Grips, half cases, soft releases and flash plugs

[madNbad]

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I have tried a few different half cases and really liked the Artist & Artisan until the last one smelled like a moldy rat. The other problem with half cases is leaving them behind after loading the camera. More than once, I’ll set the case down, load the camera then wander off only to realize the case is sitting on a bench or a rock. I have tried stuffing them in a pocket but haven’t always been successful.

Grips are just as bad. I love them and have owned a variety. Every one make me feel like I’m going to bend the tab on the baseplate when attaching it. It doesn’t matter if it’s a two hundred dollar Leica grip or a twenty dollar Buttergrip. All of them make attaching the baseplate a challenge.

Soft releases. Great idea until you snag one and it bends the actuator arm.

Flash plugs. Anyone with a M4-2 or M4-P should be careful. The previous owner of my M4-2 snagged a flash plug on his jacket and pulled the socket out. I currently have a replacement flash block and am looking for a repair shop to install it.

I have stripped both the M4 and the M4-2 to nothing more than they came from the factory with. I don’t want to unnecessarily beat up my cameras but it’s reached the point of, I’ve tried this stuff and maybe I’m better off working with an unadorned camera.

Arte de Mateo may disagree.

Edited May 20 by madNbad

[Graham (G4FUJ)]

2 hours ago, madNbad said:

The other problem with half cases is leaving them behind after loading the camera. More than once, I’ll set the case down, load the camera then wander off only to realize the case is sitting on a bench or a rock. I have tried stuffing them in a pocket but haven’t always been successful.

That's my trick with lens caps!

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[kivis]

"Soft releases. Great idea until you snag one and it bends the actuator arm."

I love soft releases and also mini's, but yes this can happen. Had it happen with an M7 many years ago. Not fun and not cheap to repair.

[ktmrider2]

One of my favorite local retailers here in Anchorage sells sheepskin pads for motorcycle seats.  The slogan the store uses is "Don't ride naked!".  In my experience, the Leica (or Nikon, Canon etc) is much better naked.

[pedaes]

5 hours ago, madNbad said:

Arte de Mateo may disagree.

Arte di mano wouldn't be bothered. There are enough of us using and appreciating their superb cases they are doing very well.

[Huss]

Yup to the soft releases.