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wotancraft m9 holster


gearoido

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I have a few of their bags and I have played around with prototypes of the holster since a few months back, they have a couple at Annie Barton in Hong Kong.

 

You can find some pictures at the Wotancraft site:

 

Welcome to WotanCraft

 

or at the Annie Barton site:

 

Barton 1972 Leather Camera Bag| Gordy's camera strap | WotansCraft | Panerai Leather strap| Leather Camera Bag

 

The bags are very well made and padded. Most of them have a removable water proof insert. Most of them are half leather and half waxed canvas. There are some buckles, buttons and zippers on most of their bags, I like it, but some don't.

 

They have a worn look that I really like and best of all, they don't look anything like camera bags.

 

The holsters are quite cool, unlike the one Leica has for the M9T that does not have a fastener to secure the camera if it is flipped over for whatever reasons, the Wotancraft ones I have seen do (at least the pre release ones I have seen). Leather quality is top notch. You will most likely need a wriststrap when using the hoslter.

 

I have also seen preproduction Wotancraft half cases, they are really beautiful, the ones I have seen are leather and canvas.

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I liked the concept of the holster, but am concerned about ease of access to the camera - and also how easy it would be for somebody to pickpocket! There's something comforting about having the camera secured around your neck with a strap. The views of somebody who has one would be interesting...

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I liked the concept of the holster, but am concerned about ease of access to the camera - and also how easy it would be for somebody to pickpocket! There's something comforting about having the camera secured around your neck with a strap. The views of somebody who has one would be interesting...

 

Your post gave me the idea that one could wear the supplied strap around the neck and still place the camera in the holster. Cheap and secure?

 

GaryO

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I've tried several techniques to wear the M discrete, especially because I like street photography:

 

- The supplied strap around your neck makes the camera very easy to access. But the camera is dangling around your neck and it is easy to spot it. It's also uncomfortable if you want to walk faster.

 

- The classic neck strap worn angular over the shoulder with the camera under a jacket is discrete and easy to access. My current favorite everyday technique.

 

- The elastic sun sniper is very comfortable, easy to access and discrete if you wear a long jacket. It's probably a better improvement if you have a large DSLR. But it's also uncomfortable if you have to walk faster.

 

I believe the benefit of a holster will be that the M won't dangle on your body. This will provide more comfort and mobility. I also agree that it would still be possible to wear the camera in a holster with a neck strap at the same time. I'll keep you updated as soon I have my Wotancraft WW II holster.

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Seems expensive and fussy to me. Erl's approach is very well made and conceived - and not expensive: Streetshooter for Leica Cameras.

 

Otherwise I'd also strongly recomment a Lowe Pro Belt [http://products.lowepro.com/product/S-F-Light-Belt,2027,31.htm] or Thinktank Belt [http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/pro-speed-belt-v2-m-l.aspx] + A Thinktank Trim Changer ]http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/trim-changer-belt-pack.aspx]

 

Really comfortable and effective for trekking and street, I use mine with M9 + either 28/35/50 on the body + an additional lens in the padded second compartment (the bag comes with a thin divider).

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Seems expensive and fussy to me. Erl's approach is very well made and conceived - and not expensive: Streetshooter for Leica Cameras.

 

Otherwise I'd also strongly recomment a Lowe Pro Belt [http://products.lowepro.com/product/S-F-Light-Belt,2027,31.htm] or Thinktank Belt [http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/pro-speed-belt-v2-m-l.aspx] + A Thinktank Trim Changer ]http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/trim-changer-belt-pack.

 

I've tried the Lowepro harness too. The problem is that you look like special ops team if you wear them in the streets. I prefer them for expeditions into the nature. They're comfortable though. :)

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I've tried the Lowepro harness too. The problem is that you look like special ops team if you wear them in the streets........

 

Agreed - the idea of using a harness or holster for street work is anathema to me.

 

I know, I know, its a personal thing, but I think a straightforward camera on a strap is far less conspicuous/stupid-looking than anything else like belts, harnesses, specialist multi-pocket geek-jackets, spandex underpants etc...

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I must be oblivious. When I am shooting "street" my camera is always in my hand with the strap wrapped around my wrist a couple of times. I would never think to use a holster. Only two places for it: in my hand if I'm shooting or in the bag if I'm not.

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Why is this in the M9 forum? All "M" shooters can benefit from this... They even make one that will fit the SM Leica's as well....

 

I have another use for the holster. In the winter it gets below freezing here. It would be nice to keep my camera warm and ready to shoot. In either my bag or hand, it starts to have issues.

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Went to check out the Wotancraft shop here in Taipei this afternoon & spent a pleasant 1 hour+ at the 'quaint' shop with owner James Chang. James is in his late twenties, has a major in bio-chemistry, but pursued his love of photography (M8/M7) and leather design into this current business. Refreshing to find young artisans here in Taiwan!

 

He is a real artist who loves to work with his hands in leather, cloth & wood. They also offer a range of camera bags, plus in his shop you can see several leather prototypes that he has created on a whim. So all products goes through a working process & actual usage on the pro-and cons of certain features by an active photographer.

 

The leather holster is cleverly designed that fits comfortable on your shoulder without slippage, plus your camera is tightly secured with a firm leather button-fixture--so no worries of it slipping out or being snatched. Thus, able to carry your M9 the whole day hands-free & stress-free.

 

Talked about it fitting a 'thumbs up', James was thinking of creating an opening in the back to fit it--but then you would have the 'thumbs up' poking into your back. This is the only draw-back of this design. Paired with a Gordy's wrist strap--which can be secured in the design, so the end strap does not hang loose. You will not be disappointed with this design--go for it.

 

Philip

 

PS--disclaimer--I am not employed or have shares in this company :)

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@ chiptw

 

Have you asked Mr. Chang how he made his M9 on the photos look so outworn ? Looks nice but appears to be made artificially.

 

Thanks for your "investigations" in Taipei. I'm looking forward for my ordered holster from Mr. Chang. :)

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