Some questions about the Luigi half case for the M9?

[Fotomiguel]

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Lately I'm using my M9 a lot without bag. I've seen this wonderful Luigi half case in Leicatime.com I've never used one of this half cases but I would love to.

Is very annoying to change the batterie?

Do you feel equal using the camera, feeling the grip, using the controls, changing the lens? Seems to be no problem but I would like to confirm it.

Have anybody tried and then quit and Why?

Thank you

Miguel.

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[Steve Ash]

If you use it with a strap you just open the two push buttons and wrap of the half case while the camera is hanging around your neck. I have no problem with that. Change the battery in advance, i.e. do not wait until it is completely drained. This way you can choose the right moment when you are sure that you do not miss a shot.

 

Regards

Steve

[erlingmm]

Very happy with mine, the grip in the case is extremely helpful, never felt the need for Thumbs up.

[A Sfeir]

Luigi sells cases and bottom cover with special opening to change card and battery. Pictures have been posted in another thread.

[euston]

I don’t have the grip on mine and don’t feel I’m missing anything but that’s just personal preference. Have you thought about which kind of screen cover to order? Luigi recommends the hanging flap which remains attached when you want to look at the screen. That’s the one I have and I agree with Luigi’s advice. I thought it might get in the way but it doesn’t.

 

The case doesn’t affect using the controls or changing lenses at all. When you first get your case you may find that getting it on and off to change battery and card is difficult as the case is a tight fit to start with. It loosens up as you use it.

 

Because, like you, I don’t usually carry my M9 around in a bag, there are two accessories I have found useful. One is Luigi’s beautifully made little battery case. It fixes to the camera strap and will take one battery and two SD cards. The other is the neoprene case (item no. 14868) from Leica which will fit over the half case, providing extra protection when travelling. More information at Leica Camera AG - Photography - Neoprene Case M

[tom in mpls]

Regarding the back flap, there are 3 options.

 

1. Removable flap. Don't, you'll either lose it or leave it off all the time, so why bother.

 

2. Bottom flap. Good solution, way better than removable.

 

3. No flap. That's what I went for. No snap rivets at all on the back, and no worry about the flap getting in the way. I have a Giottos glass cover on the LCD, so no worry about scratches.

 

2 and 3 are both good solutions. Unfortunately, no discount from Luigi if you tell him to make it without a back flap.

[d2mini]

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This thread makes me sad.

 

I'd rather see a naked, sexy, natural, well used looking M9 than any M9 all covered up in bulky, unflattering clothing.

[tom in mpls]

I'd rather see a naked, sexy, natural, well used looking M9 than any M9 all covered up in bulky, unflattering clothing.

I understand the appeal of the "naked" 9, and the unique beauty imparted by the patina of use, but at 7 large I also understand taking precautions.

 

I do, however, disagree about the covers being "bulky" and "unflattering". I find my Luigi to be both svelte and most beautiful, and a fitting complement to the fine camera.

[stephan_w]

I personally use the Luigi halfcase with the smaller grip, that fits very well and look a bit less bulky (and it's brown, not black).

 

Besides the good protection it offers to the camera, I like the "grip" it offers. As I used recently a 135/2.8 with googles that doesn't fit the halfcase, I had to take the M9 out without Luigis halfcase and I found the camera much less pleasant to use.

 

I don't have the opening in the halfcase, and yes, it's a bit of tricky to pull out the battery or the memory card, but I can live with that.

[tdtaylor]

I have the half case with the built in grip, not the Leica grip surround. Very easy to hold for extended period, in my case, usually with the thumbs up. I find myself in tough environments, and the half case has been worth it- already have several good dents in the leather, but the camera is fine. As to the ease of changing batteries and cards, I recently posted a thread on Luigi's M-Mate 2, which for me is getting me closer to a workable solution:

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/124734-leicatime-m-mate-2-a.html

[Anguish]

Never used to have a case until I got an M9 and realized that the value of my M8s might have diminished b/c of normal wear. Wasn't an issue with film cameras. Have a half case w/o grip and find it relatively unobtrusive. I take it off when on a shooting spree to have access to the card.

[Fotomiguel]

Thank you for the replies!

I have the neoprene case is quite nice for its pries but get wet. The half case of the picture has no flap. This is my favourite. I think is 200 Euros. A bit expensive but the lether should be very nice.

[lars_bergquist]

I have a Luigi halfcase, smallest finger grip (just the slight bulge) and hanging flap. The reason I bought it was exactly that I had tired of available screen protectors and wanted something more substantial. This works just fine.

 

My maternal grandfather was a blacksaddler. I inherited a feeling for and appreciation of fine leather, which Signor Crescenzi obviously shares. The M9 looks splendid in a brown halfcase. It does also look distinctly oldfashioned -- "old man with quaint old camera, perfectly harmless, not worth mugging" -- which suits me just fine.

 

The old man from the Age of the Four In Hand