Leica M HALF CASE: How does it FEEL?

[mike goldberg]

Hi...

Having used my M-2 for 35 years [!] with no case at all, I'm wondering if it's time to protect my investment? Fifteen of those years were as a working Photojournalist; in the '70's & 80's, and no self-respecting camera person, would pull a Leica with case out of his bag. In fact, many kept the Leicas around their necks with a short strap, and the Leicas bouncing on our chests. Of course in working, the cameras bumped into all kinds of obstacles and show signs of wear & tear.

I'd appreciate comments from those who work with half cases, as to how these feel. Further, tho' I don't shoot up film as fast as I used to, I note that the case will have to be removed to change film. What I'm after tho,' is the feel, and how comfortable others find it to work with a half case in their hands.

Thanks,
Mike 🙄

 

[Pherdinand]

How does it feel?depends if you keep your underwear on or not 🙂

 

[FrankS]

IMO, it doesn't feel as nice as going with no case (sound similar to something else?🙂 ) however you get the protection 🙂 and the case gives your hand a bit more to hold on to and a more secure grip than with no case. If you have the money to spend, a Luigi 1/2 case from LeicaTime (a sponsor here at RFF) is very very nice.

 

[Paul T.]

I got a Luigi half case for my Hexar RF as a Christmas present - it was beautifully made, and useful because the Hexar finish chips easily.

However, I sold the case later when my Hexar went off for repair never to return (unobtainable parts)... and I found the Leica full case for my M4 cheaper ($40 s/h) and as it was a full case, far more practical for when you're stowing it in suitcases, car trunks etc - you can simply leave the top half at home when you're taking photos. The Leica case also comes off more quickly.

 

[back alley]

i have mixed feelings about cases. i have never used them as they always seem more in the way than not.
the half case is a good idea.
that being said, i have mixed feelings about them also. luigi donated a case for my zi and it is truly a great looking and feeling thing. i don't always use it though as i also use a mgrip for holding on to the camera.
but then i just did a trade with luigi that involves getting the half case for the cl.
my thinking is that a half case might save my hands some pain when out shooting in a cold northern canadian winter.

so, in the end, it all depends...

 

[Andrew Touchon]

Hi...

Having used my M-2 for 35 years [!] with no case at all, I'm wondering if it's time to protect my investment? Fifteen of those years were as a working Photojournalist; in the '70's & 80's, and no self-respecting camera person, would pull a Leica with case out of his bag. In fact, many kept the Leicas around their necks with a short strap, and the Leicas bouncing on our chests. Of course in working, the cameras bumped into all kinds of obstacles and show signs of wear & tear.

I'd appreciate comments from those who work with half cases, as to how these feel. Further, tho' I don't shoot up film as fast as I used to, I note that the case will have to be removed to change film. What I'm after tho,' is the feel, and how comfortable others find it to work with a half case in their hands.

Thanks,
Mike 🙄

I use the half case on my M6TTL. It affords protection and gives me a better grip on the camera. The disadvantage of having to remove the half case is not a factor in the type of photography I do.