Leica Lux Grip: A Premium iPhone Photography Accessory

The Leica Lux Grip is a new accessory designed to enhance the photography experience for iPhone users. Priced at $329, it aims to provide a more professional feel, similar to using a dedicated Leica camera. Let’s delve into the details of this premium grip.

Design and Features

The Lux Grip boasts a sleek, black aluminum design weighing 130 grams. Its standout feature is its DSLR-like ergonomics, providing a much more comfortable and secure grip compared to holding a phone directly. This improved grip minimizes camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially beneficial when shooting in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

Key Features:

• MagSafe Compatibility: Securely attaches to iPhones 12 and later using MagSafe technology. This ensures a firm connection regardless of whether you are holding your phone vertically or horizontally.
• Customizable Function Buttons: Offers customizable buttons providing quick access to frequently used functions within the Leica Lux app, streamlining your workflow.
• Two-Stage Shutter Button: Provides a more tactile and responsive shutter experience, adding to the professional feel. The two-stage design allows for half-press focusing (setting focus and exposure) before taking your shot.
• Control Dial: Allows for quick and intuitive adjustments to settings directly on the grip, eliminating the need to constantly interact with the phone’s touchscreen.
• Integrated Battery: Includes a 300mAh battery, providing power for up to 1,000 shots. This eliminates concerns about your phone’s battery draining during extended photography sessions. Charging is done via USB-C, taking about two hours for a full charge.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Connects to your iPhone wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Leica Lux App Integration

The Lux Grip is specifically designed for use with Leica’s dedicated mobile app, the Leica Lux app (available on iOS only). This app is not just a simple camera app–it offers a unique user experience designed to mirror the feel of using a traditional Leica camera.

App Features:

• Manual Controls: Offers full manual control over exposure, ISO, and shutter speed, allowing for creative control over your images.
• Leica Looks: Provides a range of pre-set filters mimicking the iconic look and feel of Leica lenses for a distinctive photographic style.

It’s important to note that the Lux Grip will not work with Apple’s native Camera app. You must use the Leica Lux app to take advantage of its full functionality and the integrated hardware buttons.

Pricing and Subscription

While the Leica Lux app itself is free to download, full access to the premium features within the app requires a subscription. The Lux Grip includes a one-year Pro subscription, but after that, you’ll need to pay $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually to continue using all the advanced features.

Accessories and Compatibility

Leica also sells a complementary leather case for the Lux Grip, priced at $60. This case adds extra protection and includes a pocket for an AirTag, a small Bluetooth tracker that you can use to locate your grip if it ever gets lost or misplaced.

A noteworthy advantage is that if you upgrade your iPhone, the Lux Grip is reusable; you just need to replace the MagSafe base plate. This will prevent a needless purchase of a wholly new grip, making the initial cost considerably more sustainable.

Alternatives

While the Leica Lux Grip offers a premium experience, its high price point might be a deterrent for many. Other alternatives exist that offer some similar features for considerably less. For example, the Belkin Stage Power Grip, expected to be under $80, includes a camera button, video recording button, and a 10,000mAh battery for charging your iPhone. This considerably lower price includes features that make the Lux Grip less compelling to the average consumer.

Conclusion

The Leica Lux Grip is a high-end accessory catering to serious photography enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for superior build quality, enhanced ergonomics, and a professional shooting experience. While it’s clearly not aimed at the everyday user, those looking for a near-DSLR experience coupled with the convenience of their iPhone will likely appreciate the quality and functionality. However, the substantial cost, combined with the necessary app subscription, should be carefully considered before committing to a purchase. For casual users, less expensive alternatives may suffice. The choice ultimately depends on your needs and budget. You can purchase the Leica Lux Grip here.