Half-case or no?

[TheEyesHaveIt]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Curious how folks here feel about half-cases? I have had one on my M11 since I bought it and my case has a bit of a finger grip built into it. However, I recently got an M-P and have not put any case on it, and to my surprise, have not had any issues with grip or holding it for long periods of time. Removing the half-case on my M11 recently makes it more streamlined and feel even smaller (especially going in and out of a bag). But wondering if I end up selling it down the road (when the M13 comes out or something), if the body won't be in good shape without the case, even though I treat my cameras with a high degree of care.

[Advertisement]

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

[hdmesa]

Thumb grip is much more useful. 

[spydrxx]

I only use half cases for transport (protection), not for when I am using the camera.

[Mute-on]

[TheEyesHaveIt]

1 hour ago, hdmesa said:

Thumb grip is much more useful. 

I’ve never tried one - I always figured it’d be redundant to the little thumb rest already on the body?

[hdmesa]

2 hours ago, TheEyesHaveIt said:

I’ve never tried one - I always figured it’d be redundant to the little thumb rest already on the body?

I use the Leica thumb grip, and it provides me quite a bit more leverage than the raised thumb rest on the body. It does improve the grip on the camera when shooting, but it makes an even bigger difference in general handling. The thumb grip acts like a front grip on a regular camera, making it way easier to hold onto when moving the camera around, holding it at my side, etc.

[Markey]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

My 246 came with a half case and to my surprise I liked it so much so that I bought a used one for my CL even though it meant sacrificing the thumb grip.

Its made changing batteries on the CL much quicker .

Just flip open the bottom plate on the case .

No longer need to unscrew the grip and set it down somewhere. 

[Kiwimac]

I don’t like them other than visually but since I don’t own my M camera as a fashion accessory, I stick to the thing I find more useful: the grip. 

[newtoleica]

I always use them. Gives me a better grip of the camera ( I don’t like thumb grips) and protects against knocks. I’ve just bought a classic cases handmade half case with a flap that covers the screen. A poor man’s D version… 😁

[LocalHero1953]

I use a half case for protection of the body, and whatever nice polished table or piano I put it down on, but find the simple body with no case, grip or thumb rest to be all I want for holding and use. A half case feels bulky. Grips, thumbies, soft releases etc, just leave me thinking 'why?'. But there's no accounting for preferences.

[jeri]

Half case and be there!

For non-digital Leica cameras, I really don't care.

[Mute-on]

I don’t use a case, a strap, a thumbs-up, a grip or a soft release. I like my Leicas naked so I can feel all their curves …

[nek724]

Same. Naked is the best feeling with the M. Either you're holding a film Leica, or digital, they have their own feel that I think it was just meant to be, but you do you, whatever floats your boat. If I had the opportunity to get any of those for free to try I don't think I'll like any. For the thumb grip, the body already has a bump by the wheel, plus, going into the bag, does it actually fit with the grip poking out? However, though, I used an x100v for four years and I really liked the little bump in front of the camera, but I would not go out and buy the grip with additional base plate added to the m11. 

Edited August 2, 2024 by nek724

[Malabito]

The original leica halfcase for the m11is not to my liking... Its entirely flat on the grip therefore it actually makes the camera slippery. 

I had a case for the m10 loved it... now with the m11 i am trying to sell mine. I ended getting the grip, which yes makes the cmaera bulkier but handling is excellent. 

[Jeff S]

12 hours ago, TheEyesHaveIt said:

I’ve never tried one - I always figured it’d be redundant to the little thumb rest already on the body?

Only accessory I use on an M. Ignored it on my film Ms for 20 years, but haven’t gone without one for last 15 with digital M bodies. Using RF only, and no flash, I have no issue using hot shoe.

There are plenty of other discussions regarding both cases and thumb supports, easily searched.

Jeff

[DadDadDaddyo]

I've evolved from being a reluctant user of half cases to being an enthusiastic user of half cases. 

Foremost among all the reasons to use one, a half case protects edges on the camera body that are most vulnerable to knicks and gouges resulting from normal handling: those bottom edges, and the bottom surface the camera sits on. 

A half case adds no obstacles to immediate shooting. There's no top cover that had to be snapped off to keep it from flapping around. On the original 'ever-ready' cases for the Thread Mount and M series, you can't even remove that top cover from the bottom, so it's always flapping around!

Plus, the OEM Leica cases are made from high quality leather that provides a comfortable and reassuring grip and tactile connection to the camera. 

For all these reasons, aguyn OEM Leica half case is the first accessory I add when picking up a new or used Leica body. 

[MikeW]

I've been carrying cameras around for decades without cases, so the Leica thumb grip is all I need to make walking with the camera in hand more comfortable and secure. The thumb grip adds essentially nothing to the bulk of the camera, so it continues to slide easily into my sling bag.

 

 

[ianforber]

I’m a fan of half-cases, possibly because I grew up using a Minolta X-700 which has a slightly raised vertical area on the front to hold with your second finger. This is in exactly the same place as the slim raised bit of my arte di mano case for my M11. The cases looks good too, all in stealth black!

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[chris7273]

The half case and the lens hood absorbed the main impact when I fell on a rocky path. my knee was not that well protected and it was not that good looking 🙂

[goodbokeh]

I like using a arte di mano half-case and also the Leica thumb grip. The half-case gives a softer more comfortable feeling in the hand. It also has a very handy two-step bottom flap for just accessing the USB-C outlet or the full battery and SD card removal. Other half-cases just don't compare to the arte di mano's quality of construction...the saying that "you get what you pay for" really applies here.

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!