gbealnz Posted May 23, 2015 Share #1 Posted May 23, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi All. well, the clock is ticking, we are back to Europe in just under 3 months, and I am slowly getting my ducks in a row as best I can. One of the things I need to do is to sort a case for my camera gear. Last time we were in Europe I picked up a used X1 as we arrived in Singapore (our first stop). It was with the X1 case (#18755), and I used it exclusively with this case. Case was "hung/carried" via it's own strap, and the X1 I used with a short wrist-strap. Perfect for the use I put it all too, very happy, and remain so today. Fast forward to the last 6 months, and LeicaItis has struck. I now have (in addition to the wonderful X1) a new X-Vario, and a Leica T. I need help, serious help. The X-Vario I plan on taking with us this time round, and I will also stash in the baggage the X1, just in case. So far so good. In readiness for the trip, and as it sailed past at a decent price, I acquired the X-Vario case, (#18779) in Cognac colour. It's nice but I can see a fly or two in the ointment. The case is robust and smells nice, but the front flap is not removable, nor at this early stage of it's life terribly flexible. I fear it could intrude on some of my images. Biggest issue though is the EVF2 and the case don't play together, so to use the case means either not using the EVF, or continually fitting and un-fitting the EVF2. A right royal pain. I'll add here that the T and the VisoFlex is exactly the same, useless with the Leica case. Plus the T might be sold at some stage before we go, might. Right then, what to do? Any thoughts please. Small case/bag, I don't want huge, I already have large enough, but it just begs me to add the T, and maybe the M6. I want to travel with minimal gear and wear it all day, extracting the camera if and when needed, then storing it if we are walking, or I want it "out of sight a bit". Gary Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 23, 2015 Posted May 23, 2015 Hi gbealnz, Take a look here Case for X-Vario. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
bernie.lcf Posted May 23, 2015 Share #2 Posted May 23, 2015 Well, Leica has a pouch for the Visoflex 020 that goes with your brown case: Leica 18835 http://en.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-X/Accessories/X-Cameras-accessories/X-Visoflex-Case-Vintage It can be attached to the strap and when you open the magnetic flap, it will push out the Viewfinder. Since the default out of the box case for EVF-2 and Visoflex 020 is the same, this might be your solution to go with the Vario in the brown case and no extra bag. Comes in two colors. The one above should match your leather case. My local Leica guy (in the old world) is asking for 39 European coins. Actually quite cheap for anything with the L logo on it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbealnz Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted May 25, 2015 Thank you Bernie. I waited a day or two to reply, just in case others had suggestions. Not sure what to do, and appreciate the "Viso-Case" idea, but in the end, installing and removing the EVF2 will wear a bit thin. I'd much rather put it on, and leave it on. I figure that if I do carry the gear I am thinking, then I will just source a complete bag that does what I need, no more, no less, and use it for that. Gary Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bernie.lcf Posted May 25, 2015 Share #4 Posted May 25, 2015 I have the same problem and so far I am removing and installing. Consider this one for a bag solution: http://macfilos.com/photo/2014/6/30/review-leica-system-bag-for-m-t-and-x-cameras Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbealnz Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted May 25, 2015 Thanks again Bernie. All was going swimmingly, until I got to the 3rd to last "word" £210". Ouch. Food for thought though. Gary Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Rawcs Posted May 25, 2015 Share #6 Posted May 25, 2015 Thanks again Bernie. All was going swimmingly, until I got to the 3rd to last "word" £210". Ouch. Food for thought though. Gary Gary, U.K. V.A.T. is currently 20% of the purchase price and you should be able to claim this back or not pay it at all. Mike. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bernie.lcf Posted May 25, 2015 Share #7 Posted May 25, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Thanks again Bernie. All was going swimmingly, until I got to the 3rd to last "word" £210". Ouch. It sells for 229,- European in Vienna at 20% VAT (that should be 162 British). That'd be 285 NZD sans tax. I guess, the English need some more money for their newborn princess. Fair enough. But coming back to finding a bag: The Leica case is not a bad choice because the "stiff-ish" leather will protect the camera quite well. Having to remove the viewfinder is a bit of a nuisance, but I usually end up hanging the camera ready to shoot around my neck. The only times, I'd remove the viewfinder is pretty much in the morning when I unpack and in the evening when I pack. If you want to put the Leica (or any other camera) in a bag with the viewfinder attached, it needs to sit on its bottom. This way, the viewfinder is on top and there is no pressure whatsoever on it. This requires a bag with an insert wide enough to take the Leica (around 13cm width). This are either rather large rectangular camera bags at min. 13cm width (e.g. Domke F2 or anything that takes two SLR lenses next to each other) or rather stupid looking little square bags that I have seen in some ad just recently. Alternatively, you could a neoprene camera case similar to the Leica case you got, but high enough to take the Leica + viewfinder. Looks duh and protection is limited. So... bottom line: I always end up using my Leicas in a half case with viewfinder detached for storage... I use Billingham Hadley bags. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted May 25, 2015 Share #8 Posted May 25, 2015 Gary, here is a link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CDF636?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage to my solution. It really is a bargain at the current price. I use it for my X Vario with EVF fited (not many system bags allow that) and my X1. Plus the usual spares etc. I detach the bottom section as surplus to my normal requirements and it leaves an extremely compact system case for travel. Several of my Leica friends have bought one and share my enthusiasm for it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbealnz Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share #9 Posted May 25, 2015 Thank you David. I'll look at that as well, I see the link you supplied is UK, but there will be something closer to home that I can utilize. I'd like the option of carrying the X1 as well, at the same time, so will take both cameras and "go try a few". Gary Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted May 26, 2015 Share #10 Posted May 26, 2015 Gary, I guess the case is available globally via Amazon or similar supplier. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rolfh Posted May 26, 2015 Share #11 Posted May 26, 2015 Hi gary, i use the following case and put it into a normal shoulder bag. http://www.monochrom.com/Tascheneinsaetze.htm?websale8=mono-c&ci=001247 rolf Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
asiafish Posted May 27, 2015 Share #12 Posted May 27, 2015 I use the Billingham f/2.8 bag to hold X Vario and X 113, both with EVFs attached. Still (barely) enough room for my sunglasses in the main compartment and plenty of space for batteries and cards in the front pouch. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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