Half case, full case or no case?

[Pixeleater]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I started my M journey using an Arte di Mano half case with battery door. It gave me a way to grip the camera with more assurance than without and helped protect the camera when bumped. It also facilitated an easy removal of battery or SD card. I subsequently discovered that I needed more from a grip so I changed to ADM’s half case with the Aventino Grip.

In my heart, as beautiful as is the ADM workmanship, I love the industrial design of the M camera and over time decided to go without the half case. I added a Match Technical thumb support to help me hold the camera. (I first tried the Leica thumb support but found it uncomfortable to use.) I’m getting up there in years, and my hands are not as steady as they once were. There may be a point in time when I want more protection for the camera and use the ADM.

When I go out I’ll use a small Wotoncraft bag to hold an extra lens and lens wipe. I use a shoulder strap for the camera, too.

Good luck with your evaluation.

Edited January 12, 2024 by Pixeleater

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Herr Barnack]

On 2/23/2022 at 4:53 PM, 250swb said:

No case, not even a half case, a reasonable sized camera bag is far better and leaves the camera slim and light when using it. What is a reasonable sized camera bag? One where you can drop a lens into a soft pocket and worry about refitting lens caps later, and with one pocket left over for other stuff, like film, or a meter, a sandwich, a bottle of water, etc.

Since nicer bags are looked down upon by some on this forum, here you go:  https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16038-REG/Domke_701_83S_F_803_Camera_Satchel_Shoulder.html

To go to the next level in terms of quality, craftsmanship, protection and engineering without being "too nice," I would go take a look at:  https://camerawest.com/collections/bags/products/billingham-hadley-small-pro-camera-bag

The bag I am currently using is:  https://www.wotancraft.tw/en/product/pilot-travel-camera-sling-bag-7L-khakibrownC  which I would recommend.

I have always preferred a bag to a half case.  Bags protect the camera and lens from rain, dust, dirt, bumps, bangs, drops, etc.  Half cases, not so much.  Bags conceal your camera and lens from potential thieves, half cases do not.

 

Edited May 26, 2024 by Herr Barnack