Giottos or AC-MAXX screen protector

[topoxforddoc]

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OK, I have finally succumbed and bought an used M9 in excellent condition from another LUF user (thanks Tino). I still one my M2 and M6TTL. In fact although my M9 arrived yesterday, I spent the evening developing another 8 rolls of film.

 

So my question is simple. Which LCD protection is better? I'm acutely aware that the M9 screen is more exposed than my two DMR screens (on which I have had screen patronus films on since new - excellent they are too).

 

The Giottos is thinner and has better light transmission, but I worry about cracked glass. The AC-MAXX appears stronger, but thicker with slightly less light clarity.

 

Or maybe I just go with another screenpatronus film.

 

Thanks

 

Charlie

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[jaques]

I can recommend the GGS hard glass/composite protectors. Very inexpensive- but a perfect fit- and work very well. Robust and scratch resistant- I have only used one for each camera and they are good a year on.

[MarkP]

I've been using the Giottos cover since I got my M9 in Mid 2010. Much easier to see the screen due to improved contrast. Easy to align and fit to the camera.

 

The first one cracked (outer layers only) from a significant impact but there was no damage to the screen underneath. 5 minutes to replace with my spare Giottos cover and no problems for the past year.

 

Highly recommended.

[CalArts 99]

How necessary is a protective cover? Are they imperative to have?

 

I use my M9 just like I do my M6s. I don't trash it but I also don't coddle it. I rarely use the display except for things like ISO changes and an occasional look at the histogram.

 

It doesn't appear to be scratched or damaged so far. I don't ever use a case and 99% of the time it's not used with a bag and instead carried out in the open. And I don't pay much attention to whether the display is getting banged around or not.

 

Am I at risk of a major repair if I elect not to use a cover of some sort? So far, so good. I kind of hate to think that the M9 is fragile in respect to the previous M film cameras.

[PaulOD]

I've a Giotto on M9 since I got it almost two years ago. I think it is excellent, doesn't affect the LCD screen view and has not cracked or chipped (I keep my M9 in a Luigi half-case with a removable back flap but I seldom use this flap). High;y recommended.

[janrzm]

I've had the AC-MAXX on my M9 for almost a year now, its probably a little thicker than I'd like but not an issue as the camera is in a Mr.Zhou Half Case. I don't believe it to be detrimental to what I'm viewing on the LCD, that said I only really use the screen to check the Histogram these days....

[topoxforddoc]

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Thank you guys for all your replies. I’d feel a bit more comfortable with some sort of screen protection. I don’t tend to mollycoddle my cameras and I’m not a great fan of cases. I used to have a Luigi case for my M2, but sold it in the end, as I prefer it naked in my hand. It doesn’t sound like there’s much difference between the Giottos and the AC-MAXX. So I’ll probably get whichever I can get easiest here in the UK.

[Hariseldon]

AC-MAXX is excellent, simple product, 10 months later , good as new, clarity is first class, I am in uk , ordered off eBay no problems receiving or fitting.

[ayewing]

I too have an AC-MAXX which has been on my M9 for the past year with no problems. It seems pretty resistant to scratches and has minimal effect on viewing the screen. Once fitted it really looks like a bit of the camera rather than an add-on. As it is made of tough polycarbonate it is probably safer than glass.

[Deliberate1]

I can highly recommend the Giotto. It goes on slick and looks like it is original equipment rather than an add on. Tough too. I would not hesitate to get another one. Good luck.

[charlesphoto99]

I would recommend the AC-MAXX after having broken three Giotto's in a row. That gets expensive - never again. The AC-MAXX is a bit less pretty (but who cares) but a lot stronger.

My two cents.

[Ranchhand]

I, too, have used the AC-MAXX screen protector on my M9 for little more than one year and have had no reason to wish I had purchased any other brand. It has certainly served the purpose in protecting the LCD, which is the reason I purchased it in the first place.

[johnbuckley]

How necessary is a protective cover? Are they imperative to have?

 

I use my M9 just like I do my M6s. I don't trash it but I also don't coddle it. I rarely use the display except for things like ISO changes and an occasional look at the histogram.

 

.[/quote

 

I have had a Giotto on my M9 for a long time. I was just thinking it was unnecessary. And then, while on vacation, I suddenly noticed that the Giotto was smashed. No idea what I did. None. But the Giotto took the bullet for my LCD. A very worthwhile investment, it turns out.

[CalArts 99]

 

I have had a Giotto on my M9 for a long time. I was just thinking it was unnecessary. And then, while on vacation, I suddenly noticed that the Giotto was smashed. No idea what I did. None. But the Giotto took the bullet for my LCD. A very worthwhile investment, it turns out.

 

But I wonder if that's because the Giotto is perhaps less durable than the screen itself? The Giotto is glass and the Leica display is plastic. Would the Leica screen have held up? I'm really just curious about this. I have a Nikon D3s without any screen cover protection and it's been used in extreme conditions for years. It gets banged around all the time. It's built like a tank.

 

I was never concerned at all about LCD screens in general until I got the M9 and then only because there was so much talk about needing protection. So I wonder how real the issue actually is, and if the screen is truly that fragile. I don't care about scratches but of course breakage is another issue. Is this simply more about a precautionary issue than a real issue?

 

So I guess my question is how fragile (in reality) is this screen? Does everyone have a screen protector? How many do not and are they experiencing a high percentage of screen breakage?

 

I do feel that overall the M9 seems a bit fragile compared to my M6 bodies, but that could be strictly psychological on my part. And so I wonder about the reality of that, too.

[likalar]

The Giotto is glass and the Leica display is plastic. Would the Leica screen have held up?

 

There you have it! You can muck up a glass screen (a la Giotto) a zillion times, and just wipe it off with whatever is handy: a dirty shirt, paper towel, bath tissue, etc....and it hardly cares. A plastic screen will scratch easier, of course. I've had my Giotto on for over 2 years; it takes a decent workout, and is still clear and fresh. Good product!

 

Larry

[CalArts 99]

Thanks, but I think you missed my point.

[businessasusual]

Giottos on my X1 (saved my display on one occasion) and first one on M9 - still on and fine. Easy to install and clean. I always have spares on hand - great product!

[MarkP]

Giottos on my X1 (saved my display on one occasion) and first one on M9 - still on and fine. Easy to install and clean. I always have spares on hand - great product!

 

Hi Karina,

 

long time no hear from.

 

Yes I also always have a spare at home, but as I posted above have only needed one in the past two years.

 

Regards,

Mark

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[topoxforddoc]

Thank you all for your help. I've just ordered an AC-MAXX from Red Dot in London. It's the easier one to get here in the UK, as I couldn't find an UK stockist of the Giottos. The problem about buying from the US is that we get clobbered by Customs if the item is more than £18 inc shipping cost. There have been times when I have paid almost as much in Customs as I did for the product. The UK Post Office charges a lot to collect the Customs charge on behalf of the Govt.

[ayewing]

But I wonder if that's because the Giotto is perhaps less durable than the screen itself? The Giotto is glass and the Leica display is plastic. Would the Leica screen have held up? I'm really just curious about this. I have a Nikon D3s without any screen cover protection and it's been used in extreme conditions for years. It gets banged around all the time. It's built like a tank.

 

I was never concerned at all about LCD screens in general until I got the M9 and then only because there was so much talk about needing protection. So I wonder how real the issue actually is, and if the screen is truly that fragile. I don't care about scratches but of course breakage is another issue. Is this simply more about a precautionary issue than a real issue?

 

So I guess my question is how fragile (in reality) is this screen? Does everyone have a screen protector? How many do not and are they experiencing a high percentage of screen breakage?

 

I do feel that overall the M9 seems a bit fragile compared to my M6 bodies, but that could be strictly psychological on my part. And so I wonder about the reality of that, too.

 

I do not think you are likely to break a M9 screen but they do seem to be made of a rather soft plastic that scratches easily. Some other makes - Pentax, Nikon, Canon have screens made of either glass or a harder plastic so protectors are probably unnecessary.

 

There have been some reports of glass Giotto protectors breaking which is a bit worrying as I am sure broken glass cannot do the underlying screen any good. I have not seen any reports of the AC-MAXX protectors breaking.