billib Posted September 12, 2011 Share #1 Posted September 12, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I would like a nice leather half case for the M9. I see on this site many are happy with one particular Italian made leather case. When I go to that site the photos their of these cases appear to not to be well made. To my eye his stitching is poorly done (not straight when it should be etc.) and the leather itself doesn't appear to be cut properly either. I'm not an expert on expensive hand made cases but they just don't look right to me, especially not for several hundred dollars per case. I found this case on eBay for under $50.00 USA including shipping. It appears to fit better than that Italian case and did I mention it was under fifty bucks? I thought so. Also, this half case doesn't appear to be available in any other color or with a cutout for a thumb rest. ------------ Any thoughts? --------------- Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/161701-why-are-poorly-fitting-italian-cases-so-expensive/?do=findComment&comment=1791751'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 12, 2011 Posted September 12, 2011 Hi billib, Take a look here Why are poorly fitting Italian cases so expensive.. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
pico Posted September 12, 2011 Share #2 Posted September 12, 2011 Camera cases are for people who wear their underwear over their trousers, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
billib Posted September 13, 2011 Author Share #3 Posted September 13, 2011 Thats funny, I had not heard that expression before. Now that you mention it, I've owned many, many different brands of cameras over the years and the Leica's are the only cameras I've bought cases for, Interesting. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdriceman Posted September 13, 2011 Share #4 Posted September 13, 2011 I'm with Pico. Half the reason I use the M9 over a DSLR is the size and weight advantage. So, why would I add a case that makes it bigger and heavier? And do you have to remove it to remove the battery and SD card? An extra step I don't want. I know some like the added protection, but a case is not for me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronan Posted September 13, 2011 Share #5 Posted September 13, 2011 Thats funny, I had not heard that expression before.Now that you mention it, I've owned many, many different brands of cameras over the years and the Leica's are the only cameras I've bought cases for, Interesting. Because most of a Leica's value is in it's cosmetic condition. It explains also a lot of the issues, bu as long they look pretty... Only in Leicaland... Enjoy your case, you aren't the only one with those comments on that Italian brand Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
billib Posted September 13, 2011 Author Share #6 Posted September 13, 2011 Yah, that makes sense. I like my Leica's looking beautiful and the other cameras, not so much. I have found using the case, I can hold the camera more easily. No need for grips and such. So I've protected the camera and saved money by not needing various attachments. Though, I'd still like to know why so many people spend so much money for a poorly built case. Beats the hell out a' me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
likalar Posted September 13, 2011 Share #7 Posted September 13, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I handled an M9 with a similar case, and thought it felt and looked larger than I prefer. Personal preference. The owner of that case also talked about the great protection it provided. In reality, though, it seems half of the camera is just as exposed as with no case. Hence the name "half case", right? So, when the half-cased camera is sold years from now, only the exposed part will have wear on the paint, small dings, and scratches. The bottom and back should be factory fresh, right? Will that half-perfect, half worn camera be worth any more than one that wore no case at all? Maybe someone should build a "quarter case" or even a "fifth case" to protect the bottom only. That's where most of my wear is. Is there a half case that protects mainly the top half, or the left half? Just thinking out loud, all in fun. <<Though, I'd still like to know why so many people spend so much money for a poorly built case. Beats the hell out a' me.>> And wives all over the world are wondering why so much was spent on a 'lil ole camera. ;-) Larry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
billib Posted September 13, 2011 Author Share #8 Posted September 13, 2011 Some good points. Since Leica owners are case users it would make sense to offer a larger variety of case styles. My farther was a professional photographer, mom never questioned what my dad spent on equipment. Back when many major motion pictures were shot in black and white instead of color, my pop was shooting 16mm color. Before dad died he donated much of his color film to a local educational TV channel. Now whenever I see a documentary on my cities past and the footage is in color, their is a 90% chance its my dads. I think thats pretty cool. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anasebi Posted September 13, 2011 Share #9 Posted September 13, 2011 I have to second the original poster, I found the fit and finish and stitch work extremely sloppy looking on the Italian cases. I've seen cases made in China, Thailand, Japan and Korea and seem to be of far superior craftmanship. Now I cannot vouch for the materials of the really cheap ones, but the ones that run from $70-150, my own being around $70, are of exceptionally excellent leather and fit. The reason I got a case for my M9 is like many, the slippy non-Vulcanite trim and weight makes a case desirable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted September 13, 2011 Share #10 Posted September 13, 2011 Gaffer tape the the thing and be happy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GarethC Posted September 13, 2011 Share #11 Posted September 13, 2011 I've owned the Italian Job for a few years, it recently migrated from an M8 to an M9 and it really isn't poorly made, it's hand made though so there will be inconsistencies. I don't wear my underwear over my pants but I do like the ergonomics of the case, the camera itself is a bit too small for me to get a solid grip and I don't have big hands. Horses for courses, none of us are right, or maybe we all are, who knows. I've seen one particular Chinese one and it was nightmarishly bad. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erl Posted September 13, 2011 Share #12 Posted September 13, 2011 I always understood leather to attract and hold moisture. If that be true, I would never put any camera in leather. Keep it for the girls! They look much better in it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Ash Posted September 13, 2011 Share #13 Posted September 13, 2011 I guess there are many answers possible to the question: - the base material is of better - it is not done by child's work - the treatment of the lether considers more stringent environmental laws - you get a guaranty - the country it is made in has a social system with health care, pension, social welfare etc. Regards, Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronan Posted September 13, 2011 Share #14 Posted September 13, 2011 I guess there are many answers possible to the question: - the base material is of better - it is not done by child's work - the treatment of the lether considers more stringent environmental laws - you get a guaranty - the country it is made in has a social system with health care, pension, social welfare etc. Regards, Steve Don't shop at Walmart, Gap, Target, Zellers and Cosco! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tompoes Posted September 13, 2011 Share #15 Posted September 13, 2011 The best fit you get from the Artisan @ Artist half case. Fits like a thin glove and don't get the feeling of bulky leather being in the way. Take a black one. I tried the half case of mr zhou and did not like. Some controls partly hidden behind the leather and bulky feeling. It was well made. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted September 13, 2011 Share #16 Posted September 13, 2011 I guess there are many answers possible to the question: - the base material is of better - it is not done by child's work - the treatment of the lether considers more stringent environmental laws - you get a guaranty - the country it is made in has a social system with health care, pension, social welfare etc. +1. I also find it amusing that there are lots of "seems" and "appears" above Luigi's cases are hand-made. If you wear off the peg suits and live off ready meals you won't "get it", I'm afraid. I have Luigi cases on my Ii and M2 and am happy that they improve handling (for me at least since I have large hands) and afford a modicum of protection when I put my bag down with a bump. That said, the current digital Ms are a bit tubby already, and putting a fine leather case on a computer feels a bit like serving a sausage roll on Wedgewood, so I probably wouldn't bother for an M9. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted September 13, 2011 Share #17 Posted September 13, 2011 I found this case on eBay for under $50.00USA including shipping. You can be 100% certain that whoever made this case is not licenced to put the Leica logo on it... I'm no fan of cases like this. I have the original Leica protector (which scuffs the camera) somewhere and I've recently given up using the grip as well. Simplest is best IMHO. I do use the cheap neoprene case to protect the camera when I'm just travelling with a camera and a lens but that's about it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidmhol Posted September 13, 2011 Share #18 Posted September 13, 2011 Never had one, so can't comment. I use the soft leather pouch which came with my M6 for protection when transporting the camera around. For shooting I remove the case (you have to). The soft pouch and single wrist-strap for the M6 were not the greatest moments in Leica design, but the case is useful, and looks and feels nice. I went to a bit of trouble to find a period case for my 111c. It looks good and functions well - the front unsnaps and flips down - no big deal, and the case is very robust. Rather a ding in the case than the 111c. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
billib Posted September 13, 2011 Author Share #19 Posted September 13, 2011 Yah, I was wondering about the "Leica" logo on the front of the case. I guess China (or wherever) doesn't follow patent and licensing laws in other countries. Wait....don't tell me........are you insinuating the Rolex I paid $50.00 for isn't genuine? DAMN!!!!!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwbell Posted September 13, 2011 Share #20 Posted September 13, 2011 Get the ebay one? Not quite sure what the question is? You could wear through 8 ebay ones and still come in cheaper than the "Italian" one. So do that. My M9 is hand made, the lenses are hand made, my case is hand made, they're all freakin' expensive and all have "flaws" due to the hand made nature. Cheaper would have been an XTi, second had, off ebay. Not being a smart arse, but buy what you want to for the reasons you choose to do so. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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