mgreernz Posted July 9, 2010 Share #1 Posted July 9, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) I've decided to go with a Luigi case and Leicatime M9 baseplate (is the silver finished plate comparable to the silver of the M9?). But over the past few days I've been unsuccessful in trying to access the Leicatime website http://www.leicatime.com and I've been getting no reply to any emails. Anyone else encountering the problem? Or is it peculiar to this far-flung part of the Pacific? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 9, 2010 Posted July 9, 2010 Hi mgreernz, Take a look here Luigi and the Leicatime website. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
miklosphoto Posted July 9, 2010 Share #2 Posted July 9, 2010 Try to contact him through his eBay store front: umana items - Get great deals on Cameras Photo items on eBay.com! Whenever I contacted him through the eBay message system, he always replied within 24 hours. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leicashot Posted July 9, 2010 Share #3 Posted July 9, 2010 I've only heard bad things about the baseplate. Flimsy doors don't protect some pretty import assets - battery and e-film. I'd be careful Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocker Posted July 9, 2010 Share #4 Posted July 9, 2010 LUIGI IS AWAY FROM ROMA FOR A NECESSARY RESTING YOURNEY, STILL CONNECTED, UNTIL (ABOUT) AUGUST THE 10th. PLEASE, EMAIL CALMLY TO HIM (ME !), OR TO HIS PROBABLE (new) ASSISTANT, Dr. Pietro Crescenzi,at: pietrocrescenzi@leicatime.com Pietro will be able to respond in English, and will become (I hope) the "key" for a better, faster, deserved service to all our beloved customers, and friends ! Good Luck! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgreernz Posted July 9, 2010 Author Share #5 Posted July 9, 2010 Thanks for the info. Especially the comment re the base plate. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdtaylor Posted July 9, 2010 Share #6 Posted July 9, 2010 I personally like the baseplate. I use his half case, so the bottom doesn't take much abuse, but it make it much easier to change batteries and cards- before I was having to juggle the bottom and the case. While I am concerned about the non-robust nature of the doors, in practice it has not been a problem and they have held up fine. And I would tend to take recommendations from those who have actually handled the product. I posted a short review back in April: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/124734-leicatime-m-mate-2-a.html#post1320387 While I had a number of concerns at that point, to date the potential shortcomings have not come to fruition. And having used it since I received it, it's fit is superior to my OEM baseplate, which has a fairly sloppy fit. It is also stiffer than the original. The paint (I have black) is not going to hold up like the original, but that really doesn't concern me- I'll just put the OEM plate on it when I sell it. Bottom line- if you appreciate the ready access and it brings benefit to you, the benefits of the base definitely outweigh the potential disadvantages. If you have further concerns or questions, feel free to email me. By the way, Luigi can be difficult to contact, but about the time I am exasperated, he responds in minutes. Bottom line with Luigi- he is a class act even if he is not the world's greatest communicator (or webmaster ). PS- I did not order the half case with the openings- my current case is in excellent shape, and I just can't see putting it on the shelf unused. Maybe I'll replace it someday. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom in mpls Posted July 10, 2010 Share #7 Posted July 10, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have the black M mate 2, so I cannot comment on the other finishes. I like this plate very much for the easy access. His site states "the anodized Silver is very similar to the chrome M8, but not identical". I agree the doors could be more robust, but then I keep the camera covered with his half case. He now will add 2 leather flaps on the bottom to access the battery and SD slots (he will also cut holes to match the M mate doors, but I think that would look terrible and does not in any way appeal to me. Better to get the flaps.) When combined with the M mate 2, the bottom stays well protected and YOU NEVER NEED TO REMOVE THE CASE! I am having no problem accessing his webpage. Leicatime Luigi Crescenzi : leica cameras leica compur mp elmar 250 reporter leicavit The best way to order is to send an email listing exactly which features and finish that you want, and request a price quote. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
asfeir Posted July 10, 2010 Share #8 Posted July 10, 2010 I have Luigi's half-case with flaps and M mate 2. Works perfectly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexc Posted July 10, 2010 Share #9 Posted July 10, 2010 Using black baseplate and half case with flaps for two months already. No issues whatsoever. Very convenient. Luigi regular case was great, now it is perfect. Needless to say the same outstanding quality. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
papimuzo Posted July 11, 2010 Share #10 Posted July 11, 2010 I have the M-Mate2 base plate in black finish and using the half-case with corresponding cuts for the memory card as well the battery. I no more need to leave the half-case. All these works perfectly well. Must add that in my case, I got the stuff in a 4 days matter and two e-mails. But YMMV. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shade Posted July 12, 2010 Share #11 Posted July 12, 2010 The silver baseplate will look lighter in colour, as the M9's silver is actually steel grey.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glider Posted July 13, 2010 Share #12 Posted July 13, 2010 Dear Friends, Luigi's service is really rather amazing, given that he's in the middle of his vacation. I e-mailed him on Saturday July 10 regarding ordering one of his M-Mate2 baseplates, and actually ordered the item after receiving a reply from him on Sunday July 11. He sent me a FedEx tracking number during the evening July 11, shipped the item on Monday July 12, and I received it here in the states today Tuesday July 13 before 11:00 am! That's service! Upon examining the product, its finish is an adequate matte/semimatte black that seems to have been evenly applied on the baseplate itself, though not the identical color/appearance as either Leica black chrome or Leica black paint. Unfortunately, the paint seems to be rubbing off a bit on one of the two doors (specifically the memory card door), and is not completely even on the battery compartment door. Otherwise, the machining seems very nice, and the fit is just fine. As to the door mechanisms themselves, they are indeed lightweight, but the hinges work fine as do the little magnets that hold the doors closed. I've e-mailed Luigi regarding the paint issue, and I'm sure that he'll take care of me; he's been quite supportive and helpful with past questions I've had. I just wish I could shake his hand in person to convey my appreciation at his long-distance support. -= Jon =- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sblutter Posted July 14, 2010 Share #13 Posted July 14, 2010 I hope Leica adopts the concepts of the M-Mate 2 on the next body with heartier construction. I love mine, can't imagine not having it. I don't use cases so I just tapped the bottom with gaffer's tape and cut slits for the flaps - no issue in months. Now I'm thinking of rubberizing it like I did the Thumbs Up (on some rainy day!). His service was outstanding, even called me midnight his time when there was an address misunderstanding. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom_W Posted July 14, 2010 Share #14 Posted July 14, 2010 Not wanting to pour water on any suggestions, but I hope leica don,t make any modifications to the baseplate other than making it more weather resistant with a gasket seal. IMHO, as a landscaper, one of the last hurdles for this camera is to try and weather proof it better. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Leung Posted July 14, 2010 Share #15 Posted July 14, 2010 Dear Friends, Luigi's service is really rather amazing, given that he's in the middle of his vacation. I e-mailed him on Saturday July 10 regarding ordering one of his M-Mate2 baseplates, and actually ordered the item after receiving a reply from him on Sunday July 11. He sent me a FedEx tracking number during the evening July 11, shipped the item on Monday July 12, and I received it here in the states today Tuesday July 13 before 11:00 am! That's service! Upon examining the product, its finish is an adequate matte/semimatte black that seems to have been evenly applied on the baseplate itself, though not the identical color/appearance as either Leica black chrome or Leica black paint. Unfortunately, the paint seems to be rubbing off a bit on one of the two doors (specifically the memory card door), and is not completely even on the battery compartment door. Otherwise, the machining seems very nice, and the fit is just fine. As to the door mechanisms themselves, they are indeed lightweight, but the hinges work fine as do the little magnets that hold the doors closed. I've e-mailed Luigi regarding the paint issue, and I'm sure that he'll take care of me; he's been quite supportive and helpful with past questions I've had. I just wish I could shake his hand in person to convey my appreciation at his long-distance support. -= Jon =- Jon, Good for you to get such a great service from Luigi. I e mailed him twice trying to buy the Luigi case with him and never heard from him. Daniel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glider Posted July 14, 2010 Share #16 Posted July 14, 2010 Jon, Good for you to get such a great service from Luigi. I e mailed him twice trying to buy the Luigi case with him and never heard from him. Daniel Daniel, If you are still interested in his products, I would urge you to give him the benefit of the doubt, given the vagaries and varying reliability of e-mail. I am very surprised to read of your unfortunate experience! And, I *have* had my e-mails go astray from time to time. -= Jon =- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgreernz Posted July 14, 2010 Author Share #17 Posted July 14, 2010 I'm pleased you had a prompt response to your emailed order Jon - but (and it was 30 June), there was no response to mine. Nor has there been any response to an email sent this week to pietrocrescenzi@leicatime.com as per Luigi's suggestion on his website. But - the man's entitled to his holidays. I'll put it on the back burner until sometime in August. By then he and the elves might be back at the bench. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F430 Posted July 21, 2010 Share #18 Posted July 21, 2010 i ordered a case on july 13; paid via paypal; no word on my order; no response to 2 emails! am getting worried Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thetoness Posted July 22, 2010 Share #19 Posted July 22, 2010 Don't worry, Luigi is a class act and a gentlemen. It hasn't even been a week, give it a chance. Quality takes time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdtaylor Posted July 27, 2010 Share #20 Posted July 27, 2010 i ordered a case on july 13; paid via paypal; no word on my order; no response to 2 emails!am getting worried Note that if it is custom work, it takes about two weeks. I have had several custom items completed, and he has always come through on time. I would not worry about your order- it will be worth it in the end. On the other hand, if it is a stock item, I have often received it within the week even though I didn't receive a followup email. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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