In Praise of the Luigi Case

[RayPA]

Wow! I just got my Luigi Leica M half-case. Unbelieveable quality and fit. I've heard others here praise these cases, but I had no idea. The leather is soft and supple—gorgeous. The case has a little padded bump/grip that I didn't know about, a nice feature.

I got a lead on this product from recommendations heard here, so I had to add my voice to those singing the praise of the Luigi/LeicaTime case.

🙂

 

[Traut]

I will probably have one for sale within the next week if anyone is interested.

 

[f/stopblues]

To fit an M I assume, Traut?

 

[mkyy]

for which camera?

 

[Traut]

It fits all the M's. I have 2 of them now. I bought one with a strap and will probably sell one of mine or the new one. They are great cases, especially their simplicity and how they protect the area adjacent to the strap lugs by a simple strap and snap design.

 

[Traut]

I will also trade the M case for a Luigi for the IIIg if anyone has one.

 

[dreilly]

What's your asking price, and what color is it?

 

[RayPA]

My thread of praise has become a FS/WTB! 😛 That's cool, proof positive of a quality product. I guess I should add the disclaimer: No connection with seller (other than a fellow RFFer). :angel:

🙂

 

[dcsang]

Oy.... I've seen these things and keep thinking.. "kind of pricey.. but then again.. it IS for a Leica"

Now I see raves and people longing for them and .. well.. I think this is what I'll get my baby for Christmas.

And by "baby" I don't mean a significant other.. I mean my M6 and/or M3 😀

Dave

 

[JohnL]

I have seen many of these references to Luigi half cases, but none of the links seem to work for me. Would much appreciate it if someone could post the full URL. Many thanks.
Edit: OK. I found it via Google. Sorry to bother.
John

 

[RayPA]

Hi Jon,

You should look at Luigi's cases on the giant evil auction site. He has an online store. Just search "Luigi" generally (and drill-down to Cameras & Photo), or under Cameras & Photo. I just did it and he has 35 listings. Most of his listing are BIN, IIRC.

🙂

 

[f/stopblues]

I just received my package from Italy today, and I must say I'm impressed! Like others have said, soft and supple leather, fitted very nicely.. even smells great 🙂 He included a little note letting me know which piece to remove to use the wrist strap with the half-case, and a nice metal Leica keychain too! It's for my R2A though, so it kinda feels like fitting a Crown Victoria with Pirelli's.

 

[JohnL]

I have a couple of questions about these cases and would appreciate if someone who has one could clarify for me:
1 How is the half-case attached to the camera ... via strap lugs, tripod screw or otherwise?
2 Is the tripod screw-hole accessible with the case on?
3 For lenses that have a focusing lever underneath, is there plenty of clearance?
OK, it was 3 questions ...
John

 

[RayPA]

I have a couple of questions about these cases and would appreciate if someone who has one could clarify for me:
1 How is the half-case attached to the camera ... via strap lugs, tripod screw or otherwise?
2 Is the tripod screw-hole accessible with the case on?
3 For lenses that have a focusing lever underneath, is there plenty of clearance?
OK, it was 3 questions ...
John

1. the M half-case attaches by snaps that wrap around the strap lugs
2. on my half-case (Luigi offers a couple of options IIRC), no, the tripod screw-hole is not accessible with the case on.
3. This is a good question and one I didn't consider until I pu the case on and attached my CV 35/2.5. However, yes the focus lever is has plenty of clearance.

🙂

 

[umana]

"2 Is the tripod screw-hole accessible with the case on?"

Hi John, hoping to don't be guilty of spam, I thought to let you know that I designed a very special screw that can be fitted to the bottom of my cases, and that allows to use a tripod (perfectly!) still leaving the case bottom FLAT, unlike in all other cases, either Leitz/Leica, and others ! Regards to all, Luigi

 

[ducttape]

"2 Is the tripod screw-hole accessible with the case on?"

Hi John, hoping to don't be guilty of spam, I thought to let you know that I designed a very special screw that can be fitted to the bottom of my cases, and that allows to use a tripod (perfectly!) still leaving the case bottom FLAT, unlike in all other cases, either Leitz/Leica, and others ! Regards to all, Luigi

Oh geez, now Luigi is spamming :bang:

Seriously, his case is top shelf. I have 2, one for my M and one I just got for the RD-1. Both are great. The M is maybe 3 years old, and it seems after about 3 months or so it just stopped aging. It's been at a level plateau and just feels great. I even use my M7 in the rain and I don't take the case off. Extremely well made of high quality leathers.

I bought the RD-1 while Luigi was still figuring out the rear screen flap thing. Now I see he has snaps, which I don't know if I would like. I took off his attaching lashes and used a strong black thread to sew the two holes to the flap at the top of the flap to the case. It pushes in and stays closed but I can lift it when need be.

Also, until selling my 35mm Summicron this past week, I used the case for years with the focus tab. Plenty of clearance. Now I use it with all sorts of Voigts on the RD-1 and still, no problems.

So, in sum, his stuff is great. You've broken down and sent your tuition or mortgage money to Leica, now treat yourself right and send some to Luigi

d

 

[ClayH]

I will concur about the quality of Luigi's work. The leather is great, the fit perfect. He made me a batch of custom straps after I observed Ralph Gibson using a short fixed-length strap that can be quickly converted to a wrist strap, and they are simply great - high quality, and with nifty protector tabs to protect the camera finish. Plus he is fast, reliable, and to judge by his web page, a suave italian gentleman to boot!

 

[JohnL]

RayPA
Many thanks for info!

umana (Luigi)
Many thanks for taking a personal interest in this! Is there anywhere I can see a picture of the screw that is fitted to the bottom of the case? Is this fitted to a standard case or does it need to be a special case in some way? I think I'll contact you directly via your website ...

Ducttape, ClayH
Many thanks!

John

 

[RayPA]

... He made me a batch of custom straps after I observed Ralph Gibson using a short fixed-length strap that can be quickly converted to a wrist strap, ...

Now this sounds interesting! Sounds like something I'd like. Can you post a pic of the strap?

P.S. When did you see Ralph Gibson working?

🙂

 

[nksyoon]

Now I use it with all sorts of Voigts on the RD-1 and still, no problems.

I use a CV 21/4 on an M6 - any idea if there would be problems with the focusing lever?

Thanks,
Nick