Case for M5

[Dez]

I recently bought a very nice 2 lug black chrome M5. Apart from one fairly small ding, it's cosmetically really good, and I'd like to keep it that way, but get some use out of this excellent camera.

Previously I had an M5 with the original Benser case. It appeared to me that every effort had been made in the design of that case to be as inconvenient as possible. It was necessary to undo the carrying strap from the camera lugs to get the case off, and while attached, it made every possible effort to flop down in the way of hands or controls. So I don't want one of those.

I have seen Leitz cases in the usual horizontal design for the M5, but I think they are only for the 3-lug version. I noticed a Mr Zhou half case on ebay, which looks to be convenient while at least offering some protection. Its price of $70 is about the upper limit of what I am willing to pay. Can anyone familiar with this case for the M5 let me know how it works for you?

Any advice or suggestions would certainly be welcome.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[yossarian123]

The zhou case isn't bad - if you've used a half case for any other M body it's pretty much the same. The fit is fine and you'll have to remove the case to change film but that's standard for any case.

 

[f16sunshine]

Hi Dez
I second Sam on the Zhou case. They are inexpensive as well as well designed and made.
I've used them on every RF Model I have owned (RD1, M8, M6, M5, ZI). Always nice to find good quality at fair price.

Cheers!

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Don't bother with the Leica case. I have one. It looks cool if you're going to carry the camera, but it won't be detached easily and it doesn't offer much room if you have any lens other than a 'cron 35 (old version, short and no hood). If you have something like the fast Nokton f1.4, the camera can be fitted to the case, but without the hood, or with the hood on backwards.

I didn't know about the Zhou case you guys are talking about. Perhaps because I use cases for storage... and that's the last use they should get. In any event, skip the Leica.

 

[Dez]

Then again, if you simply detach the front part from the Leica case you have something equivalent to the Mr Zhou half-case, and as you say, it's good for storage and transport. If you are not using it do you want to sell it?

Cheers,
Dez

 

[mbf4755]

I use the Leica 14541 everready case for my 2-lug, but I don't run the strap through. When I am carrying the camera, not shooting, or when I put it away, I simply zip the case over the camera. When I shoot, I unzip and remove the case.

The camera is protected when it needs to be, and can be ready to shoot in 5 seconds.

Using this case with the strap run through, in my opinion, leaves the case hanging awkwardly on the strap between the camera and your neck when you shoot.

Matt

 

[Dez]

I ended up finding a decent deal on ebay for a regular 2-part case. It does a good job of protection in transport, and turns into a decent half-case by detaching the top half.

One thing I dislike about most half-cases is that the strap connects to the camera rather than the case. Secure, yes, but it gets in the way when changing film or using it with flash or on a tripod.



Cheers,
Dez