Leather Cases -- Pros & Cons

[35mmdelux]

I have a Luigi half case (with handle) for my M7 and Leicavit combo. I've read various discussions, pro and con, about leather cases. I don't store my camera in the case. I like using the case when I'm not shooting a lot since it protects the cam. When shooting a lot the case gets left behind to allow faster film loading.

Your experienced opinion on leather cases please. Thanks -

 

[wgerrard]

Don't own a leather case although I am sorely tempted. I've always heard that they hold in moisture because leather is less porous than other materials.

That, of course, assumes an airtight seal.

Anyone know the real story?

[EDIT: I saw "cases" and thought "bags". Oh, well...]

 

[35mmdelux]

I live in what best can be described as the desert. Aint nothing gonna hold moisture, except cacti.

 

[thomasw_]

I have used Luigi's and A&A cases -- and they do smell great. Though they do improve the grip and they do protect against dings etc.; overall, however, I do not like using them when shooting as they make M reloading more cumbersome than I prefer. It is the extra "thing" to handle when changing film that irritates me -- like having an extra base plate you'd need to handle. Also I just prefer the tactile sensation of holding a M body. If I think I am lacking grip with a camera, I will put Griptac on it instead of using a leather-case.

 

[AusDLK]

Love my Luigi case for my IIIf. It's a small camera to begin with and the case adds just the right additional mass.

I borrowed a Luigi case for my shiny new Nikon S3 2000 and the jury is still out. The increase in mass bugs me but I'll probably use one simply to protect this camera new-ness.

Finally, on my film M cameras, I've tried and abandoned cases. I just felt a case ruined the handling of these cameras. Besides that, the wonderful leather smell is only temporary so that pleasure eventually fades away.

 

[Charlie Lemay]

According to photoquotes.com, when Gary Winogrand was asked about how he felt about losing images while he reloaded his camera, he said, "There are no photographs while I'm reloading."

 

[coelacanth]

I don't use leather cases. Size and weight increase, makes film change harder, and I have small hands. Leather cases that came with my cameras just sit in junk camera box in closet. And I use Voigtlander cloth strap (I have 4!) with most of my 35mm cameras. That gives me firm grip so I don't see any benefit of using leather cases.

 

[Keith]

I generally used a Luigi half case during the time I owned my M8 ... after three years of use the camera was without a blemish which enabled me to get a decent price for it when I sold it recently. That to me is the major upside of a half case!

Having obvious signs of use on a valuable camera seems to be a badge of honour for some people and if it's a camera you never intend to sell ... why not!

Not everyone wants a camera that looks like Winogrand's M4 though! 😀