designdog Posted August 10, 2018 Share #1 Posted August 10, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello. I bought my M10 about three months ago and really enjoy it. Like many here, I rushed to out fit my new camera with the obligatory accessories: thumbs up, half case, rope strap, extra battery, shutter button, etc. I purchased the Leica leather protector because I liked the idea of covering the screen. However, I have noticed a deficiency in this case. It does not protect the top plate. I know that over time Leica digital M top plates have been constructed of different materials (aluminum, brass, etc.) and finishes (chrome, paint, etc.) I am not sure what the M10 top plate finish is, although I think it to be black chrome. What concerns me is not so much the odd bump, which can't be helped much even if you are careful, but the rubbing of the strap against the unprotected top plate. I have seen examples of wear that cannot be easily refinished. My strap is a Muflon rope. It has the little leather donuts that fit around the strap lugs, as well as the long leather thong between the eye and the rope strap. This thong does in fact rub up against the top plate - can't be helped. So... given my concern should I be looking for a new half case, like the Artisan and Artist or the Arte di Mano, or does the finish of the M10 protect against this issue? Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 10, 2018 Posted August 10, 2018 Hi designdog, Take a look here Straps, half cases, and top plate rash. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
bocaburger Posted August 10, 2018 Share #2 Posted August 10, 2018 I'm not one for pimping my cameras or cars but the best protection against scratches/rubs I can think of would be the clear vinyl/bra material made for automotive use. X-Pel is one brand name I'm familiar with. Any shop that installs those probably has plenty of scraps lying around more than enough to cover the top plate. You could make a template from brown paper. It's easy to install, just lightly mist the underside of the vinyl and the top of the camera with a solution of water with a few drops of Dawn diswashing soap to position the protector, then squeegee it out with a credit-card wrapped in microfiber towel. Any residual tiny bubbles will disappear in a day or two as the material is permeable, after which the protector will be virtually invisible. These are made to resist rock chips at highway speeds yet be removed without damaging the finish even after years of sun exposure, so I reckon it would more than adequate for a camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill W Posted August 11, 2018 Share #3 Posted August 11, 2018 I did exactly what bocaburger has suggested. I believe this was discussed in an earlier thread. I had a roll from when I added some protection to a car several years ago. 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/287398-straps-half-cases-and-top-plate-rash/?do=findComment&comment=3570563'>More sharing options...
Gobert Posted August 11, 2018 Share #4 Posted August 11, 2018 I did exactly what bocaburger has suggested. I believe this was discussed in an earlier thread. I had a roll from when I added some protection to a car several years ago. I did the same on your recommendation, so far it works perfectly Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted August 11, 2018 Share #5 Posted August 11, 2018 So... given my concern should I be looking for a new half case, like the Artisan and Artist or the Arte di Mano, or does the finish of the M10 protect against this issue? Thanks! Buy them all, something will work. But don't forget, it's a camera. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
designdog Posted August 12, 2018 Author Share #6 Posted August 12, 2018 I guess I was hoping for something like: "don't worry, the M10 top plate finish is better" or, "probably better to get a half case that keeps the straps away from the top plate." There is no way I am going to put some plastic stuff on my camera - I took the plastic off the bottom plate. (Though I do appreciate the advice. Just not for me.) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pedaes Posted August 12, 2018 Share #7 Posted August 12, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) I guess I was hoping for something like: "don't worry, the M10 top plate finish is better" or, "probably better to get a half case that keeps the straps away from the top plate." There is no way I am going to put some plastic stuff on my camera - I took the plastic off the bottom plate. (Though I do appreciate the advice. Just not for me.) If you want to go down the half case route, the Arte de Mano regular case gives good protection where you are asking about. 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/287398-straps-half-cases-and-top-plate-rash/?do=findComment&comment=3571206'>More sharing options...
250swb Posted August 12, 2018 Share #8 Posted August 12, 2018 I guess I was hoping for something like: "don't worry, the M10 top plate finish is better" or, "probably better to get a half case that keeps the straps away from the top plate." Yeah, just like you bought a Ferrari and won't drive it just in case it gets some road rash. Perspective, Ferrari $250,000, Leica $7,000 (or variable adjustments for model and usage). Stuff happens, you will buy a new TV in the next couple of years, freak out about the cost of that considering your old TV will still work. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlaing Posted August 12, 2018 Share #9 Posted August 12, 2018 That depends on how many megapixels the Ferrari has. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill W Posted August 13, 2018 Share #10 Posted August 13, 2018 (edited) If you want to go down the half case route, the Arte de Mano regular case gives good protection where you are asking about. I concur. I have them on both my M10's but also have the plastic thingy for when the case is not used....! Edited August 13, 2018 by Bill W Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
designdog Posted August 13, 2018 Author Share #11 Posted August 13, 2018 Yeah, just like you bought a Ferrari and won't drive it just in case it gets some road rash. Perspective, Ferrari $250,000, Leica $7,000 (or variable adjustments for model and usage). Stuff happens, you will buy a new TV in the next couple of years, freak out about the cost of that considering your old TV will still work. The most expensive car I owned was a Porsche 911SC and I drove the heck out of it. But I had floor mats and I parked away from other cars. And, if I could, I avoided gravel roads, freshly tarred highways, going off road, and underwater. So I would like to take a non-invasive, non-anal step to preserve the looks of my M10. As I mentioned previously, I did remove the plastic from the base plate, so I am not completely over top. just wanted some advice. I am going with Arte de Mano... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charleswang Posted August 16, 2018 Share #12 Posted August 16, 2018 (edited) If you are worried about the lug/strap wears, get a strap with no steel rings - I used to own one from LeicaTime (luigi cases) - he calls them strap with "tails". Another option is to get those wrist straps with cords to connect to the lug (again no metal parts). They are extremely cheap and can be easily found on ebay Even though I agree with most here that you shouldn't get so worked up with scratches on your camera body, there's nothing wrong with trying to protect your equipment and making them look pristine. So I hope these options are helpful Edited August 16, 2018 by charleswang Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herr Barnack Posted August 17, 2018 Share #13 Posted August 17, 2018 (edited) The thing is this: Don't let the steel rings that attach the strap to the lugs contact or rub on the edges of your top plate. There are different ways to accomplish this. I decided on the Vintage B strap made by Harry Benz: https://www.harrybenz.com/shop/vintage-b The way Harry designs and makes his straps prevents the steel rings from contacting the top plate. If your M10 has a black paint finish and you carry it everywhere for 20-30 years, the leather might eventually rub through the black paint - but I have my doubts about that. If your M10 has the chrome finish, the leather of the strap will never rub through. Edited August 17, 2018 by Herr Barnack Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dantemi Posted August 17, 2018 Share #14 Posted August 17, 2018 I'm using a wrap (for the whole camera body) from MGR, up to now is great! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cp995 Posted August 17, 2018 Share #15 Posted August 17, 2018 (edited) Buy them all, something will work. But don't forget, it's a camera. Right! I really like my M10 and I would never destroy the "beauty" with these half case stuff Edited August 17, 2018 by cp995 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertknappmd Posted August 17, 2018 Share #16 Posted August 17, 2018 I have used Luigi's straps for years without a problem. He has a piece of leather that protects the camera... http://www.luigicases.com/ Albert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
budjames Posted August 17, 2018 Share #17 Posted August 17, 2018 (edited) Here is my solution for my Leica M10s and Fuji XT2 and XH1 cameras using the quick release system from Peak Design. I used to use Peak Design straps and their excellent Everyday Messenger bag. However, I sold the Messenger bag and instead use my Billingham Hadley Pro, f1.4 and Hadley One bags, depending upon the gear and outing. My usual carry for two M10 bodies and 4 Leica primes is my well used Hadley Pro. Now, I only use the Peak Design quick release system which I have adapted to my favorite straps from Rock N' Roll and Gordy. I purchased the Leica SL Rock N' Roll straps with the leather strip on the end designed to attach to the SL's rectangular eyelets. I happily discovered that the strap end fits perfectly into the eyelet of the Peak Design clip. I use the 125cm SL strap and I was able to order the standard length 120cm M strap with the leather strips on the ends instead of the standard split rings. Rock N' Roll didn't charge any extra for this modification. Sweet! The newest version of the Peak Design fastener has a thin enough cable to allow it to threaded through the body eyelet without using split rings. This eliminates the possibility of scratches or wear on the body's finish. You can buy the Peak Design fastener and clips from the usual dealers. They are relatively inexpensive. My Fuji body eyelets require the use of the split ring supplied with the camera to which I attached the Peak Design fastener. Here are photos of my set up. Regards, Bud James Please check out my fine art and travel photography at www.budjames.photography or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/budjamesphoto. 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! Edited August 17, 2018 by budjames 1 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/287398-straps-half-cases-and-top-plate-rash/?do=findComment&comment=3573893'>More sharing options...
thedwp Posted August 18, 2018 Share #18 Posted August 18, 2018 I have used Luigi's straps for years without a problem. He has a piece of leather that protects the camera... http://www.luigicases.com/ Albert Have you ever used any of his cases? I've been contemplating the "Full Grip" model vs the "Bump" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellisson Posted September 7, 2018 Share #19 Posted September 7, 2018 I considered getting a half case for my M10 and looked at a number of options mentioned here. I shoot with a tripod fairly often, and only one case that I could find had a plate-like bottom for rapid tripod attachment. Most of the others have a threaded opening for attaching a tripod plate onto the case. For me, this is limited solution: more time to attach the plate (or leave it on the case/camera), extra steps of turning the tripod mount for portrait-mode camera position and then re-leveling, and less then optimal stability of the plate, which can loosen, resulting in camera movement. Adding to this, these soft cases do not afford much protection beyond minor knocks and scratches to the bottom plate, sides, and back screen. As noted, the top plate and other areas are vulnerable. I would not want to rely on a soft case for protection from hard knocks or a drop. Instead of investing in a case, I use the RRS aluminum bottom plate, side plate, and side grip for better tripod mounting stability. A bonus of this set-up is some protection of the bottom (it replaces Leica bottom plate) and left side of the camera. The grip does not extend far back to cover the right side, but my hand is over that part, and the most scratches and knocks involve the top and bottom of the camera. For a camera that's in my bag, my hand, or on my side or a tripod, this solution makes the most sense for me. Function + Protection at a price less than many of the premium cases. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herr Barnack Posted September 7, 2018 Share #20 Posted September 7, 2018 (edited) Buy them all, something will work. But don't forget, it's a camera. Every M camera was meant to be used, not shrink wrapped, put in a safe and fetishized. I am careful with my M cameras and lenses, but I still shoot the hell out of them; I highly recommend that every M owner go forth and do likewise. Okay, one exception: If you own one of the original 1956-57 MP cameras, it's okay to worship it. Edited September 7, 2018 by Herr Barnack 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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