Luigi Half Case/Thumbs up users

[blindrobert]

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first Leica, an M9! I am trying to choose between a thumbs up and a luigi half case with a grip. I am curious if anyone has tried both and developed a preference.

My concern about the half-case is that it might make the M9 feel too big/bulky. I would appreciate any informed opinions. I travel a lot and carry my camera with me in a bag most of the time so bulk is an important consideration.

If it matters to your answers, I will be using the camera with a 28 cron, a 50 lux, and a 75 cron. I expect that at any given time I will have the 28 and 75 with me or the 50, rarely all three.

 

[kully]

I have both and use them toghether.

If I had to choose one it would be the thumbs-up every time. The half-case is good for protecting the rear LCD screen and makes it more comfortable for the fingers.

 

[phototektour]

Half case is nice to have, thumbs up is a must have.

 

[AncientCityPhoto]

I use both together and find it dramatically improves the tactile feel of the camera. The thumbs up is awesome. The Luigi case adds a little thickness, but nothing that will make the camera feel much larger. I actually prefer the feel of a Leica with a Luigi case on versus just the plain camera.

 

[robklurfield]

I have both. I always use the TU and sometimes with the Luigi case with the big grip. I have small hands. I couldn't live without the TU. When I need extra grip, the Luigi comes in handy(pun intended) for extra security.

 

[fates]

Ditto to the above. Although, I have the Mr. Zhou case ('cause I've spent enough money lately). Perfect ergonomics with the two. Only real problem with the case is the bottom plate AND the usb port are covered requiring the full removal of the case before obtaining your images.

 

[Glass Addict]

In my short time with RF's,

Half case
Pros - steadier grip on the camera, protective cover (Less prone to damage/scratches), warmer on your hands (Handy holding the camera in cold weather without gloves).
Cons - bulkier (notice this more if you use it for a while then take if off), extra piece to take off to get to the battery and card (big pain for me)

Thumbs Up
Pros - steadier grip on the camera, Possiblity of adding another cold shoe (CSEP-4).
Cons - Sometimes gets in the way when camera is hanging off the neck, loss of hot shoe.

I've used both, but now I have installed thumbie by Steve Barnatt (get to keep the hot shoe, smaller in size, gets in the way much less) and got rid of half case and now happy as a whistle.

 

[ramosa]

I, too, use them together--thumbs up and luigi with built-in grip. They work very well for me.

 

[JHenry]

I use both and would now have a hard time using the M9 without either.

As many have said, the Thumbs-Up is a must have accessory. Just this past week I was in Japan doing some street photography. Had the strap wrapped around my wrist, but got knocked by a few people as they passed me and camera was in hand at my side. Without the Thumbs-Up the camera would have come out of my hand. Must have.

The half case with grip is excellent. Makes holding the camera for long periods of time much easier. But, I have large hands, so can see how someone with smaller hands would think it adds unneeded/unwanted bulk.

Only downside to my half case is that I didn't have the quick release plate screw hole added into the bottom of the case. So, whenever I want to use a tripod for long exposures I need to remove the case to put on the quick release plate. Small issue, but if I had it to do again, I'd get the case with the flush tripod screw.

Enjoy,

Jeff

 

[AncientCityPhoto]

I posted some pictures of the case with thumbs up on my site. The photos might help ya get a better idea of size!

http://soundvisionpassion.com/2011/03/review-luigi-leather-half-case-for-leica-m8-m9/

 

[Muizen]

Luigi half case with grip and Thumbs up

Luigi half case with grip and Thumbs up

I use both and would now have a hard time using the M9 without either.

As many have said, the Thumbs-Up is a must have accessory. Just this past week I was in Japan doing some street photography. Had the strap wrapped around my wrist, but got knocked by a few people as they passed me and camera was in hand at my side. Without the Thumbs-Up the camera would have come out of my hand. Must have.

The half case with grip is excellent. Makes holding the camera for long periods of time much easier. But, I have large hands, so can see how someone with smaller hands would think it adds unneeded/unwanted bulk.

Only downside to my half case is that I didn't have the quick release plate screw hole added into the bottom of the case. So, whenever I want to use a tripod for long exposures I need to remove the case to put on the quick release plate. Small issue, but if I had it to do again, I'd get the case with the flush tripod screw.

Enjoy,

Jeff

I agree totally with Jeff: the Luigi half case with grip but also with quick release plate screw is a must and so is the Thumbs up. This combination not only protects my M9 but also offers a fantastic grip on the camera! After investing a small fortune in the M9 and in excellent Leica glass, which is the best in photography I ever made in my long life, protecting all of this comes natural!

 

[blindrobert]

Wow, this must be the only question ever asked on RF with (near) unanimity of opinion. I will consider this settled: half case with grip and a thumbs up.

Thanks everyone.

 

[AncientCityPhoto]

Now your camera will feel good and smell good! It definitely excites the senses in use!

Sight through the rangefinder...sound of the quiet shutter...feel of the camera...and smell of leather....4 of 5 senses isn't bad at all!

 

[hiromu]

When I got my M8 (sorry, but not M9), it came with both grip and thumbs up. Since my hand is not large enough, having both is too much. So I am only using Thumbs up.

 

[rob-shanghai]

Save yourself some money and get a Mr Zhou case, the quality is similar at a fraction of the price, I actually think my black Mr Zhou case looks better than the Luigi. Mr Zhou does both types of half case for with and without Thumbs Up

 

[Dominum]

Save yourself some money and get a Mr Zhou case, the quality is similar at a fraction of the price, I actually think my black Mr Zhou case looks better than the Luigi. Mr Zhou does both types of half case for with and without Thumbs Up

I doubt Zhou's cases can be compared in quality to Luigi's cases. Zhou's cases are value for money yes, but Luigi's are a world apart.

 

[fbf]

I don't know about world apart but luigi case sure smells better.

I prefer TU comparing to any cases.

 

[thetoness]

I have both the luigi half case with grip and the thumbs up, both work perfectly together for my small grip.

 

[blindrobert]

I am now the happy owner of an M9 and a few Leica lenses. The Luigi half case (with a bump, not grip) and thumbs up are perfect for my hands. Thanks again for the good advice, everyone!

 

[purity]

After considering and trying many options, I ended up using a thumps-up, an original leica big grip and a luigi case for it. I also have a luigi case with a built-in grip for my Epson R-D1s as well, nevertheless the difference amongst these two is really huge. The luigi’s built-in grip, while it is not bad, is in my opinion not a ‘real grip.’ The leica one is maybe 3x times bigger and the difference in handling the camera (and not only with heavy lenses) is truly significant.

Unfortunately, this option is much more pricey as you have to pay extra for a rather expensive leica grip, but when you have an M9 with such a great lenses, I believe it will not be a big concern for you. I must say this option is worth every penny. Moreover, my philosophy says the ergonomics are maybe the most important part of it all as it has a huge impact on every single photo taken - not only technically, but it also calms your mind and makes shooting much more enjoyable.

Anyway, my case also has a flush tripod screw and I must admit it is a very handy thing as well.