M8 Ever-ready case

[cleo7613]

Hi,
I've been considering getting the Leica ever-ready case - not everyone's cup of tea...
Can anyone give me their first hand opinion ie those who have actually owned or handled one?
I assume the bottom half can be used separately - but from what i can tell from pics on the net, the screen cover portion is integrated with the top cover - so the lower half doesn't protect the rear of the body - is this correct?

thanks for your help,
Carl

 

[etrigan63]

I have not used this case, but I have briefly owned a Luigi (Leicatime) half-case. Luigi's cases provide excellent protection of the rear screen. I sold mine because I started using a Thumbs Up and they interfered with each other. If Luigi would add a small cutout for the Thumbs Up, I would get one of his cases in a heartbeat.

 

[Julkb]

Hi,
I've been considering getting the Leica ever-ready case - not everyone's cup of tea...
Can anyone give me their first hand opinion ie those who have actually owned or handled one?
I assume the bottom half can be used separately - but from what i can tell from pics on the net, the screen cover portion is integrated with the top cover - so the lower half doesn't protect the rear of the body - is this correct?

thanks for your help,
Carl

I can confirm this, I tried this case and the only thing that kept me from getting it, was the fact that the bottom and top, i.e. the lens cover and the camera cover were absolutely stuck together. (Sewn togeher). So you are right, these two halves cannot be separated. In addition the case has a flap on the back, to allow you to look at the screen. So after handling it I decided for the Neophrene case, which is much more convenient, in addition to being inconspicuous (sorry if that was not correctly spelled). So using the M8 in the everready case is very unconvenient, with the lens cover dangling. Impossible. The Neophrene one on the other hand can be slipped completely off, bundled together and put away and is good protection and looks cheap and therefore hides your expensive camera.

 

[umana]

I have not used this case, but I have briefly owned a Luigi (Leicatime) half-case. Luigi's cases provide excellent protection of the rear screen. I sold mine because I started using a Thumbs Up and they interfered with each other. If Luigi would add a small cutout for the Thumbs Up, I would get one of his cases in a heartbeat.

Hi Etrigan, BUT, I already made and make it ! .-)

OK, I will post soon a picture, somewhere... Other will follow, but I need time.
Sorry, for any special requested fitting, as the Thumbs apecial cut, or the RED
special stitching, or the special USB slot, I need Eur 10 (each) extra.

Ciao to all, Luigi

 

[LV1962]

I have bought the original Leica M8 leather case and I have returned it to my dealer the day after: absolutely useless.
I then bought a Luigi Crescenzi case from Italy and, not to mention the level of impeccable service received from Luigi himself, I couldn't now be happier.
Beautiful looking and very well made, Luigi's case is just perfect.

 

[etherfarm]

I just ordered a full-case from Luigi (I already have a half-case) and I can't wait to get it. I love the half case, but his full-case design allows me to have the best of both worlds!

 

[Ben Z]

I handled all three Leica M8 cases last weekend.

Neoprene Case:
I have a Zing (or maybe Optech, I don't remember) neoprene case that fits my M8 as well as Leica's neoprene case, and it didn't cost me fifty bucks! The trouble with neoprene cases is they have to come completely off for shooting, so they're either dangling from a strap or you have to stuff them in a pocket. I rate it neutral for function and two thumbs down for being way overpriced.

Full ERC:
IMHO it should win an award for the most ill-conceived ever made for a camera. It can't possibly have been designed or approved by anyone who actually shoots the M8. The only way to get rid of the back-flap from hitting you on the chin is to unscrew the tripod attachment, remove the flap part, and re-attach the screw. And because the case is made to fold away to get at the baseplate lock, it's flimsy and practically useless as a half-case. I give it three thumbs down.

Leica half-case:
For $100 it's definitely a much better buy than a Luigi case if you don't mind the LCD and rear buttons always exposed. I don't use the LCD or buttons except to change camera settings, which I don't to often, so I want the back covered. I give it 2 thumbs up for price and a neutral on function.


I happen to own a Luigi case. Mine has the rear flap that has 4 snaps and comes off completely, but since I almost never take it off, I doubt if I would be inconvenienced by the one that hinges at the bottom. I got mine used, so I took what was available. Fortunately it only has the little oval bump, not the huge tube-like grip...but I happen to detest grips or anything that increases the camera's bulk. I wouldn't have ever paid full price for it no matter now beautifully it's made, but I do like it. I wish it was a full case, however it fits into a soft zippered Benser M-case, Luigi-case, strap (I use the OEM Leica strap, not fond of leather straps because they can't be wrapped as tightly around the camera in my bag) and all. I give the Luigi case one thumb up for quality (the rear flap fits better one way than 180-degrees--the snaps aren't positioned equally--which prevents me from giving this $240 case two thumbs up) and one thumb down for price.

 

[Tom Diaz]

Hi,
I've been considering getting the Leica ever-ready case - not everyone's cup of tea...
Can anyone give me their first hand opinion ie those who have actually owned or handled one?
I assume the bottom half can be used separately - but from what i can tell from pics on the net, the screen cover portion is integrated with the top cover - so the lower half doesn't protect the rear of the body - is this correct?

thanks for your help,
Carl

I use the Leica half case (camera protector?) on my M8. It's a real bargain. Does a fine job of protecting the main body and is not unreasonably priced.

I have used Luigi Crecenza's cases on my Voigtlander and Leica M6 cameras, and they are outstanding if you want to spring for the extra money.

I would not want an "ever" ready case with a top. I transport my camera in a bag with some lenses, but when I have it out I want it ready to shoot at all times.

 

[etrigan63]

Hi Etrogan, BUT, I already made and make it ! .-)

OK, I will post soon a picture, somewhere... Other will follow, but I need time.
Sorry, for any special requested fitting, as the Thumbs apecial cut, or the RED
special stitching, or the special USB slot, I need Eur 10 (each) extra.

Ciao to all, Luigi

Of course you did Luigi! You made it for me! I eagerly await it's arrival!

Some folks consider Luigi's cases to be too expensive but I look at it as insurance for my M8: it protects my M8 from scuffs and scratches (especially the rear display) and it makes my M8 even more "old school" and less desirable to thieves.

 

[bherman]

I have an 8.2 which has the Black Paint finish. Can the Luigi Case rub or brass the body? Thx

 

[etrigan63]

All of Luigi's cases have felt lining the interior on all surfaces. They protect the M8/M9 quite well.