I bought the part, so I with the rather stately Olympus M.Zuiko 12-40mm 2.8 and photograph the 14-150mm also a long time without getting tired easily and can and also to minimize the risk that the very me M10 compact with heavy lens times accidentally witscht out of hand.
Material and Design
The handle is made of a solid plastic acting. The rubber coating corresponds to the black rubber coating of the camera so that the ECG merges with a black M10 into an elegant unit. My feeling of grip also conveys a valent feel to the touch.
Ergonomics
As for ergonomics, I'm a bit ambivalent. I find that the ECG improves the durability of the camera very clearly and handling within certain limits. Trigger and command dials can be achieved well, the handschmeichlerische grip of E-M1, or even the models have E-30, E-3 or E-5 is the M10 with the handle but not ran, to he would have much more voluminous and round shaped (and this I say as an owner rather compact men's hands). But the goal of Olympus was certainly more likely to get the compact dimensions with more grip comfort.
Features
What is particularly tricky at ECG: If the battery in the camera is empty and needs to be replaced, do not have to unscrew the handle awkward. It is fixed with a kind of adapter to the tripod socket of M10 and can be removed via quick lever with a handle. After changing the battery, it is simply re draufgesetzt and snaps with a full click on the adapter.
What I also find good: The tripod thread of the ECG-1 is like the camera directly to the optical axis of the lens. This facilitates the alignment of the camera for panoramic shots.
Conclusion
All in all a great accessory that I can recommend. One can argue most about the trend to build cameras so tiny that they have to do afterwards again operated with genuine Yamaha attachments. But at least you have a buyer before each photo tour the choice of whether you want to have designed his camera rather small or more ergonomic.
For the small restriction in terms of ergonomics, I would deduct half a star and awarded 4.5 stars. Since this is not provided, I forgive for now five star and correct if necessary. After prolonged use.
