Does the leather half case improve handling?

[petercomeau]

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I’m considering the purchase of a secondhand Q3 that comes with the Leica half case and a thumb grip. 
 

I’ve never used either with my Q2, but am wondering whether these two extras actually improve handling?

[Pieter12]

Can't answer for you particular model, but in my experience, a leather half-case improves looks, provides some protection but makes the camera bulkier, probably not improving handling. It can restrict or make access to some parts of the camera more difficult, too.

[Trankster]

I use one I purchased from an Etsy seller that has full access to the battery and memory card. It also has a leather bump on the front and for me it provides a secure grip. I have not found that it adds much bulk, and it does protect the bottom edges and corners of the camera. I have never cared for the thumb grip and have no need for it.

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[SLamb]

I have an Arte di Mano half case that permits easy access to the SD card slot and the battery, and the Leica thumb grip. Together they provide a more stable hold of the Q3 with the added bonus of some protection with the half case. 

[JNK100]

I have an Oberwerth half-case which does aid handling in my view.

There is no need for a thumb-grip.

[ianforber]

I had an Arte di Mano half case for my M11 which was excellent - gave a better grip but wasn’t bulky. I have a Lim's case on my Q2 which helps but does add bulk, largely because I wanted a case with a built-in Arca Swiss plate which raises the height of the camera. 

[petercomeau]

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Thank you all for your comments. 
In the end I found a little used Q3 in mint condition. 
I am going to try a Muziri Kinokoo half-case from Amazon to start with and then see if I also need a thumb grip. 
I’ll report back when I’ve tried the half-case. 

[otto.f]

Slightly, yes. The leather gives a bit more grip, especially with warm weather. The bump at the front gives most of the better grip

Edited August 30, 2024 by otto.f

[petercomeau]

For my particular finger hold it seems the Muziri case is not for me. 

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The case has a nice feel and I was expecting the bulge at the front to help create a secure grip. 
But my finger arrangement, honed by using a ‘naked’ Q2, loops my little finger under the camera:

This case has a thick bottom which prevents this arrangement. I guess I could learn to rearrange my fingers to suit the case but, after using it for a day, I just found it less secure than my grip on the naked Q3.

The other problem is that the thick bottom makes it difficult to get me fingers in to remove the SD card. So it’s going back.

I have ordered the Smallrig L plate and will see how I get on with that as it also has the advantage of Arca Swiss plate fitting.

 

[Trankster]

I will be curious to know how you like the Smallrig L plate, especially given the additional weight.

[jdlaing]

On 8/28/2024 at 1:34 PM, petercomeau said:

I’m considering the purchase of a secondhand Q3 that comes with the Leica half case and a thumb grip. 
 

I’ve never used either with my Q2, but am wondering whether these two extras actually improve handling?

It might depending on the size of your hands.

[Steven Lane]

I have found that both a case and thumbgrip improves handling significantly with my Q2. I do have large stubby fingers which probably has a lot to do with the problems I have handling any smaller cameras. It was the same when I owned Leica’s X1 and X models. The only way I could comfortably use them was with a case or handgrip.

I picked my Q2 case up from Angelo Pelle and have been very happy with it. They are not cheap but very well made. Angelo makes them for the Q3  https://www.angelo-pelle.com/product/leica-q3-half-case

I should add that I had to cut a small piece of the case away to allow the thumb grip to fit flush with the camera. It looks fine after the surgery 😀 I am using the Q3 thumb grip. Here is a picture of mine on the Ghost edition

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Edited September 3, 2024 by Steven Lane

[bobtodrick]

Can’t say my half case improves handling, but it looks good and provides some protection.

Tried the thumb grip…found it totally useless.