A 50USD range Leather Half case for Leica, anyone interested?

[roundg]

This Monday, I received an interesting parcel. It is a prototype of leather half case for Leica designed by Mr. Zhou.

First Impression: The case is in a very attractive shape. Very smooth to fit my camera into the case and it wraps my camera just as the skin. The leather feels soft. The most novel and interesting design I can find on this case is its grip. It has not only grip in the front, but also has a grip on the back, which allow your thumb stays there comfortably. I like this design quite much. It makes holding the camera with only one hand easier and more comfortable.

I have no business relationship with Mr. Zhou though I am required by him to give him feedback as a friend. I was told the final products will be in 50USD range. Then definitely it's the best I see so far in this range for a leica leather half case.

I will share more info with you. I hope I can have some time to sit down and compare it with other cases I have.

 

[trittium]

It looks very nice. Looks like Luigi has some serious competition.

 

[mjflory]

That looks very comfortable indeed -- more comfortable to hold than the bottom of my Leitz case. That case has no grip and is just too long because they've added padding to accomodate the strap lugs of the camera. The M's are not light cameras and I suspect the grip would make them more stable when held in one hand.

 

[mervynyan]

I never heard of Mr. Zhou before, but if he has a selection of leather, color, etc, I think he is right on the money.

please do share some information about him.

 

[roundg]

It's not a competitor of Luigi. I am a fan of Luigi's case. If you want the best, still go to Luigi now. Obviously this case is aiming at a different price range and user requirement.

For the Grip, yes, I still wrap the strap around my wrist when I hold it with one hand. I found some pros and cons on the design of the grip. Overall it's a good design.

I will try to include all the info in a final review (If i can call it a review.)

 

[roundg]

I never heard of Mr. Zhou before, but if he has a selection of leather, color, etc, I think he is right on the money.

please do share some information about him.

Hehe, I don't know much about Mr. Zhou. He is a UI system designer. He did the design of the case just for hobby .............................

 

[ferider]

I have a very similar one. It says "handmade in Italy" but is
definitely not a Luigi case (see the interior). Saying this because
I find it great. I bought it for US 100 new from pnet a while
back (advertised as what it is), so US 50 is certainly a good deal.

As you said, Lugi cases are better, in particular the interior. I have
several and like you am a fan of his.

Best,

Roland.

 

[ywenz]

Hey that Zhou case looks great! Where did you purchase it? I'm interested in one..

 

[roundg]

I have a very similar one. It says "handmade in Italy" but is
definitely not a Luigi case (see the interior). Saying this because
I find it great. I bought it for US 100 new from pnet a while
back (advertised as what it is), so US 50 is certainly a good deal.

As you said, Lugi cases are better, in particular the interior. I have
several and like you am a fan of his.

Best,

Roland.

Dear Roland, Thanks for sharing your case. It looks good.

As I can tell, Mr. Zhou's case is not hand sewing, it's machine sewing or half machine sewing. The interior of his case is very good, very soft, surprisingly as good as Luigi's as I can tell. Attach a pic along with my Luigi's for your reference.

Someone asked my whether Mr. ZHou is going to have some reviews by RFF members. Interesting suggestion. I will forward the info to him and ask hime to handle any test/review directly. I am not the proper person to do this.

 

[roundg]

Hey that Zhou case looks great! Where did you purchase it? I'm interested in one..

You can't get it in Market now. What I have is a prototype. He is going to produce some. I will ask him to publish some info here once he is ready to sell worldwide.

 

[raid]

Not bad at all; clean and fair competition is always good to have. I have one Luigi half-case that I rotate between the M3 and the M6. I also have two M cases (half-cases now). There is nothing wrong with those either.


Raid

 

[boobo]

Five free case for review

Five free case for review

Hi All, I am Zhou (referred by Roundg as Mr. Zhou). Thanks to Roundg who posted my case in the forum. I haven’t expected so many responses, thank you.

I am a newbie to Leica but I love my Leica cameras so much. As a designer as career, I admire the design and build quality of Leica. And I believe there is something in Leica still keeps some old virtue from that golden age.

I designed the case in my spare time. I want to make a case with good protection to the camera body and a taste which matches the aesthetics of Leica camera. I have made several prototypes already.

The one you see is the final design for this version. The production batch will be ready in one or two weeks.I will continue to improve the current design. I am considering different materials, outline design. I would really appreciate it if you can leave your comments to help me to optimize the next version.

Roundg has forwarded the messages from some RFF members who are interested in testing/reviewing the case. I can arrange five prototypes for RFF members to test. The current design will only fit on M2, M3, M4, M6,M7 &MP[FONT=&#23435].
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So, if anyone of you are interested in reviewing my case. Please drop me an email or PM me indicating your interest.

You only need to pay USD15 for EMS international post fee to get the case. Then please keep the case after the review. The only qualification requirement is that you are expected to have at least one half case, e.g. Leica original case, Luigi, or AA, that you can compare and you promise to write a detailed review and post it on RFF (pls allow me to refer them in the further in other places maybe).
If too many inquiries I receive, I am afraid that only five of you can get the case. Sorry for that and thanks for the understanding.

Best Regards,
Zhou

 

[raid]

Hi Zhou,

Thanks for this offer. I want such a case.
I have both the original M cases and a Luigi case.

Raid

 

[mervynyan]

I'd like one too. I have a cheaper version of Luigi case b/c I can't rationalize the more expensive version of those.

 

[ferider]

Welcome, Zhou.

Thanks for the offer, I sent you a PM.

Best,

Roland.

 

[boobo]

Thanks for all of you who sent PM to me today. Please be kindly noticed the only qualification requirement for this trial is that you are expected to have at least one half case, e.g. Leica original case(not vintage case), Luigi, or AA, that you can compare and you promise to write a detailed review and post it on RFF (pls allow me to refer them in the further in other places maybe).

PS: Due to so many PM I received in a few hours, I may not be able to reply every message you sent, please accept my apology for this.

 

[roundg]

Good, Zhou, you finally appear.

My RFF friends, pls directly address Zhou for further inquiry of the case.

I can focus on the review now. Zhou, don't take it for granted that I will give your case high score. My standard is not how you achieve within 50USD but what's a good case for Leica.

I have already give you some simple comments on which I think you can improve. I will develop them in my final review report.

Cheers,

 

[raid]

😀 We should have more of such trial offers.
With all of my lens testing, I could get dozens of lenses. 😀


Raid

 

[existrandom]

hello Zhou and all

i have not a half-case for the wondeful offer, but i am very happy to hear that a hobbyist/ designer is working on something that addresses real-user perspectives and experiences! and to share it among forumers here!

look forward to the reviews, and more on production run
big cheers!

 

[roundg]

Sorry I have to postphone my report. Too busy this week.

I fit the case on my M4p and carry it every day. I must say I like it more and more. I am starting thinking to sell my handgrip...............hehe, try to return you soon.