Anyone used one of these?

[petew]

Hi Guys

It's been a while but has anyone used one of these before? Are they any good?

Pete

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=15215&item=3870700101&rd=1

[deMille]

Not used one but have considered ordering it for some time. This is the "new, improved" version with (they say) better quality finish and materials. I have never heard complaints on the earlier version which is still available at about $40.00 or so.

By golly, I think I've talked myself into ordering one today!

Dale

[petew]

cheers Dale!

looks like you talked me into one too!!!!

you should do this for a living!

Pete

[easternherp]

Pete,

Keep us posted on how you get on. I am thinking about getting one but am worried about removing the battery cover and not being able to put it back on if needed.

[HulaMike]

the add says that it provides a vertical grip as well. Does that mean it has another shutter release in vertical orientation?

[Scott]

pete

I bought one about 5 months ago, works great not problems so far with about 4-5000 images. Seems to balance the camera a little as well, and you no longer need to worry about the CR123s!!

scott

[easternherp]

the add says that it provides a vertical grip as well. Does that mean it has another shutter release in vertical orientation?
Hula,

I don't think it does.

[petew]

Thanks Scott

Is it a battery pack or does it just avoid the need for CR123's by taking AA's instead?

[easternherp]

It is a battery pack that takes 4 AA batteries that replace the CR123's.
It doesn't replace the on board AA's.

[Benison]

I have the "earlier version" of the S2 BATTERY PACK. It is exactly the same in form as the current one that started this thread -- same eBay seller -- except the current one is supposed to made of a stronger plastic (as I understand it). I paid $74 (inc. shipping) for mine back in October, which is roughly the same as the one for sale on eBay right now. Neither 'version' requires any modifications -- will fit on the S2 right out of the package. Mine performs just fine. The "vertical grip" nomenclature is a misnomer and it is more than a stretch to advertise it as such, IMHO -- there is no vertical shutter button and it's not molded as a vertical grip, IMO, and I'm disappointed the seller continues to market it as such. Although it does lengthen the camera's handgrip, and is thus more comfortable to hold, it is simply a battery pack; it holds 4 AA batteries which replace the two CR123a batteries (which it does marvelously). What I like: batteries last and last and last. :rockon:

To hopefully clear up another misunderstanding that continues to persist surrounding this topic, the battery pack/grips selling for $39.99 are NOT Fuji S2 type battery packs. Those are MB-16 knock-offs, made for and marketed specifically to fit the Nikon N80; they are NOT an earlier version of the S2 Battery Pack. The Nikon MB-16 requires special modifications before being able to fit the Fuji S2 (I am aware plenty of people are using modified MB-16s with their S2). Point is, this thread is about the S2 Battery Pack, which requires no retrofiting. Two different animals are being confused as being the same thing. I would be really disappointed if I bought a third party $39.99 MB-16 knock-off after reading this thread, thinking I could just fit it to my S2 right out of the package, only to realize it was useless to me until I made major modifications to it (I don't even know that the knock-offs can be converted to fit the S2 successfully, although I would assume it can be done).

What I've found to be fairly consistent on eBay/elsewhere over the past several months:

Fuji S2 BATTERY PACK (third party): Fits S2 out of package, no modifications required (currently at $71 inc. shipping).

Genuine Nikon MB-16: Priced slightly higher than the S2 battery pack (around $75 inc. shipping, whether purchased on eBay or from B&H). Requires modifications to fit S2 -- some people have been successful, others not so successful.

MB-16 knock-off: Unsure if successful modifications can be made to fit the Fuji S2. Lowest price found: $39.99, plus $8 shipping. Interestingly, this unit has a unique little built-in feature -- it has a strap lug on the bottom for an optional hand strap :righton: (not promoting this unit in the very least; but I do very much like the strap lug feature.)

That's what I found my options were before I made my decision. Hope this helps. If I bought another, I'd probably stick with the one that requires no modifications.
I know this post is a bit late; I haven't been around for awhile.

[barefooter]

Yes the knock off MB-16's can easily be converted to fit the S2 pro like a glove!

Excellent fit with NO movement between the two, even with the largest lenses on a tripod. :righton:

Check out: http://www.cameratechusa.com