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Anyone else NOT use a case for their M9/MM/M?


A miller

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As robust as the M bodies are made, the only reason I can think of to use a half or full case is to preserve the resale value of the body.

 

In my experience, any kind of case for the M body (even film) detracts from the sensory experience of using an M.

 

To many, the cost-benefit analysis values the perceived resale preservation (and possible element of caution) greater than the enhanced sensory experience.

 

I used to espouse this view. Then, a few months ago, I said "the hell with this pain in the bum," and started going caseless. I couldn't be happier. Reasons include:

 

-The M body just feels more balanced and natural in my hand w/o a case

-Even though cases don't have much weight, they add bulk, which carries a perception of weight (at least to me)

-No more frustrating unsnapping of the case and double removal of thiings when replacing the battery or removing the SD card

-With the MM, the leather vulcanite is quite supple and a pelasure to grip; it actually wears in quite nicely with some use.

-The reduced bulk makes the body even more stealthy.

 

Overall, as silly as it is, going caseless has been quite liberating.

 

Wondering whether I am alone and whether others go caseless as well.

 

Silly thread, indeed, so feel free to ignore it or tease me until your heart is content :)

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I'm an M user for decades, never used a case. I"m a shooter, not a collector. The scratches, brassing etc. to me are age lines, like my own.

 

I'd consider going 2 last steps to 'naked' shooting with the 9 or M-E, Luigi's brilliant replacement bottom plate. M-Mate 2 is fine - has hatches for SD card & battery: Leicatime Luigi Crescenzi : leica cameras leica compur mp elmar 250 reporter leicavit. No more removing the bottom plate, a nod to cameras of yore - now just a nuisance.

 

I also highly endorse the Thumbie, much better stability:

Thumbie Grip for Leica M8 M9 M9 P mm or Me | eBay

 

Have used both now years - can't imagine without.

 

Less is more - no case makes shooting easier

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Most of the time I don't use a case but instead have the Really Right Stuff baseplate and grip installed. I just like a little more meat to grab onto as I use a Street Strap and wrap it around my wrist most of the time as well.

 

When I do wrap up my M9 or MM, I use the Leica half cases - simple and effective...

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I seem to recall that, back in the day...that would be 60 years ago, all new 35mm cameras came with little leather full cases.

Back then, if you thought you were serious about photography, you took them off and left them at home in the cupboard. Tourist's had leather cases on their cameras!

As a Leica user for 35 plus years I have never wanted, nor would I bother with, a case for my cameras as (in my opinion) they look clunky, spoil the appearance of the camera,

are an over-kill as a protective measure and just simply get in the way. Mitigating factors = nil.

Edited by platypus
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For me, it's a tool. Gaffer tape above the strap lugs prevents any serious scarring, but it gets used, carried every day. I never bought it thinking of resale. I'll admit that others may be looking ahead to trading it to the next great tool, but this helps me capture the sort of black and white photos that allowed me to retire my M2R, except for rare use. That one shows its years and use, too.

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Interesting comments and insights. Thanks to all for sharing.

 

I've never heard of the M-Mate, but it is quite intriguing if it fact is the same weight and build as the base plate that comes with the body. Anyone else use it? My only reservation other than the arguably unnecessary cost would be the lack of protection against certain harsh weather elements.

 

I briefly used Leica brand half cases but found that they created impression marks on the vulcanite of both my MM and M9 :eek::mad:

 

I also initially used the original case that came with my M3 and IIIg but over time ditched them - which was especially liberating.

 

I suppose that there are instances in which a case can make sense (mountain climbing comes to mind :confused:), but on a day-to-day basis my heavy use doesn't miss it.

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Almost never for either. I bought a Luigi half case after owning my M9 for a year or so, and while it was beautifully made, I prefer the feel of a naked body in terms of size, feel and function (removing SD card and battery), so I sold it.

I later bought a Mr. Zhao half case that I throw on either body if I know things could get bounced around a bit on an outing.

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I have a Lowe Pro case for carrying the camera when not in use, as well as a Lowe Pro Orion Trekker for carrying other gear, otherwise I simply sling the camera around my neck, and sometimes carry an extra lens or two in a leather waist-pouch. I do agree about trying to keep the camera in the best condition possible.

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I've used the bottom half of erc cases in cold weather because the metal bodies get really uncomfortably cold and I find it hard to work the controls with gloves on (the fingerless ones are pointless as it's my fingers that get numb and stiff). My M4 bodies are full of scratches and dings to prove they didn't always get cased. And at the time I didn't think about resale either. I had no idea Leicas would become collectible. Almost 45 years later I still have them and not planning to sell even though I doubt I'll use them again. For one thing, I won't get much given their condition. And if I do, with the same film and lens it will give me results like a brand-new MP. OTOH my M8, M9 and not M240 always had a case on because digital technology advances and in a few short years I'm wanting to get improved IQ by upgrading. Being able to honestly advertise my M8 and M9 as being mint let me recoup top dollar and put it toward the next model. And the back flaps on those cases protect the LCD and make it so I don't even know it's there unless I need to change ISO or something.

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I used to have a Luigi case for my M8 and sold it with the camera. I went "naked" with my M9 for many years until last year when I bought myself an Arte di Mano case for it. I actually love the feel of the case. It adds grip and does not take away anything. The beautiful leather combined with the metal of the M9 strike a chord with me.

 

I actually use my M7 and MP without cases because I use them less than the M9 and because they are so much prettier than the M9. If you have ever handled a film MP, you will do anything to make the M9 feel different because it can't hold a candle to the MP aesthetically.

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Interesting comments and insights. Thanks to all for sharing.

 

I've never heard of the M-Mate, but it is quite intriguing if it fact is the same weight and build as the base plate that comes with the body. Anyone else use it? My only reservation other than the arguably unnecessary cost would be the lack of protection against certain harsh weather elements.

 

I briefly used Leica brand half cases but found that they created impression marks on the vulcanite of both my MM and M9 :eek::mad:

 

I also initially used the original case that came with my M3 and IIIg but over time ditched them - which was especially liberating.

 

I suppose that there are instances in which a case can make sense (mountain climbing comes to mind :confused:), but on a day-to-day basis my heavy use doesn't miss it.

 

I do.

It's a great addition and well made.

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I'm an M user for decades, never used a case. I"m a shooter, not a collector. The scratches, brassing etc. to me are age lines, like my own...

 

+1

 

Never used a case with any camera I've ever owned. In the very early days I was twice persuaded to buy a case with a camera, but the thing quickly ended up dumped in a cupboard until I came to sell the camera.

 

Bags are a different matter! ;)

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[...] I prefer the feel of a naked body in terms of size, feel and function ([...]) I later bought a Mr. Zhao half case that I throw on either body if I know things could get bounced around a bit on an outing.

 

It is wise to refrain from being naked if you are going to out someone.

.

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I have one soft case that I occasionally use on any M when camping or hiking, the "Original Benser".

 

Picture credit: Roger William Hicks and Frances Eugenia Schultz

 

I have one of these too, and use it in the same circumstances. Normally, no case at all. My M9 is starting to show brass in places; none the worse for that. The MM still looks like new.

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