Luigi case review!

I've owned both. Luigi's cases are extraordinary in both quality and price. Too nice actually to worry about scuffing it up. Mr. Zhou's cases are terrific in terms of value and price and no worries about banging them around. I rarely use a case however, as I prefer shooting with a naked body.
rich
 
The luigi case is made of fantastic leather. No worries about it scuffing up. It will definitely live up to wear and abuse. Leather like this just looks better over time.
 
I haven't handled the Luigi case at all, but I just received my Zhou case yesterday, and the quality seems perfectly fine. In terms of fit, I wish that the horizontal piece of leather that ran along the upper portion of the back of the body went a little higher above where it says 'PLAY' and 'MENU' on the camera, and then fit neatly in between the bottom of the eyepiece and the button/screen frame, but I don't know if making the leather that thin to fit through that eyepiece spot would work in terms of manufacturing the case like that, as well as the longevity of the leather in that area (And, looking at the Luigi case in your review, I see that case has the same design, albeit for the Thumbs-Up). So this design might be as good as it gets, but still it's very well made and looks great. A hole in the bottom to allow use of the tripod socket would be a thought as well.

Leather is of very nice quality (and smells good too!), stitching is excellent, and I think it's good value for the money (I can't really speak to it being a 'knockoff' or not). Of course, when it comes to using your M8/9 for a job that would involve quick battery and memory card changes, the case would definitely get in the way. But for casual shooting, vacation etc, it would be fine.

BTW, I noticed that you seem to have four little pieces of tape on the corners of your LCD screen - what are they for?
 
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I use luigi's halfcase with my M9 and MP and i really love it. wonderful feeling in my hands, beautiful design and incredible leather quality. it's worth its price. It's something for life. besides that it's always nice to be in touch with luigi. he's such customer oriented guy... my 2 cents!
 
I bought a used Luigi half-case for my M8, it was the one with the removable flap, but even the one with the hanging flap for some reason Luigi puts the male part of the snap on the case and the female on the flap. That darned little metal pip managed to press into my cheekbone! Also, the cutout wasn't exactly in line with the LCD at the top (covered it and the top buttons slightly). That's not Luigi's fault, it's that to cut it correctly would leave only a very thin/weak ithsmus of leather below the eyepiece.

When I got my M9 I bought a used half-case for $40, a generic Chinese one I presume, not a Zhou, and to my eye (admitting I'm not an expert in leather) couldn't really see any difference in quality of materials or construction. It doesn't have a back flap (never used the Luigi one anyway, kept pressing the buttons underneath), but the cut-out is much better fitting (although I did have to bevel it a bit myself on the inner edge). When I sold my M8 I also offed the Luigi case. So far my $40 knock-off is doing exactly what it's supposed to, and shows no signs of falling apart.
 
I alternate between the Luigi case and an RRS L-plate. When I am doing tripod work and panoramics, I don't even bother taking the Luigi case.

I am left eyed, so my whole face and hose is pressed into the screen. I have found that with other cameras this doesn't play nice with screen protectors. I use screen protectors on all my cameras. I find with the combination of sweat/oils, and the edges eventually lifting slightly on the screen protector, they just get dirty and start coming off.

The tape on the corners actually helps prevent this pretty well. I am definitely not easy on my cameras, especially if I am working and using two different bodies swinging at my side.
 
I actually contacted Luigi about the snaps and the male ends on the case body. This didnt make sense to me. He said it was a design issue, and the male ends really worked better on the body. He can do it in reverse for me...but he was certain I would not be happy with it. Ok! He's the expert!

I have to be honest, he was right. The male end on the snaps are not sharp or annoying. They do not hurt or are even noticed when pressed against the face. I was actually quite impressed.

I have never had a problem with the buttons being pressed through the leather. I find the buttons get accidentally pressed enough to function a lot less with the leather flap. I also find I can control the buttons well enough through the flap that I never need to unsnap the right side. I just peek with the left side pulled down a little bit. This is more than enough to change my ISO quickly, or do a light test and review the histogram.
 
Zhou is nice a but on the stiff side at least initially mine is soft now but Luigi comes in soft and well tanned and oh so nice smell but will strain your wallet.

Aged brown Luigi



Zhou

 
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