IDS Works (Initial Design Studio) out of Hong Kong is a new manufacturer of Leica accessories. Their first products are the IDS Leica M10 and Leica M11 camera grips (a Leica film camera grip version is coming soon):
Both the Leica M10 and M11 versions have the choice of silver or black base to match your camera, and both versions share the same grip pads which you have 3 options to choose from (Walnut / African black wood / Aluminum black). Here are the details I got from IDS Works:
IDS modular grip for Leica M10 cameras:
It is designed to replace the original bottom plate for the M10 camera to solve the changing battery issue and to add an external SD card storage space. The ARCA module is a detachable piece so that a user can choose whether they want to use the grip with or without it.
IDS modular grip for Leica M11 cameras:
The M11 version was designed to attach to the camera instead of “replacing a bottom plate” while maintaining the overall look as the M10 version. The main feature of it is the patent battery release latch that can be accessed from the outside of the grip. The space between the battery and the camera battery release latch on the camera body is very close. As a result, everyone makes the battery door very long and the hinge is usually located past the camera battery release latch. In the field, this can slow you down because you need to open a big door (while the rubber battery can break easily) and stick your finger in a tight space. The design is to find ways to overcome this. A shooter can easily flip the leases with their middle finger to release the battery (the popping battery is designed not to hit the battery door). You can then hold the camera with your left hand, open the magnetic door with your right while holding a fresh battery in your right hand, and then flip the metal door close with your left middle finger. The whole process is very smooth.
Film version (coming soon):
The upcoming product is to be disclosed as it’s under application for a patent now, but there is a very important feature/selling point that no one has done before.
Optional additional grip pads
The Grip pad works for both M10 and M11 version
Lens down bracket:
There is also an optional “Lens down bracket” to order along with the grip.
The IIDSworks grips for M10 / M11 (and the coming up for Leica film camera) all look the same from the front side and back and the same overall height (with the camera attached) is the same.
