Luigi case - kind of like an Italian model

yossarian123

yossarian123

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Beautiful to look at, figure to die for, absolutely first class all the way, can't take your eyes off it. But...temperamental as hell, frustrating, and I'm forced to beg just to get it to move the way I want it to. It seems to take pleasure in driving me insane.

KEH had a Leicatime grip case + strap for an insane deal so I jumped on it for my M4p. It seemed like a no brainer even though I'm more of a grip guy. It looks absolutely amazing and the materials are top notch. But film changing is so frustrating - the case is too snug, meaning I've really got to grip the camera pretty tight (I've already put my fingers on the lens glass and RF window a couple of times). To top it all off - you can't mount goggled lenses with the case on. That one is pretty disappointing because I've read that Luigi is a real Leica connoisseur - you'd think his designs would take that into account. I mean even Leica makes their M8/M9 handgrip small enough so the goggles will mount. So to mount my Summaron I've got to (again) remove the case (partially this time), mount the lens and then put the case back on again. argh.

I know that Luigi has some major fans on this site, anyone else as frustrated as I am? I'll probably keep it since I paid such a great price but if I'm doing anything that requires fast work then I'll think ahead, put on my GMP grip, and leave the Luigi case at home. So the Leicatime case is basically arm candy.

(and no, I have no actual real-world experience with Italian models).
(unfortunately).
 
The case will loosen up, so you can slide it off more easily. As to goggled lens mounting, I can't speak to that, although most half cases I see don't look much different, such that I'm not sure there's one out there that makes it any easier to mount goggled lenses.
 
It seems that mounting goggled lenses is hit or miss - my A&A case mounted them fine. My 2nd gen GMP grip didn't but the 1st gens do. And they always mounted on the M5. I guess that's a side benefit of having a slightly wider body.

The case was used so hopefully it's not completely broken in yet. I'll probably watch tv tonight and take it on/off to see if I can speed up the process.
 
Luigi's Leicatime cases need surgery - my Canon 7s case story

Luigi's Leicatime cases need surgery - my Canon 7s case story

The only Leicatime case that I have is one for my Canon 7s. I even corresponded with him by email personally to make sure that it would fit (i.e. not for the Canon 7). He assured me that it would fit.

When it finally came, the leather does indeed look very handsome. It also fits skin tight. So tight, that it was hard to get the camera in there, or out of there. One of the straps that holds the camera on was too short, and could not be buttoned on. Not that it was necessary, as the camera was not going to come out of the case without considerable effort. The side cutout for the PC flash socket was insufficient, and covered the flash socket when the case was on. Furthermore, the strap that was too short covered the meter cell.

The only thing to do is to perform surgery on it. I took a fine sharpie marker, and marked out what needed to be removed. Then, take a stout and sharp scissors (like the ones you use in the kitchen), and start making smooth cuts of the offending leather. In the end, my case has become like one of those dresses where there is a strap on one side, and the other side is strapless. Nothing is now obscured.

To get the nice edge blackening on the newly cut leather, I use Fiebing's "Edge Kote". Condition the case with neatsfoot oil (I use Honey Leather), then seal it with Fiebing's Resolene, which gives the leather a water resistant seal. The Leicatime leather is rather delicate if not sealed this way. Then, buff with clear polish (again, I like Fiebing's), and the case will gleam. Yes, it's a lot of work, but otherwise you'll never be satisfied with Luigi's case the way it is.

PS: Greetings from the suburbs of Chicago!
 
I have a Luigi case for my M6 and it fits like a glove. At first it was a wee bit tight but after a few months it loosened and slides on and off comfortably-- not too tight not too loose. My experience is that the case is first rate.
 
I've got a Luigi Case for my M6 classic and Besa R3A.
Both cases were tight when brand new but loosened up extremely well after a couple of months. They now come off extremely easily.

In contrast I purchased a $60 leather case from China for my M7 and its a struggle to get that one off, but it was "only" $60.
 
It would be a good idea to apply some leather conditioner, or just plain Nivea hand cream. This will help loosen the leather and keep it soft in the same time.
 
after shooting with it this weekend, I found the easiest way to switch film is to unhook just one end of the case, grab the strap at that end with one hand, the bottom of the case with the other hand, then forcefully pull the two ends apart. Like pulling apart two strips of velcro. Then the case is still attached to the other strap end which frees up your hands to actually change the film.
 
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