What were original M6 cases?

[ironringer]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Please excuse this inquiry, that may have already been discussed (I did not see anything in other posts). What ever-ready and other cases did Leica sell for the Leica M6 cameras, in the 1980s and 1990s? I finally acquired a nice M6 camera, long desired, and wish to use it - protected in an original ever-ready case. Apart from the "14 505" ever-ready case mentioned in a 1980s M6 instruction manual, I do not know what "product number" to search for. Guidance with pictures will be appreciated.

[nwphil]

This might help a bit:

https://www.google.com/search?q=leica+full+cases+for+Leica+M6&sxsrf=ALiCzsbEltBWSi26g16lOviaFmRAAP4D5g%3A1668812416235&ei=gA54Y8X4Dbit0PEPqs6T2AM&ved=0ahUKEwjFuJDa6rj7AhW4FjQIHSrnBDsQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=leica+full+cases+for+Leica+M6&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzIFCAAQogQyBQgAEKIEMgUIABCiBDIFCAAQogQ6CggAEEcQ1gQQsAM6BwgjELACECc6BAgjECdKBAhBGABKBAhGGABQiApY1DdgnkFoAXABeACAAWiIAYwGkgEDOS4xmAEAoAEByAEIwAEB&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

https://www.leicashop.com/classic/Leica/M-System/Accessories/Cases/

if you are looking for half-cases, then there are better options than offered by Leica

Edited November 18, 2022 by nwphil

[Anbaric]

51 minutes ago, ironringer said:

Please excuse this inquiry, that may have already been discussed (I did not see anything in other posts). What ever-ready and other cases did Leica sell for the Leica M6 cameras, in the 1980s and 1990s? I finally acquired a nice M6 camera, long desired, and wish to use it - protected in an original ever-ready case. Apart from the "14 505" ever-ready case mentioned in a 1980s M6 instruction manual, I do not know what "product number" to search for. Guidance with pictures will be appreciated.

As the 14505 is the one in the manual I assume it's the original, but other film M cases like the 14870 should also fit.

[lmans]

Not sure if you mean the leather case that is around a camera or the presentation case that came with it? Anyhow, here is my original M6 with the presentation/protective case that came with it. It is 'white' as opposed to the black one coming out today, but the red velvet is the same. From what I understand, this 'plastic case' is identical to the new M6 case coming out today. Somewhat impractical except when ? .... not an everyday user for sure but then again, when I look at the new MA's Mp etc...they all come in a box now, as opposed to a plastic case, so they too are impractical. 

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!

[mshchem]

14 870 is a really nice case, standard front. The 14876 is same as 14 870 except has a longer front to accommodate a longer lens. These are quite nice, one thing is the top can be quite a challenge to remove from the base, very tight chromed brass fitting. It slides up to remove. Use your thumbs and push! Don't pull straight off.

[Huss]

The problem w those cases is, while they undoubtedly protect the camera, is they turn a beautiful, slim lovely to handle thing into a big, awkward ungainly thing.

[Huss]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I really like this holster case

 

https://us.oberwerth.com/products/crossbody-holster-fur-leica-m-und-q?variant=41218482995351

[LocalHero1953]

I used the 14528 with my M2 for many years. It protected it when thrown in the back of a pickup, travelling off road, on construction sites, in light aircraft and in helicopters. Hard, weather-resistant and durable. I would have used it either with a Summicron 35 v4 or a Summicron 50 collapsible. IIRC I could just squeeze an Elmar 90 collapsible in it as well. I don't know enough about body sizes to tell if it would fit a M6.

Edited November 19, 2022 by LocalHero1953

[andrew01]

On 11/19/2022 at 6:41 PM, mshchem said:

14 870 is a really nice case, standard front. The 14876 is same as 14 870 except has a longer front to accommodate a longer lens. These are quite nice, one thing is the top can be quite a challenge to remove from the base, very tight chromed brass fitting. It slides up to remove. Use your thumbs and push! Don't pull straight off.

 

Looking at pictures I am pretty sure I have this case. I have never used the front flap. It is in the original box somewhere in storage so I can’t check the serial number. I bought the case brand new in 2003, the cost was $400AUD, I suppose around $300USD. I don’t know what I was thinking.

The quality of the leather is certainly top notch, as it is with all Leica cases.  I like the subtle built in grip.  I find it adds just enough thickness to make the camera more comfortable to hold.  If patient these cases can be found on ebay for reasonable money.  A case of comparable quality from independent brands would certainly cost $300+

[andrew01]

On 11/19/2022 at 7:25 PM, LocalHero1953 said:

I used the 14528 with my M2 for many years. It protected it when thrown in the back of a pickup, travelling off road, on construction sites, in light aircraft and in helicopters. Hard, weather-resistant and durable. I would have used it either with a Summicron 35 v4 or a Summicron 50 collapsible. IIRC I could just squeeze an Elmar 90 collapsible in it as well. I don't know enough about body sizes to tell if it would fit a M6.

Wow, you seriously throw an M2 into the load area of a pickup truck with just an eveready case for protection?  That part of the vehicle is designed for hauling lumber from construction sites!

I could imagine the M2 bouncing around in the back of the truck, especially given the rudimentary suspension of these vehicles.

If I owned a pickup truck, I think I would find some space in the cabin for the camera to travel:)

Edited November 23, 2022 by andrew01

[andrew01]

You can get them cheaper than this, but they don’t come up very often in brown:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154585864823?hash=item23fe091a77:g:NGoAAOSwZDdf2e3n&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAsE2iCAgjr1wR0lMFYbSxyqx2fRz4afKIPe8y3wS6GqtZAxJtbx7kjAabgID3QlCWXmmnnK8MU%2BOA9S%2Bz9i9d3zp7Q%2FElgzdHOxjK4cL6oUvhplbk1v55ocG4201m5Z0TITVB7Y2Rdh8bmYx2VbZFtAmVLTSLq4EWzf6jpJCFf2wIyDkCsqprhlDMkXEBdVjhmybLIY5d1tr8Nox435bLxfLRbv8wCx8RyWMYB84%2BgaHY|tkp%3ABk9SR_CQlt6UYQ

[LocalHero1953]

40 minutes ago, andrew01 said:

Wow, you seriously throw an M2 into the load area of a pickup truck with just an eveready case for protection?  That part of the vehicle is designed for hauling lumber from construction sites!

I could imagine the M2 bouncing around in the back of the truck, especially given the rudimentary suspension of these vehicles.

If I owned a pickup truck, I think I would find some space in the cabin for the camera to travel:)

Well, perhaps I was exaggerating - it would have been in the leather messenger-type bag I used in those days, not directly on the floor of the pickup. It survived another 30 years till I sold it to buy a M9.

And it wasn't lumber, it was well drilling tools, sacks of cement and gravel, and the chemical field test kits and various other instruments I carried with me in those days🙂!  

Edited November 23, 2022 by LocalHero1953

[ironringer]

Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions. After more research I narrowed my search for an original M6 ever-ready case #14505, in good or better condition. I searched in England, since my son lives in London (works with BBC as a documentary filmmaker). I wanted to buy in England, because Royal Mail postage within UK is still very reasonable compared to mailing to Canada from USA or Europe. Although major Leica stores (including Red Dot) did not have a used M6 case, I was lucky and found a very nice one at The Latent Image in Shrewsbury. Quality store, reasonable price, friendly dealer, and it will be mailed next week to my son, who will bring it home for Christmas. A month from now I can start using my lovely M6, well- protected in its "correct" ever-ready case. All's well that ends well 🙂.

 

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!