Eveready Case or Not!

[jesse1dog]

Been doing some reading!

The Focal Press 'Leica Guide' says:

'When not in use, the camera should be protected from damp and dust, preferably in its case and, as an additional precaution, inserted into a polythene bag.'

The 'Leica Manuel' by Morgan & Morgan says:

'All Leica equipement should be kept in cases when not in use and when being carried. The basuc Leica case is the Eveready case, from which the camera is never removed except for loading. A camera which has been kept in its Eveready case at all times will look like new for years.'

Somewhere else I have read that keeping a Leica in its leather case is the best way to generate fungus.

My own inclination is to use a modern synthetic material case like those made by Lowepro, and also to do away with the strap attached to the lugs. In that way I can enjoy that Leica feel when using my camera - the feel that disappears when the camera is in its Eveready case.

Using the Leica is about convenience and pleasure but storage does raise issues.

The 'Leica Guide' does go on to suggest that: 'the camera should be stored where you can get at it easily and put it through its normal operations at least once a month. This will then keep the mechanism in good order, retaining the natural qualities of the lubricant - thus ensuring the camera is ready for instant use when required.'

This last bit seems very sensible and good common sense to me. Are there any nasty stories around about the polythens bag storage? And do you guys really use Eveready cases?

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Keep a Leica sealed in the box.

 

[jesse1dog]

I'm a bit disappointed in the response or lack of it to my queries about use of the Eveready case and general storage of cameras and equipement. I can't believe that all and everbody's gear is in use all the time - some of it must be left 'at base' and some items must get pretty infrequent use.
Perhaps I better rephrase my concerns.
1. Do you use an Eveready case and why? If not why not - what do you use?
2. Do you keep any equipement in plastic/polythene bags? If not how do you store 'stuff'?

 

[jesse1dog]

Keep a Leica sealed in the box.

I am baffled by this comment.
I have obviously missed something somewhere.
Please help!

 

[Pherdinand]

OK. I will try to give, for the change, a serious answer. But i have no Leica (yet).
I do have a 50 y old super ikonta with its leather everready case, though.
The edges of the front as well as the corners of the camera, where the chromium was touching/rubbing the leather case, are green. Yes, green. The leather is also green in these positions.
Probably the camera was kept too long in its case in humid environment. The brass under the chrome oxidized in contact with the leather and pushed the chrome off here and there. The camera is in perfect working order otherwise, and the lens has no fungus or other problems, the green oxidization is the only result of long-time sitting in the case.

As to the question, how I keep my not-used cameras - well, most of them have no case at all; except this super ikonta (that i keep out of its case, of course) and a yashica electro35 GSN that has a synthetic padded case and it seems to be good enough not to generate problems. The rest of the cameras just sit here and there, in a drawer, on a tabletop, without any protection. None of them "look like new", i must admit, but who the hell cares.

 

[varjag]

1. Do you use an Eveready case and why? If not why not - what do you use?
2. Do you keep any equipement in plastic/polythene bags? If not how do you store 'stuff'?

1. No, for they are cumbersome and ugly as hell. Using one kills all the fun of working with nice body, kinda like kissing with a gas mask on.

2. I don't keep it in plastic either; in fact I don't use any sort of case or camera bag. If you want protection from occasional scratch, a well-made half-case can be a good option. If your worry is rather fungus growth, the only way to secure from it is to delubricate camera and lens and store them sealed. Otherwise giving camera a workout regularily helps preventing fungus.

 

[aad]

I don't use a case at all. I've seen cameras left in cases that look very nasty.

All my cameras look pretty good, good enough that I prefer not to cover them, and the Leica often sits on the car seat or in my pocket.

 

[Ash]

I have the Leica Standard in a leather soft case/bag thing. It's taken out often enough there's no chance of mold I'd hope. The IIIc lives in a Rollei compact camera case, inside a Fomei Point case.

The Fomei Point case is good, very tough, very synthetic. I place my cameras in it when I chuck them in my bag (see ultimate camera bag thread).

When they're not in use, they sit on shelves. I like to play with most of my cams every week, even if I'm not out shooting with them, to keep the dust off 😉

 

[reagan]

I use a half-case when carrying only. It's just more comfortable to me. Otherwise, when not being carried, all my cameras are on a corner bookcase at the end of my desk where I can enjoy glancing at them. If I'm going to stick them somewhere where I can't see them, I'd probably use them less and get rid of 'em.

I would consider a plastic bag for each should a storm cloud ever roll into my study. 😉

 

[jesse1dog]

Thanks guys. Your responses have been really interesting and so far it seems my gut feeling about Eveready cases is right. If you use your camera you don't have it in one of those cases. The thought that you don't 'stash' them away either seems to back my judgement. If cameras are 'out and about' they get 'used' and regular 'playing' with them helps keep the mechs from seizing etc.

Does anyone want to make me an offer for a couple of old Leica leather Eveready cases, both in quite reasonable condition?

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

I wrap my sofa in plastic.