hdmesa Posted March 4, 2021 Share #81 Posted March 4, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) My reporter arrived today from the Miami store. I put my black Hawkesmill "Kensington" strap on there until the COOPH Paracord strap pictured in the Leica promo photos arrives. I think I may keep the Hawkesmill on there, though, and put the COOPH on my Q-P. The smaller size and compact stowage of the Hawkesmill make it a nice fit for the M. I also like how the tan raw leather underside looks against the Reporter green. The green is darker than some of the photos in this thread – it's exactly the hue and value of the Leica promo photos, at least in indoor lighting. I haven't looked at it out in the sun yet, so I'm sure the color will change depending on the light. The Kevlar cladding provides a nice grip while still having a soft tactile feel to it – very difficult to describe, but Leica nailed it on the texture pattern and material here. The camera fits in the Leica Combination bag by Billingham along with the Q2M quite nicely. This is my first M body, and I'm impressed – what incredible craftsmanship and engineering. As for ergonomics, It's going to take some getting used to supporting it from below with my left hand instead of holding most of the weight on the right side like I do with the Q. I don't want to put a case/grip on the Reporter since it will interfere with how the kevlar is supposed to naturally fade with UV exposure into the same green as the body. I might get a thumb grip in the meantime to help out on the right side a bit with balance. I'm blown away by how cool the retro red LED exposure info digits are in the rangefinder – very slick while still retro. Focusing using the rangefinder patch is easier than I expected. Even though I need reading glasses for my phone (+2 to +2.5) and computer (+1), I can see the rangefinder patch just fine at the virtual 2m distance the rangefinder display seems to sit at in 3D space – almost exactly the same distance as the heads-up display on a car windshield. So if you can focus your eyes at 2m, you can use the M10 rangefinder without a diopter, though perhaps a mild magnification would just make it a little better. I got the 50 Cron as the one lens for it (not counting the Reporter edition lens that's rumored to be coming, which of course I will have to acquire somehow after recovering from this purchase). The small size of the 50 f/2 is impressive, but I can't say I'm as impressed with the feel of the lens as I am with the Q/Q2 lens, including the feel of the manual focusing. I guess it's expected that the Summicron feel should be just a notch below that of the Summilux, even if it is the Summilux of the Q/Q2. The 50 Cron feels about on par with a small Contax Zeiss C/Y like the 45 Tessar pancake (mine was unopened, new-old stock from the mid-90s, so no I'm not comparing it to the feel of the typical C/Y 30 year old lens). I do very much like the small size, integrated hood, and sharpness at f/2, so I can see this lens will get under my skin sooner rather than later. I do need to get used to where the focus ring is – I keep grabbing the aperture ring out of muscle memory from the Q. Overall I can say the combo is worth what it cost. I don't think there is another camera body in current production with this level of engineering and build quality. It reminds me of the something like the medium format Mamiya 6/7 cameras more than it does a digital camera. I was going to purchase the GFX 100S + GF 80, but I'm glad I went this route. The M is less, and it is also much, much more. 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! 6 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/317208-new-special-edition-the-leica-m10-p-reporter-in-kevlar-cover/?do=findComment&comment=4153078'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 4, 2021 Posted March 4, 2021 Hi hdmesa, Take a look here New Special Edition: The Leica M10-P "Reporter" in Kevlar Cover. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
LeicaS2 Posted March 4, 2021 Share #82 Posted March 4, 2021 Glad you like it so far. If you have a Q2, you already have a 28mm lens. I too am watching for the 28mm reporter, and am told why not just spend less money on a Q2? And you already have a Q2. I do not need one more Leica system, but I may need that new 35mm APO which is why I keep saying black lenses on the reporter look great. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdmesa Posted March 4, 2021 Share #83 Posted March 4, 2021 26 minutes ago, LeicaS2 said: Glad you like it so far. If you have a Q2, you already have a 28mm lens. I too am watching for the 28mm reporter, and am told why not just spend less money on a Q2? And you already have a Q2. I do not need one more Leica system, but I may need that new 35mm APO which is why I keep saying black lenses on the reporter look great. If I do get the 28 Reporter it will be simply to have the matching set. Also it gives me the option to just take one camera instead of two when I want to. That 35 APO does look like it may be the holy grail of M lenses, but I’m afraid I would want to attach it to an M10R or M10M Leitz Wetzlar Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdmesa Posted March 4, 2021 Share #84 Posted March 4, 2021 COOPH strap arrived. The olive is a pretty close match for the Reporter paint color, but the natural sheen of the paracord material makes it look a little brighter. I got the longer 126cm strap, which is perfect for cross body wear. The paracord is great support for the weight of the M. 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! 3 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/317208-new-special-edition-the-leica-m10-p-reporter-in-kevlar-cover/?do=findComment&comment=4153694'>More sharing options...
hdmesa Posted March 8, 2021 Share #85 Posted March 8, 2021 I wonder how well Leica thought through this idea of Kevlar cladding. While it's really difficult to penetrate Kevlar, it always frays at the edges unless you seal it or cover/protect the edges somehow. And the surface fibers in high-wear areas is also starting to loosen/soften up like an old stuffed animal. Wear at the back right edge from less than a week of use: 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! 3 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/317208-new-special-edition-the-leica-m10-p-reporter-in-kevlar-cover/?do=findComment&comment=4156383'>More sharing options...
calijax Posted March 8, 2021 Share #86 Posted March 8, 2021 2 minutes ago, hdmesa said: I wonder how well Leica thought through this idea of Kevlar cladding. While it's really difficult to penetrate Kevlar, it always frays at the edges unless you seal it or cover/protect the edges somehow. And the surface fibers in high-wear areas is also starting to loosen/soften up like an old stuffed animal. Wear at the back right edge from less than a week of use: Edges on mine are similar but not bothersome. I attribute the fray to the loose-thread type of material. I like the idea of the kevlar wearing over time and am interested to see how the use causes this material to evolve...or fail! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdmesa Posted March 8, 2021 Share #87 Posted March 8, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) 3 minutes ago, calijax said: Edges on mine are similar but not bothersome. I attribute the fray to the loose-thread type of material. I like the idea of the kevlar wearing over time and am interested to see how the use causes this material to evolve...or fail! At least it's not just mine I don't mind the worn look over time, but I'm hoping the cladding doesn't become a source of lint flecks being right next to the lens mount and all. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdmesa Posted March 9, 2021 Share #88 Posted March 9, 2021 Ok, decided to look at the Kevlar cladding in the bright sunlight – yikes. This just doesn't work for me on a camera that's supposed to be tough – looks like a wool sock that's falling apart, and I don't want to have to use a lint roller on the camera every time I want to change a lens. Thanks to Josh at Leica Miami for allowing me to return this for an M10-R. 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! 6 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/317208-new-special-edition-the-leica-m10-p-reporter-in-kevlar-cover/?do=findComment&comment=4156657'>More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 9, 2021 Share #89 Posted March 9, 2021 vor 20 Minuten schrieb hdmesa: Ok, decided to look at the Kevlar cladding in the bright sunlight – yikes. This just doesn't work for me on a camera that's supposed to be tough – looks like a wool sock that's falling apart, and I don't want to have to use a lint roller on the camera every time I want to change a lens. Thanks to Josh at Leica Miami for allowing me to return this for an M10-R. ... Looks like hand-knitted by grandma...😀 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdmesa Posted March 9, 2021 Share #90 Posted March 9, 2021 2 minutes ago, mnutzer said: Looks like hand-knitted by grandma...😀 Or worse. Kevlar when used for ballistic protection is put into some kind of carrier, which protects it against wear, body oils, etc. Multiple layers of it can be bullet proof when hit directly at high velocity, but it was never meant to be resistant to being slowly worn away over time. I guess we'll see what happens from others that bought one – maybe it will fray for a time then settle into a more stable state. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted March 9, 2021 Share #91 Posted March 9, 2021 7 hours ago, hdmesa said: Thanks to Josh at Leica Miami for allowing me to return this for an M10-R. You're lucky he didn't say "A frayed knot." (I'll get my coat ...) Pete. 1 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
calijax Posted March 9, 2021 Share #92 Posted March 9, 2021 12 hours ago, mnutzer said: Looks like hand-knitted by grandma...😀 It really feels like holding a sweater when you use it. I also have an M10M with traditional skin that feels completely different. I'm really interested to see how soon I can wear this thing out lol If the kevlar proves to not be a good long term material, I'm sure a new, black, calfskin (or ostrich!) wrap wouldn't be too ugly anyway Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
T25UFO Posted March 9, 2021 Share #93 Posted March 9, 2021 13 hours ago, hdmesa said: Ok, decided to look at the Kevlar cladding in the bright sunlight – yikes. This just doesn't work for me on a camera that's supposed to be tough – looks like a wool sock that's falling apart, and I don't want to have to use a lint roller on the camera every time I want to change a lens. Thanks to Josh at Leica Miami for allowing me to return this for an M10-R. 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! That is not good. Makes me think Leica designed this camera for collectors and not users. Excellent service from Leica Miami 👍 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ouroboros Posted March 9, 2021 Share #94 Posted March 9, 2021 Cats will love it. 1 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted March 9, 2021 Share #95 Posted March 9, 2021 29 minutes ago, Ouroboros said: Cats will love it. Can't resist😉. M4 reporter 'homage' with real paracord strap and grenade ring - cost of strap in total £2. No kevlar but the cat does like the excess paracord which was bought for bootlaces😀. 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! 6 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/317208-new-special-edition-the-leica-m10-p-reporter-in-kevlar-cover/?do=findComment&comment=4157057'>More sharing options...
Ouroboros Posted March 9, 2021 Share #96 Posted March 9, 2021 On 2/12/2021 at 8:41 PM, ejk64 said: hello , the leica m10-p " reporter " with the summaron-m28/5.6 , a billingham khaki bag , a hamilton khaki mechanical watch : what else ??? 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! Nice chair! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdmesa Posted March 9, 2021 Share #97 Posted March 9, 2021 8 hours ago, farnz said: You're lucky he didn't say "A frayed knot." (I'll get my coat ...) Pete. I think having to return it was worth it for just this one joke. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdmesa Posted March 9, 2021 Share #98 Posted March 9, 2021 2 hours ago, T25UFO said: ... Makes me think Leica designed this camera for collectors and not users ... I think it would have been more practical to have added a thin layer of Kevlar reinforcing material behind the leather cladding, then made the leather a complimentary, almost black-green color with the same large diamond texture. But they didn't ask me, did they? 🤐 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen.s1 Posted March 9, 2021 Share #99 Posted March 9, 2021 2 hours ago, T25UFO said: That is not good. Makes me think Leica designed this camera for collectors and not users. You hit the nail on the head. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeicaS2 Posted May 10, 2021 Share #100 Posted May 10, 2021 I was wondering if the edition of 450 reporters was sold out. B&H shows it discontinued which is similar to sold out. Broadway Camera is saying they have a new reporter for $11,4999.99, and nothing is listed on eBay. Looks like people are using it, or collecting them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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