> Is the Match Technical one worth the premium or should I just stick with the official Leica version? I dont want it blocking the dial... Honestly, the Q3 ergonomics have been a bit of a letdown for me since I upgraded. Spending a lot of time researching this was necessary because of my constant worry about the camera slipping while I am out. Unfortunately, the Haoge THB-Q3B Metal Hot Shoe Thumb Up Rest was not as good as expected. The fit was slightly loose, which made me really nervous about scratching the finish or putting weird pressure on the hot shoe contacts... it just felt risky tho. Instead of a traditional thumb rest, looking into the IDS Works Modular Base Plate and Grip for Leica Q3 might be better. It is definitely a more expensive path, but the reliability is much higher. My main technical concern with those shoe-mounted grips is the lever effect they create. If you snag the camera on a strap or bag, you could potentially bend the hot shoe frame. This modular grip provides a solid front handle that makes the body feel way more secure without blocking any dials or buttons at all. Another option is the Lim's Design Italian Leather Half Case for Leica Q3 which includes a built-in contoured grip. It basically solves the ergonomic issue by giving your palm more to hold onto. I just dont think those tiny metal thumb pieces are the safest way to handle a five-thousand-dollar camera when you are walking around a busy city like Tokyo. Better to have something bolted to the bottom or wrapping the body for real peace of mind.

Stumbled on this today and honestly, be careful with these. I once had a loose grip scratch the finish on my hot shoe... total nightmare. I would suggest looking at:

• Haoge THB-Q3B Metal Hot Shoe Thumb Up Rest for Leica Q3 is solid metal and budget-friendly.
• IDS Works Foldable Thumb Rest for Leica Q3 is neat because it folds, so it wont snag your bag. Make sure it doesnt block the dial tho!

I went through this same thing when I moved from the Q2 to the Q3. The button layout change definitely messes with the muscle memory. Honestly, the Leica Thumb Support Q3 (19539) is decent but feels a bit overpriced for what it is. I ended up picking up the Match Technical Thumbs Up EP-SQ3 for Leica Q3 and its solid brass, which feels much more premium in the hand. It stays out of the way of the rear dial too. If you want a more budget-friendly route that basically does the same thing, check out the Haoge THB-Q3B Thumb Rest for Leica Q3. Its way cheaper and honestly... it holds just as well. The Match Technical one has a better finish that matches the body perfectly, but for a trip to Tokyo where you might bang it around, the Haoge is a smart move. It doesnt block any functionality which is the main thing.

tbh I was pretty skeptical about going cheap on a grip for such an expensive body but I ended up really happy with the JJC TA-Q3 Metal Thumb Up Rest for Leica Q3. It cost me like twenty bucks and works well without blocking the dial or feeling flimsy. The fitment is surprisingly snug in the hot shoe and has a tiny rubber bit so it doesnt scratch the body. If you want something that looks a bit more premium for your trip, the Lims Design Metal Thumb Rest for Leica Q3 is another solid choice that wont break the bank like the Match Technical one. That one has a really natural curve that makes the camera feel way more secure when you're shooting one-handed. Honestly, for the price of the official ones you could basically pay for a few dinners in Shinjuku instead. Enjoy Tokyo, the Q3 is the perfect street tool for those neon alleys!