Question on M8 (possibly M9 as well?) cases

[colonel]

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Hi,

 

I know there are lots of threads on M8 (and M9) cases, most of which I have read through!, but I have some questions on some things that still confuse me.

I would appreciate the input of folk who have had personal experience.

 

Basically, I am looking for as figure hugging a case I can get.

It does not need to remain on the camera when shooting (but at least a cover should protect the bottom and sides in this case).

I do not want the case to damage the camera in any way, either when on, or when removing.

 

1. The Leica eveready case is an obvious choice. It is connected to the camera with what appears to be a plastic screw (good, as this will be unlikely to scratch) and also it seems you can take the bottom plate off whilst keeping this on. However it does seem to have a "bad press" on this forum. Some comments say it restricts access to the rear controls, but this appears not to be the case when open (? was there an older version ?). Other comments say that you have to hold a rear flap down when taking a picture, but again, I see no rear flap. I had a play in the Leica shop in London, Mayfair (a very nice shop BTW). You do have to hold down the front, but its not too bad and seems a small price to pay for complete protection. I also presume over its life that the front flap will get looser (as its real leather).

Leica Camera AG - Photography - EVER READY CASE FOR DIGITAL M CAMERAS

 

2. Another option is the Leica camera-protector (14869) and the neo-propene case.

Leica Camera AG - Photography - CAMERA PROTECTOR FOR M DIGITAL CAMERAS

Does the M8 with the half-protector fit into the neopropene case ?

I have read that the early version of this scuffed the fake leather on the camera.

I already bought one of these previously and am worried whether I have new or old stock ? Here is the picture below. Does anyone know whether this looks like the new, or old one:

M8_Case-protector by harold.whatever, on Flickr

 

3. Other options are a Luigi or Mr Zhou case (both look nice) with the neopropene case.

I presume the Luigi and the Mr Zhou (I know two price ranges) don't damage the camera, or mark it with long term use.

 

4. Any alternatives to the neopropene, in terms of close fit ? (Haven't found any myself on scanning the web)

 

5. Lastly I don't use the supplied strap, as the way of connecting it to the camera, and using, it, inevitably scratch the lugs (I know this is silly, but I like to keep my things pristine - as you might have guessed ). Does anyone know of any strap that has a rubberised ring to connect to the cameras' side rings ?

 

PS: I am not worried about larger carry bags, as I have plenty left over from my DSLR days ....

 

many thanks!

[ezc203]

Any of of the 3rd party case/straps will come with ring-protectors that will protect against any rubbing (ring on camera).

 

If you want to super snug fit, look into JnK Leica Cases, they are as snug as they come.

 

E

[Redridge]

Try the nikon triangle "rings".... They have a protective case around them. They are way better than those rings that comes with third part straps.... Leica design are the best IMO.

[Clive Murray-White]

I use one of these

 

Tamrac - Model 5682 Digital Zoom 2

 

Very cheap fits M8 with Luigi case attached, with any one of these lenses Elmarit 90, Summicron 50 or Voigtlander 35/1.2 + spare batteries lens hoods light, small, waterproof and inconspicuous.

 

There's bound to be other brands that make the same kind of thing. probably just as good.

 

ps I've found that I choose 1 lens for a shoot/outing but keep the others in a bag in car (secure)

[colonel]

Any of of the 3rd party case/straps will come with ring-protectors that will protect against any rubbing (ring on camera).

 

If you want to super snug fit, look into JnK Leica Cases, they are as snug as they come.

 

E

 

thanks, I have looked extensively, and all straps have metal rings which need to be wound on the lugs, therefore scratching them.

 

I was looking for one with a rubberised ring. I am beginning to think they don't exist

[Nicoleica]

I can answer your question about the neoprene case. I kept my M8 in a Leica half-case, and then kept the two in a Leica neoprene case. I'd advise getting the one with the longer nose, as it gives you more options with mounted lenses, and if you are using a shorter lens, it will squish up anyway.

[jaapv]

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Yes- but the neoprene case is not waterproof. In fact, it is worse, it acts like a sponge, thoroughly wetting the camera.

[mhoutman]

Hi,

 

I know there are lots of threads on M8 (and M9) cases, most of which I have read through!, but I have some questions on some things that still confuse me.

I would appreciate the input of folk who have had personal experience.

 

Basically, I am looking for as figure hugging a case I can get.

It does not need to remain on the camera when shooting (but at least a cover should protect the bottom and sides in this case).

I do not want the case to damage the camera in any way, either when on, or when removing.

 

1. The Leica eveready case is an obvious choice. It is connected to the camera with what appears to be a plastic screw (good, as this will be unlikely to scratch) and also it seems you can take the bottom plate off whilst keeping this on. However it does seem to have a "bad press" on this forum. Some comments say it restricts access to the rear controls, but this appears not to be the case when open (? was there an older version ?). Other comments say that you have to hold a rear flap down when taking a picture, but again, I see no rear flap. I had a play in the Leica shop in London, Mayfair (a very nice shop BTW). You do have to hold down the front, but its not too bad and seems a small price to pay for complete protection. I also presume over its life that the front flap will get looser (as its real leather).

 

2. Another option is the Leica camera-protector (14869) and the neo-propene case.

 

Does the M8 with the half-protector fit into the neopropene case ?

I have read that the early version of this scuffed the fake leather on the camera.

I already bought one of these previously and am worried whether I have new or old stock ? Here is the picture below. Does anyone know whether this looks like the new, or old one ?

 

3. Other options are a Luigi or Mr Zhou case (both look nice) with the neopropene case.

I presume the Luigi and the Mr Zhou (I know two price ranges) don't damage the camera, or mark it with long term use.

 

4. Any alternatives to the neopropene, in terms of close fit ? (Haven't found any myself on scanning the web)

 

5. Lastly I don't use the supplied strap, as the way of connecting it to the camera, and using, it, inevitably scratch the lugs (I know this is silly, but I like to keep my things pristine - as you might have guessed ). Does anyone know of any strap that has a rubberised ring to connect to the cameras' side rings ?

 

PS: I am not worried about larger carry bags, as I have plenty left over from my DSLR days ....

 

many thanks!

 

1/2) yours looks like the Leica M protector as seen here:

Leica Camera AG - Photography - CAMERA PROTECTOR FOR M DIGITAL CAMERAS

 

I use it myself and got a free replacement in 2008 when there was a slight modification (part. no.14868). It also has a small finger rest.

 

The current 14869 is flat and I don't know what other modifications have been made.

 

As I like to use the M8 grip I was looking for another half case and finally found the Artisan and Artist as seen here:

ライカM9専用ボディケース LMB-M9HG｜カメラケース｜ARTISAN&ARTIST*ONLINE SHOPPING

 

I also have an A & A half case for our D-Lux 4 and X1 and I do love the quality very much. This LMB-M9HG has IMHO only two disadvantage which are the shiny chrome push buttons and the incompatibility with the Thumbs Up.

 

I asked A & A to change the push buttons to black which was okay. This will be carried out for free in the next batch to run. Unfortunately a Thumbs Up modification will take much longer and is not foreseen. So if you want Thumbs Up compatibility check Luigi's here: Leicatime Luigi Crescenzi : leica cameras leica compur mp elmar 250 reporter leicavit For the A & A ask the Classic Camera in London where I ordered. (unfortunately Red Dot Cameras couldn't)

 

Additional I have the neoprene case 14868 which I normally carry to put my M8 with half case in. It functions for me great as basic protection.

 

3) Luig's are great, don't like the Mr Zhou but I haven't got them in my hands. For me A & A was the best way to go.

 

4) no idea but you probably end with Lowepro or else.

 

5) I use the M Wide strap as seen here:

Leica Camera AG - Photography - WIDE CAMERA CARRYING STRAP

 

For me it is okay and the body is not damaged. The leather is real thick and the rings make contact with the half case only.

 

Michiel

[colonel]

1/2) yours looks like the Leica M protector as seen here:

Leica Camera AG - Photography - CAMERA PROTECTOR FOR M DIGITAL CAMERAS

 

I use it myself and got a free replacement in 2008 when there was a slight modification (part. no.14868). It also has a small finger rest.

 

The current 14869 is flat and I don't know what other modifications have been made.

 

As I like to use the M8 grip I was looking for another half case and finally found the Artisan and Artist as seen here:

ライカM9専用ボディケース LMB-M9HG｜カメラケース｜ARTISAN&ARTIST*ONLINE SHOPPING

 

I also have an A & A half case for our D-Lux 4 and X1 and I do love the quality very much. This LMB-M9HG has IMHO only two disadvantage which are the shiny chrome push buttons and the incompatibility with the Thumbs Up.

 

I asked A & A to change the push buttons to black which was okay. This will be carried out for free in the next batch to run. Unfortunately a Thumbs Up modification will take much longer and is not foreseen. So if you want Thumbs Up compatibility check Luigi's here: Leicatime Luigi Crescenzi : leica cameras leica compur mp elmar 250 reporter leicavit For the A & A ask the Classic Camera in London where I ordered. (unfortunately Red Dot Cameras couldn't)

 

Additional I have the neoprene case 14868 which I normally carry to put my M8 with half case in. It functions for me great as basic protection.

 

3) Luig's are great, don't like the Mr Zhou but I haven't got them in my hands. For me A & A was the best way to go.

 

4) no idea but you probably end with Lowepro or else.

 

5) I use the M Wide strap as seen here:

Leica Camera AG - Photography - WIDE CAMERA CARRYING STRAP

 

For me it is okay and the body is not damaged. The leather is real thick and the rings make contact with the half case only.

 

Michiel

 

Thanks, very comprehensive.

 

Looks like I have the latest half-leather.

 

I have just bought a Kata DC 433 as a carry around, quite small, but hard sides, lovely contruction and comes with a rain cover (although not sure rain would get past the zips). The camera is also protected against scratching against the zip due to a ridge around the zip. Could possibly just squeeze in one extra lens as well.

Kata DC-433. Shoulder Bags (Kata Bags)

 

I think I'll keep this and possibly get an eveready for party conditions if I can find one cheap on ebay.

[epand56]

It seems to me that Luigi Crescenzi's leather straps have a very efficient protection against scratches on camera body. They have a leather flap between the connecting ring and the camera body.

[ramosa]

Try luigi. Well constructed, durable, great leather.

[wda]

Yes- but the neoprene case is not waterproof. In fact, it is worse, it acts like a sponge, thoroughly wetting the camera.

 

Clearly this is true for all-weather photographers. But many are quite happy to hide a camera in a larger waterproof case if necessary when it is raining and concentrate on subjects in good lighting etc. Or dive into a coffee shop!

[douglasf13]

Yes- but the neoprene case is not waterproof. In fact, it is worse, it acts like a sponge, thoroughly wetting the camera.

 

Thanks, jaapv. I'm glad you brought this to my attention. This is a big disappointment with the Leica neoprene case, as there is water resistant neoprene available out there.

 

I just tested both my Leica neoprene case and my OP/TECH neoprene case (for another camera) and filled them both with a few ounces of water. The water seeps right through the Leica case's neoprene, but it holds strong in the OP/TECH, although the water does start slowing seeping through the seams on the OP/TECH. Overall, the OP/TECH is considerably more water resistant.

 

Of course, neither of these cases are sealed or anything, and they shouldn't be thought of as all-weather cases, but I think I'd feel comfortable in light to moderate rain with the OP/TECH, but certainly not the Leica, so I'm going to order a rangefinder sized OP/TECH for my M9, and relegate the Leica case to staying in my car for bump protection.

 

What a bummer. At twice the price of the OP/TECH, I had assumed that the Leica case would also be at least a little water resistant.

[DWatts]

Any of of the 3rd party case/straps will come with ring-protectors that will protect against any rubbing (ring on camera).

 

If you want to super snug fit, look into JnK Leica Cases, they are as snug as they come.

 

E

I removed the rings from the Leica strap, then fed the end of the leather strap through the camera lugs then hand stitched the one inch overlap. Q E D

[pico]

I removed the rings from the Leica strap, then fed the end of the leather strap through the camera lugs then hand stitched the one inch overlap. Q E D

 

I cannot picture that. Do you have a photo?

[colonel]

Wow, an old thread

 

I eventually bought this half case, leather, amazing quality and even fits properly for the price. I used for my M8, M9 and now MM:

Leather Camera Case for Leica M8 M9 w/ screen protector | eBay

 

I put the camera and half case into a Kata DC433. A perfect small size for the camera, with room for one extra lens, lens clothes, SD cards and a spare battery. It is also one of the few cases of this small size with hard sides. Lastly it has a swivel strap, so you can't put it on the wrong way.

 

Rgds

[martha]

I use a Black Bag half case (available from Village Camera, NYC) on my M8.2 and the sides are well-protected from strap marks. It does not fit like a glove, but provides just enough slack holding power that I do not need a thumbs up for one-handed holding.

[mmanda]

Wow, an old thread

 

I eventually bought this half case, leather, amazing quality and even fits properly for the price. I used for my M8, M9 and now MM:

Leather Camera Case for Leica M8 M9 w/ screen protector | eBay

 

I put the camera and half case into a Kata DC433. A perfect small size for the camera, with room for one extra lens, lens clothes, SD cards and a spare battery. It is also one of the few cases of this small size with hard sides. Lastly it has a swivel strap, so you can't put it on the wrong way.

 

Rgds

 

Hi Colonel, I was looking at these cases yesterday. I like the screen protector idea. I couldn't find any photos of the inside of the case. What is the lining of the case like? Has it ever marked your M cameras?

 

Thanks

[colonel]

Hi Colonel, I was looking at these cases yesterday. I like the screen protector idea. I couldn't find any photos of the inside of the case. What is the lining of the case like? Has it ever marked your M cameras?

 

Thanks

 

hi,

The case is lined leather inside. No fancy velvet or suede lining, but also no die to rub off.

Seems to be very clean and neat. Here are some pictures with my MM:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[mmanda]

Thanks so much for posting those pics of the asmarteam case!

 

For the money it looks pretty good