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ian748s · February 8th, 2007, 03:28 PM

I'm looking for a case to protect my M6 during use. What does everyone think of the Luigi cases?

Or is there anything better that I should consider?

wparsonsgisnet · February 8th, 2007, 03:50 PM

Posters here are crazy about the Luigi cases.

I use the leather case that Leica sells.

lambroving · February 8th, 2007, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ian748s

I'm looking for a case to protect my M6 during use. What does everyone think of the Luigi cases?

Or is there anything better that I should consider?

Kameraleder: Leica M6 Much better quality. I'm using this combo on my M7. Kameraleder: LEICA M6 Body Case

wizard · February 8th, 2007, 04:26 PM

I second the two Bills. While the Luigi cases are certainly nice, the original Leica leather case is very durable, practical and has high quality of workmanship. For my IIIg, I own a Kameraleder case which I love for its smell alone. Quality is also fist rate.

Andy

stunsworth · February 8th, 2007, 04:28 PM

The problem with most of these cases seems to be that the very bits you want to protect the most - lens and renagefinder - are still exposed when you are using them to take photographs (or if you just have a half case).

Plus you seem to have to remove the camera from the case if you want to change the film.

And if you store the camera in the case in a less than ideal environment you run the risk of mould.

Just some things to consider before you spend what is qfter all quite a lot of money.

TimF · February 8th, 2007, 05:11 PM

Yes, I tend to agree with Steve. You'd need to be pretty clumsy to inflict serious damage whilst out doing some togging - You're not planning on going to a war zone I presume?

I've never used a "never-ready case", but my cameras are still in one piece.

ian748s · February 8th, 2007, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimF

Yes, I tend to agree with Steve. You'd need to be pretty clumsy to inflict serious damage whilst out doing some togging - You're not planning on going to a war zone I presume?

I've never used a "never-ready case", but my cameras are still in one piece.

To put this in context - no I don't intend to go to war but, for example, last weekend I was in Bulgaria and didn't take my D2x outfit as I couldn't manage the weight/bulk on this particular trip (mainly business).

I took my Panasonic DMC LC1 is it's ER case as I needed to be able to carry it whilst trekking up in the snow covered mountains. The case kept it safe and dry. When I was using it the 'top' was dispatched and the camera hung around my neck.

So I'm looking for something similar. The M6 is absolutely mint as is my F2a (which I use an ER case for) and I want to keep it pretty much like that.

Thanks for the suggestions.

lambroving · February 8th, 2007, 07:43 PM

Ian,

If you just need something to protect the camera in a briefcase and while out walking, and only intend to use one lens, a Kameraleder full case would work well. I only use the 1/2 case with my M7 becuse it usually travels in a bag with three bodies. Just be sure to get one with the correct sized snout for that lens..., or the largest you will use. When you are shooting, remove the snout and you have a 1/2 case. As Andreas says, the leather is very soft and high-grade and enhances grip on the body. The strap also attaches to the case, not the lugs (no strain on those) and the body mounts with the tripod screw. Since I use the M7 with larger lenses, that extra "grip" really helps. The strap is also a clever design.

Dropped my M7 once at the cost of a new 28/2 lens hood and a base plate but have had no incidents since using this 1/2 case. Removing the body to change film is no issue for me because it takes me quite a while to bang out 37 - 38 frames. Other's mileage may vary.

ddp · February 8th, 2007, 08:19 PM

Tried a case once...hated it. Hindered my operations...but YMMV. I also put collectible Leica gear in harms way, so what do I know.....

lambroving · February 8th, 2007, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddp

Tried a case once...hated it. Hindered my operations...but YMMV. I also put collectible Leica gear in harms way, so what do I know.....

You go to Atlantic City much?

TimF · February 8th, 2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ian748s

I took my Panasonic DMC LC1 is it's ER case as I needed to be able to carry it whilst trekking up in the snow covered mountains. The case kept it safe and dry. When I was using it the 'top' was dispatched and the camera hung around my neck.

So I'm looking for something similar. The M6 is absolutely mint as is my F2a (which I use an ER case for) and I want to keep it pretty much like that.

OK, although as I presume you'd want to carry more than a single roll of film with you whilst out (and, again presumably, both lenses once you have them), you'll need somewhere to stow that stuff too. So why not a compact camera bag - not necessarily a shoulder one; there are decent belt packs out there.

ddp · February 8th, 2007, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambroving

You go to Atlantic City much?

Not as often as I should...lol.

ian748s · February 8th, 2007, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimF

OK, although as I presume you'd want to carry more than a single roll of film with you whilst out (and, again presumably, both lenses once you have them), you'll need somewhere to stow that stuff too. So why not a compact camera bag - not necessarily a shoulder one; there are decent belt packs out there.

Well interestingly, since moving to digital I have moved through the 'chimping' shoot anything cos it's now free stage to a much more discerning approach where I shoot much less and so I don't anticipate taking too much film along at any one time to be honest. I also often limit myself to a single lens. so the move back a little towards film will be an interesting and exciting journey. I also intend to shoot only black and white.

I have many camera bags but this is different I feel.

rsh · February 9th, 2007, 02:16 AM

I use the Kameraleder Cases on my M5s and MP, however I believe he has stopped making them. I have ordered Luigi 1/2 cases for my SL2s and I am sure they will be fine.

Stephen.s1 · February 9th, 2007, 03:47 PM

http://www.artisanandartist.com/index.htm

I've got one on my M6. Love it. Stocking dealer is in NYC.

rsh · February 9th, 2007, 04:53 PM

Artisan looks to be a nice case and the price is right!

ian748s · February 10th, 2007, 05:17 PM

Many thanks for all your replies and the advice. I have much food for thought!

martin · February 10th, 2007, 11:06 PM

since christmass I own a wonderfull luigihalfcase for my MP,
it's absolutly perfect, very well built, handcrafted and fits like a second skin.
I never go out without it.

petebown · February 13th, 2007, 02:24 PM

I can't fault Luigi's cases. The really nice thing is that he will make a custom case in any colour you want.

bradhusick · February 21st, 2007, 03:13 AM

I love my Luigi case for the M8:

February 8th, 2007, 03:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
ian748s Benutzer Join Date: September 15th, 2006 Posts: 33	Anyone use a Luigi case for their Leica? I'm looking for a case to protect my M6 during use. What does everyone think of the Luigi cases? Or is there anything better that I should consider? __________________ cheers Ian Leica M6, Nikon D2x, I want a Leica M8

February 8th, 2007, 03:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
wparsonsgisnet Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: January 2nd, 2004 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 2,481	Re: Anyone use a Luigi came for their Leica? Posters here are crazy about the Luigi cases. I use the leather case that Leica sells. __________________ Bill Parsons (wparsons@gis.net), Boston

February 8th, 2007, 04:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
wizard Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: December 5th, 2002 Posts: 1,809	AW: Anyone use a Luigi came for their Leica? I second the two Bills. While the Luigi cases are certainly nice, the original Leica leather case is very durable, practical and has high quality of workmanship. For my IIIg, I own a Kameraleder case which I love for its smell alone. Quality is also fist rate. Andy

February 8th, 2007, 04:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
stunsworth Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: September 30th, 2002 Location: Manchester Posts: 6,767	Re: Anyone use a Luigi came for their Leica? The problem with most of these cases seems to be that the very bits you want to protect the most - lens and renagefinder - are still exposed when you are using them to take photographs (or if you just have a half case). Plus you seem to have to remove the camera from the case if you want to change the film. And if you store the camera in the case in a less than ideal environment you run the risk of mould. Just some things to consider before you spend what is qfter all quite a lot of money. __________________ Steve Website - www.steveunsworth.co.uk Picture a week - http://www.steveunsworth.co.uk/PAW_blog/?page_id=9

February 8th, 2007, 05:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
TimF Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: January 25th, 2003 Posts: 337	Re: Anyone use a Luigi came for their Leica? Yes, I tend to agree with Steve. You'd need to be pretty clumsy to inflict serious damage whilst out doing some togging - You're not planning on going to a war zone I presume? I've never used a "never-ready case", but my cameras are still in one piece.

February 8th, 2007, 07:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
lambroving Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: July 9th, 2003 Location: Allamuchy, NJ USA Posts: 1,283	Re: Anyone use a Luigi came for their Leica? Ian, If you just need something to protect the camera in a briefcase and while out walking, and only intend to use one lens, a Kameraleder full case would work well. I only use the 1/2 case with my M7 becuse it usually travels in a bag with three bodies. Just be sure to get one with the correct sized snout for that lens..., or the largest you will use. When you are shooting, remove the snout and you have a 1/2 case. As Andreas says, the leather is very soft and high-grade and enhances grip on the body. The strap also attaches to the case, not the lugs (no strain on those) and the body mounts with the tripod screw. Since I use the M7 with larger lenses, that extra "grip" really helps. The strap is also a clever design. Dropped my M7 once at the cost of a new 28/2 lens hood and a base plate but have had no incidents since using this 1/2 case. Removing the body to change film is no issue for me because it takes me quite a while to bang out 37 - 38 frames. Other's mileage may vary. __________________ Best, William M5, M7, MP .58, SL

February 8th, 2007, 08:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
ddp Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: September 27th, 2002 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 820	Re: Anyone use a Luigi came for their Leica? Tried a case once...hated it. Hindered my operations...but YMMV. I also put collectible Leica gear in harms way, so what do I know..... __________________ http://www.hirevimaging.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/hirevimaging/

February 9th, 2007, 02:16 AM	#14 (permalink)
rsh Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: April 22nd, 2004 Location: Atlanta Posts: 206	Re: Anyone use a Luigi came for their Leica? I use the Kameraleder Cases on my M5s and MP, however I believe he has stopped making them. I have ordered Luigi 1/2 cases for my SL2s and I am sure they will be fine. __________________ Richard Stonestreet Hutchison Leica User Since 1970.

February 9th, 2007, 03:47 PM	#15 (permalink)
Stephen.s1 Benutzer Join Date: November 26th, 2006 Posts: 98	Re: Anyone use a Luigi came for their Leica? http://www.artisanandartist.com/index.htm I've got one on my M6. Love it. Stocking dealer is in NYC. __________________ Stephen My pix

February 9th, 2007, 04:53 PM	#16 (permalink)
rsh Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: April 22nd, 2004 Location: Atlanta Posts: 206	Re: Anyone use a Luigi came for their Leica? Artisan looks to be a nice case and the price is right! __________________ Richard Stonestreet Hutchison Leica User Since 1970.

February 10th, 2007, 05:17 PM	#17 (permalink)
ian748s Benutzer Join Date: September 15th, 2006 Posts: 33	Re: Anyone use a Luigi came for their Leica? Many thanks for all your replies and the advice. I have much food for thought! __________________ cheers Ian Leica M6, Nikon D2x, I want a Leica M8