To Use a Half Case or Not To Use

[david.kize]

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I have a Leica half case with the removable folding flap that covers and protects the screen.  Obviously, the case protects the camera body from some dings and scratches--and possibly even affords a slight impact buffer if the camera falls and hits on the case.  Also, aesthetically, the retro look of a case is pleasing to many.  The Leica case and some other cases provide a comfortable hand grip.

 

The case adds a slight amount of weight and height, plus, with the Leica case, the extra step of opening and closing the flap if it is not removed.  Unlike some other brands, the Leica case has the inconvenience of having to remove it to get at the battery or memory card.  Obviously, a half case affords no protection from rain.

 

I still am on the fence about whether to use a half case.  Maybe sometimes yes and sometimes not. I do have a relatively new M10 and would like to keep it looking new.  But I also like the looks of the camera itself and reducing size and weight by every millimeter and gram possible.  I think of that more and more if I find the camera strap uncomfortable with some of my heavier lenses.  

 

There have already been postings on the question of whether or not to use a half case, and most of these types of comments are mixed in with threads of discussion on the merits of various brands of cases. 

 

I am interested in this base question: do you use a half case, or not?  The more people who don't use them, maybe the more comfortable I will be in not using one.  

 

 

[elmars]

How much costs Your car? Do You use it without half case?

 

So: No half case! (For me.)

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[pedaes]

How does what other people do help you on this? Try it for a week with and without and see how you feel. Personally, I have never tried it without as I know what would happen if I did!

[riepibcx]

I'm left eye dominant, so my nose print protector half case remains on.

[Jeff S]

Don’t worry about what others do.

 

BTW, I never use one. And after 35 years using M cameras, and just reasonable care, they’ve all looked just fine after years of use. Insurance covers any serious damage.

 

I do, however, like the Leica M10 thumb grip, which somewhat mimics the film advance lever with the now thinner body.

 

Whatever works for you.

 

Jeff

[pgh]

I have never bought a single accessory for any M I've owned in the past 10+ years, other than a lens and an extra battery, and I've used M's on assignments for most of this time as well. Not a case, not a strap (the m comes with a perfectly good one.), not a grip, not a viewfinder, nothing. Those mostly make the camera bigger, and if you make the camera bigger, you are very soon into territory where other cameras of similar size are actually much better overall solutions - and when I need that I leave the M at home and use the tool that's right for the job. The accessories are mostly just unnecessary stylistic stuff. I think the internet has crowds of case, strap and bag fetishists in large part for people who would rather look at their tools and decorate them, put them on coffeeshop tables etc, than use them. 

[M11 for me]

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When I go out with just the camera and its lens on then I use the half case. When I have my ONO bag with 2 or 3 additional kenses then I leave the half case at home

[Raid Amin]

I have to admit that my  M8 and M9 look so much more beautiful without their half-cases. I use the half-cases to be on the safe side. I also have insurance coverage.

[Pyrogallol]

I don’t like using them, it makes the cameras feel so much larger. They live in the protection of larger holdalls/gadget bags until taken out to use.

[Pyrogallol]

I don’t like using them, it makes the cameras feel so much larger. They live in the protection of larger holdalls/gadget bags until taken out to use.

As I said, I don’t like using them, but I have considered it for my early screw bodies that do not have strap lugs, ie Standard, 1c, 2. Screwing in a wrist strap into the tripod socket doesn’t feel quite right. Any suggestions for a small neat half case to use?

[Kevinfinity]

New Toy! Leica M10 by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

 

 

In my opinion, I would say definitely go for a half case. Mine is the Luigi case and it's beautiful. I was using M9 with Luigi case for 8 years already. I never think of taking it off when I go out for shooting. A high-quality leather case could make the handling of the camera much better and more comfortable.

[M11 for me]

you are right. With the case there is no need for the tumb rest either

[CLuxer]

Ich stelle meine Kameras seit Jahren mit einem Halbkoffer aus. Für meine X-Vario den von Leica angebotenen Protector.

 

habe 

Edited July 7, 2018 by habe

[CLuxer]

New Toy! Leica M10 by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

 

 

In my opinion, I would say definitely go for a half case. Mine is the Luigi case and it's beautiful. I was using M9 with Luigi case for 8 years already. I never think of taking it off when I go out for shooting. A high-quality leather case could make the handling of the camera much better and more comfortable.

 

Der von Luigi gefällt mir am besten. Das Original von Leica finde ich überhaupt nicht schön. Nein dann lieber ohne Bekleidung. 

[M11 for me]

Luigi. Klar. what else.

[Jeff S]

I have never bought a single accessory for any M I've owned in the past 10+ years, other than a lens and an extra battery....

Same here, for 35 years.... until I recently tried an M10 thumb grip.

 

Oh, and a black dot on my former M240.

 

Jeff

[klgdigital]

I used an M10 for a year without a half case. I recently had issues deemed under warranty. When repairs were not possible, they sent a new M10. I did notice ware on the body and decided to try my second go around with a half case. My back cover is easily removable without having to take the case off. I can also access the battery and card with a hatch. I found the extra bulk has helped with grip. I also like having the back cover so I can pretend I’m shooting film and not view the back screen. Lastly, and this is most subjective, I just like the look of the a half case on a Leica. It’s such a classic look.

[tonyniev]

I like the half case for added protection.

[astrostl]

I bought a https://www.popflash.com/LMB-M10-BLK for the grip and look. A bit of drop protection is nice too.

 

It's a pain to remove it, then the plate, to access the card and battery but I don't leave home without it.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Mute-on]

I tried my original M2 case a couple of times. I even had the lens cover removed and the attached strap replaced in preparation.

 

I found it very convenient for carrying the camera, but I far prefer actually using the camera without it.

 

I haven’t used a case or strap since. I even removed my soft releases last year.

 

Try full naked. You’ll never go back

Edited July 7, 2018 by Mute-on