Olympus PEN-F thumb grip fix
I bought my PEN-F used, only a few months ago, in September 2024. Late to the party, but it’s a camera I’ve lusted over since it was released. I’ve been an Olympus user since 2010, starting with the E-420, then the E-M5 I, II and a pair of E-M1 II bodies. It was just a matter of time before I acquired a PEN-F.
The PEN-F is a beautifully designed camera, one that inspires us to pick it up. I’d read many times that despite the superb build quality, it has one well known weak point, the thumb grip, known to simply fall off with regular use. So when mine arrived, the thumb grip was one of the first things I inspected, and sure enough, it was working itself loose. It looked like the previous owner had stuck it back in place, but at least it was there. I decided to take it off and keep it safe, and strangely, I quite liked the extra deep recess that the absent thumb grip revealed but wasn’t keen on the cold metal feeling nor the empty bare metal look with exposed screw heads. That cold metal feeling was what I had previously experienced with my Panasonic GF1, a slippery metal body which I improved the hold of by applying a strip of rubberised tape to the front of the body and to the rear thumb grip. It was that experience that gave me the idea for the PEN-F DIY fix.
So, I could have used the same tape that I had put on the GF1, but that had a smooth surface and I wanted to see if I could find one with a textured surface, one that would complement the PEN-F’s body texture.
I found a tape online for £14.99. While it’s not as thick or rubbery soft as the OEM version, it provides a solid, good-looking grip at a fraction of the cost.
To cut the new grip to the right size, I used the original thumb grip as a template. My essential tools included a craft knife, a cutting mat, and – most importantly – plenty of patience. Precision was crucial since the PEN-F’s design deserved a clean, seamless fit. By applying strong pressure, I achieved sharp edges and a neat finish.
The outcome? A functional and visually appealing fix. I’m delighted with how it turned out, but I may consider layering the tape in the future for a thicker, cushier feel. For other PEN-F owners looking for an affordable alternative, this is an easy and effective way to have a good-looking grip without sacrificing style.
“I started professional photography relatively late in life, in my mid-40s, but it feels like a natural culmination of everything I’ve done before. I studied Technical Illustration at the Mid-Cheshire School of Art & Design in the late 1980s, where photography was part of the curriculum. This early foundation in composition, perspective and visual storytelling led me to a 16-year career as a technical illustrator, where I produced detailed illustrations, particularly historical and street maps, for major publishing houses such as The Times, Dorling Kindersley, and AA Publishing.
Later on, with a desire to work with people, I entered the property industry as an estate agent. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the housing market, the importance of presentation and what truly makes a property stand out. As a result, I’ve been able to seamlessly combine my art and technical skills with my knowledge of property and people.
My journey has allowed me to draw from a wealth of experience – from the precision of technical illustration to the storytelling aspects of photography, along with the insights gained from working in real estate. Today, I get to do what I love: create striking images of beautifully designed homes while interacting with people from all walks of life.”
Justin
March 31, 2025 @ 19:05
I’m also lusting over this beauty and even though I know the prices in 2025 are insane, i might just end up pulling the trigger one of these days! and now I know of one potential issue and even better, a fix for it! thank you! and congrats on the camera!
Alex Reay
April 1, 2025 @ 20:08
There are still reasonably good deals to be had. A couple of days ago, an excellent copy was sold on eBay for about £750. Not too bad considering some of the prices I’ve seen being asked. I’m glad I bought one, just wish I’d done it sooner. The Colour/Mono dial is just wonderful to play with. You might also want to consider the E-P7 which is basically a Pen-F without an EVF, much faster processor (TruePic VIII, the same as E-M1 II) and focus performance which is actually remarkably good! It’s not as solidly built, more plastic but still good and very light. It has a few tech features missing and lacks Custom modes but does have a nice grip and better, simpler integration of the Colour/Mono dial. Best of all it’s much more affordable. Let me know if you pull the trigger.
Alex Reay
April 1, 2025 @ 20:15
Hi Justin, there are still reasonably good deals to be had. A couple of days ago, an excellent copy was sold on eBay for about £750. Not too bad considering some of the prices I’ve seen being asked. I’m glad I bought one, just wish I’d done it sooner. The Colour/Mono dial is just wonderful to play with which brings me on to the E-P7 which you may want to consider. It’s basically a Pen-F without an EVF, much faster processor (TruePic VIII, the same as E-M1 II) and focus performance which is actually remarkably good! It’s not as solidly built, more plastic but still good and very light. It has a few tech features missing and lacks Custom modes but does have a nice grip and better, simpler integration of the Colour/Mono dial. Best of all it’s much more affordable. Let me know if you pull the trigger.
Patrice LEVY
April 20, 2025 @ 13:21
A big thank you for this solution. I managed to repair my beloved Pen-F (see the result in the attached picture) though I had lost the original thumb grip and therefore had no template. Patience and precision are crucial.
Super happy with the results !
Alex Reay
April 22, 2025 @ 09:41
Hey Patrice, that’s brilliant to hear! It looks like you’ve done a great job too. A friend suggested to first apply a piece of ‘Gorilla’ Double Sided Mounting Tape (1mm thick) to add some thickness and then the rubber grip tape on top. Doing so might give it a bit more depth and softer feel.