Do you protect your Leica with. .. ...

[Luddite Frank]

Considering that many if not most Leica lenses are more valuable than the camera body (except original BP and the Leica MP) and in many cases (scratch and haze-free old lenses, Noctilux 50/1.2, 35mm Summilux ASPHERICAL) are very difficult to repair or replace, what is the point to protect the Leica body with a half-case? I am much more afraid of damaging the front-elements of my lenses so have protecting filters on all of them.

Good point; I would bet real money that most of us who believe in the value of a case on the body also have a protective filter over the lens. 🙂


I can't imagine carrying an LTM around in a pocket... maybe it's because I have thick thighs, but I don't think I could even get the bugger in there... 😛

 

[Erik van Straten]

I also use a case (only the lower part) for my M5. It is a rather special thing, not originally Leitz, but made by Kameraleder Los Angeles (made in the USA). It is much nicer than the original Leitz ones, smooth soft black leather, but not slippery, very nice to hold. It has lugs at both sides, so the problem of the only two lugs of my M5 is solved as I can carry the camera in the conventional way.

My M3 with Leicameter (without lens) in half case weights 837 grams and my M5 in the case mentioned above (without lens) weights 857 grams.

Erik.

 

[kbg32]

Cases are for beer, not cameras.

 

[FrankS]

i use Zhou half cases for my M2 and CLs. protection and improved grip. On the CLs, i prefer a horizontal hang and the case allows that. My llla goes naked however. i use clear filters to protect front elements of several of my vintage leitz lenses known to have easily scratched soft glass/coatings.

 

[B-9]

Looking forward to using a case on my III, which user Burancap is sending my way, much appreciated!

I do not always carry a bag with me, and most times im on the move in various conditions. I do not always treat my cameras like delicate flowers. So I feel a half/full case is a great compromise for me.

I wish Fuji made a soft pouch for the GA645zi, did they!? I take mine everywhere, and its getting ugly quick!

 

[Robert Lai]

Working in health care, I've seen a lot of incidents where a man wishes he had worn a condom.

I guess it works the same way for cameras.. A little bit of extra bulk is a minor price to pay compared to the regret from "damage" that occurs unprotected.

 

[BillBingham2]

I'm a naked sort, with a twist. While have way too many soft case, I really like a small hard case to protect the camera when it's not in-my-hand/around-my-neck.

I think back to what Jim from Ken H said to me years ago when I purchased my first M lens "don't keep cleaning it, keep it clean". I'm mindful of the camera but as I carry so little (compared to what I lugged around in the early 80's) it takes so little bandwidth (concentration) I'm much happier.

B2 (;->

 

[Spavinaw]

Fake it! There have been a couple of mentions of removing the front of a Leica case and someone wanting a tripod socket on a half case. Simple solution. Use a Canon case for your Barnacks. Not only can you unsnap the front half, you have a very robust tripod socket included. Also, once you remove the front it's not too obvious you're using a Canon case if that matters. Even as I type, my IIIf is living in a Canon half case. And another point in Canon's favor is that, unlike Leica, the Canon case has holes for the strap lugs allowing you to easily use any strap you want.

 

[hendriphile]

... I would bet real money that most of us who believe in the value of a case on the body also have a protective filter over the lens.... 😛

You got that right!

 

[Dralowid]

There are plenty of old Leica cases around missing their front flap/top (which normally falls off in time). They make excellent 'half cases' but make sure the straps are still strong and have not deteriorated into that dry cardboard substance that is the fate of much old leather.

 

[robert blu]

I don't protect my M7, I just use it !
robert

 

[seakayaker1]

I have an A&A half case on my MP and M6TTL.

I do not have any on my digital M's

 

[Luddite Frank]

Speaking of Canon cases, I wonder if FED cases are also an affordable alternative ?

( An FSU case from Fedka certainly was for my Contax III-a... 😉 )

 

[zauhar]

No case and no strap, I can't stand something dangling from my neck.

Also, I have seen/heard of catastrophic results when cases and straps catch on things.

Randy