Luigi Case

[eric23]

Good Day All,

I am thinking about getting a Luigi case for my M4-2, Anyone on RF got one?

Thanks,

Eric

 

[jordan.dickinson]

yeah, and they are amazingly well made. If you've got the cash, get one. They will last for years and years with that incredible leather. I'd highly recommend it.

 

[boomguy57]

I looked at them but they are pricey...ultimately, I went with a Zhou half case. Search for it on the giant auction site. I have one for my M3, and one for my M6. Highly recommended as an alternative.

 

[Paul Jenkin]

I have one on my M6TTL. It came as part of the deal when I bought the body and 50mm 'Crom. To be honest, I didn't think I was going to use it but it makes the camera easier to hold IMO. It also stops a lot of minor scratehces, dents and dings - although it really slows down the film changing process.

If speed is of the essence, I would leave well alone. If you want to protect your asset a little bit, it's a worthwhile piece of kit.

 

[joseph_galilee]

Try to look the leather beauty on the official site of my old friend:

http://www.leicatime.com/a000-CasesLeicaM.htm


Leitrahot

 

[dave lackey]

Good Day All,

I am thinking about getting a Luigi case for my M4-2, Anyone on RF got one?

Thanks,

Eric

Quite a few folks here have them.

I use the "original" case I got from digitalintrigue, but ony snap on the top cover for transport or when I am not using the camera as it is getting a bit old.

Would love a Luigi case but is too pricey for me. They are magnificent.🙂

But remember, using a half case makes the camera so much easier to grip and if you seriously use it in hot weather, it protects the leather covers on the camera as well as protecting against damaging the camera itself.

In all my years, I have never had a problem with taking a case off to change film. As a result, all of my gear is still in pristine condition. Others hate pristine and like the "character" of wear, dings, etc. To each his own.:angel:

 

[karlori]

Good Day All,

I am thinking about getting a Luigi case for my M4-2, Anyone on RF got one?

Thanks,

Eric

Go with a zhou and save a bunch of cash.

 

[Out to Lunch]

For the past three years, I have used the Mr. Zhou half-cases: one on the Leica and another on the Epson R-d1. Snug fit, good leather, great workmanship, great price.

 

[jordan.dickinson]

As I mentioned above, I love the Luigi cases, but for the price, the Artisan and Artist cases are fantastic and better constructed than the Zhou cases. For me, the Zhou cases feel plastic-y and even smell sort of like chemicals. The A&A cases are a great in between half case.

 

[boomguy57]

I have to disagree, both of my Zhou cases are built very well. I have to say, however, that I love the A&A straps (or Gordy's).

As I mentioned above, I love the Luigi cases, but for the price, the Artisan and Artist cases are fantastic and better constructed than the Zhou cases. For me, the Zhou cases feel plastic-y and even smell sort of like chemicals. The A&A cases are a great in between half case.

And as another poster above said, get a half-case to protect your stuff. Plus, I find it's easier to grip as well--much more comfortable with the half-case, regardless of what kind you get.

 

[Monz]

I have a Luigi case for the M6 and a Zhou case for the XPan.
The Luigi case is much better.... highly recommended.

 

[raydm6]

I have Luigi half-cases and straps for my IIIf and M2 and couldn't be happier. Exquisite craftsmanship and *love* the smell 🙂

 

[jarski]

had one for M5, it was indeed beautiful as was the camera. but casing a film camera slowed me down, as film usually ends most inconvenient moment. digital is another story, had Zhou for my M8 and it was good protection as I went "everywhere" with it.

 

[doolittle]

I got one of Luigi's new budget range €60 half cases. They only thing budget about it is the price, it's exquisite.

 

[dave lackey]

Luigi cases are exquisite.

I would prefer to have one exquisite, quality item rather than 10 bargain items. I do without to enjoy beauty, craftsmanship, and the experiences of those things that I care about.

That said, it will be a lot of ramen noodle dinners down the road before I can pay for a Luigi case. But it is on my bucket list.:angel:

There is a case for cheaper cases though (pun intended). Remember that the case will soak up a lot of bumps, bruises and scrapes as a sacrificial skin. That is the purpose of camera cases and why I use the original Leica case on the M3 and the R4. The M3 case was free, needing only a bit of restoration and a felt liner. The R4 case was bought a year ago for $25 in mint condition. A Zhou case would be fine, too.🙂

But a Luigi...well, that is something special.

 

[eric23]

Thanks for all the feeback all!

I ordered up a Luigi case.

 

[hteasley]

I'm not rich enough to buy cheap stuff. Buy it once and have it last. Luigi's cases will do that.

 

[EdwardKaraa]

Inspired by this thread, I ordered 2 black half cases for my Zeiss Ikons. Luigi was super nice and friendly, and the cases are truly exquisite. I have been using Zhou cases on my Ikons and M6. They are very nice too, especially for the price, but they do smell "funny" and I had the side clip failing on one of them since day one. What I like about Luigi's cases is the high cut, protecting almost the entire back side, as well as the snug fit and the leather quality (smells like a nice leather wallet, no funny aromas 😀)

 

[Peter_Jones]

I have a Zhou case, and find it well made, well fitting and quality thick yet supple leather. OK, they smell a bit, but that's what tanned leather smells like.

Luigi cases, from brief handling, feel like a softer leather (a bit more "give") with a more "finished" surface. The stitching looks fantastic, and I did not notice any aroma.

On balance, I like the Zhou leather (similar feel to a custom knife scabbard, and a hand-made belt I grew out of) - I don't think it will ever wear out. I'd love a Luigi case for long-term comparison, but I am happy enough with what I've got.