so you can use your have-pressed shutter release without modifying your camera.

My cousins modified D70 works and feels great with the vertical release!!!

http://www.harbortronics.com/detail.php?id=2

Hi guys,

I bought my Harbortronics D70 vertical grip from my cousin for my D70 but didn't modify my camera-i just use it for extended battery life and the "pogi" look too. Thus my vertical grip button is disabled and the IR optical was left in the States. But looks better on the D70 than the Hoodman.

If you (or I) have a D70s, you just buy the expensive jumper cable ($70) so you can use your have-pressed shutter release without modifying your camera.

My cousins modified D70 works and feels great with the vertical release!!!

http://www.harbortronics.com/detail.php?id=2

I checked out their site, and the product has good features. I asked how to order from the Philippines. Unfortunately, this was their reply:

Greetings,

We have recently made the difficult decision to discontinue the VG-D70 grip.

You may be able to find one on EBAY, but we will not be manufacturing the grip any longer.

Thank you for your e-mail.

Best Regards,

Deborah Roberts
Harbortronics LLC

Sayang... :(

oh this is bad news.

i guess this is another i have to consider by december if i'll still go for the D70s for the 2nd body or just plunge in and get the D200. grrr!!! :(

oh this is bad news.

i guess this is another i have to consider by december if i'll still go for the D70s for the 2nd body or just plunge in and get the D200. grrr!!! :(

I told you we still have a year to get the D200:Grin:

@ caloy

hahaha... i always forget that! haha.

hopefully the price of the D200 goes down by then..:Grin:

@ caloy

hahaha... i always forget that! haha.

hopefully the price of the D200 goes down by then..:Grin:

lets start begging na with Dindin:Grin:

I checked out their site, and the product has good features. I asked how to order from the Philippines. Unfortunately, this was their reply:

Greetings,

We have recently made the difficult decision to discontinue the VG-D70 grip.

You may be able to find one on EBAY, but we will not be manufacturing the grip any longer.

Thank you for your e-mail.

Best Regards,

Deborah Roberts
Harbortronics LLC

Sayang... :(

Bad news indeed...that leaves the Hoodman as our last resort :)

Levi, been trying to reach Alvin Bailon thru the #s you've given...I owe you another one for that...thanks again sir :) I hope he still carries one so as to spare me some large bucks from getting the d200, a cool one but costs just too much for a rookie like me :D

@ roger

hope alvin still has stock of those.

my friend has been asking around for a unit in SNG - no luck:(

good luck!

@Raffy, Roger

The Hoodman D70 vertical grip is still available in B&H. Just fyi. :)

Levi,

Just an update. Raph found 1 in Singapore...he was able to get it for $120sng. Jenis ata ang brand. :D

I once asked DinDin if she could obtain this from HK since it's manufactured there but alas no luck in HK.

Hopefully I should be getting one next week. If you have friends in Singapore you might have them scout this for you.

Roy

here's a link guys http://www.hkjenis.com/English/HOLD/professional/professional.htm

Rosalie,

pardon my ignorance, what/where is B&H? :)

hehehe! I was too shy to ask, thanks Roger!

Rosalie,

pardon my ignorance, what/where is B&H? :)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com

Oh well, that means I'm stuck with this (junk) collector's item (Harbortronics VG-D70). LOL

http://www.bhphotovideo.com

Oh well, that means I'm stuck with this (junk) collector's item (Harbortronics VG-D70). LOL

Hi, Joe.

You're not happy with the Harbortronics model?

Hi, Joe.

You're not happy with the Harbortronics model?

hehehe i'm just a pm away, i'll be more than happy to buy it :D

Hi Raffy! Don't get me wrong. I love it! The Harbortronics VG grip and a modified D70 body makes a handsome vertical grip. It has the vertical grip shutter release button working and even it half pressed, the lense focuses. It's a true shutter release on a vertical grip...better than the IR optical path (where half-pressed shutter release doesn't exist). FYI

Hi Raffy! Don't get me wrong. I love it! The Harbortronics VG grip and a modified D70 body makes a handsome vertical grip. It has the vertical grip shutter release button working and even it half pressed, the lense focuses. It's a true shutter release on a vertical grip...better than the IR optical path (where half-pressed shutter release doesn't exist). FYI

Hi, Joe.

I got a little confused back there. :) Functionally, I believe the Harbortronics model is better since you can really use the vertical release. :)