HoodedOne
Well-known
looks amazing..... except for the velcro.
Velcro loses it's grip over time, and because you have to loosen it each time you change a roll of film....
I think one or two push-buttons would work better than the velcro (imho).
Velcro loses it's grip over time, and because you have to loosen it each time you change a roll of film....
I think one or two push-buttons would work better than the velcro (imho).
Paul T.
Veteran
I've got the new one, it works well... mine was one of the very first velcro models, I'm sure it will take years before it loses its grip. I have a jacket with velcro fasteners I've opened and closed, what, 500 or 1000 times? So that's a few rolls of film...
Some of us need to start hassling him for an X100 case, no?
Sadly, after the debacle with aki-asahi's cases, I wouldn't bother with him again.
Some of us need to start hassling him for an X100 case, no?
Sadly, after the debacle with aki-asahi's cases, I wouldn't bother with him again.
russelljtdyer
Writer
Accessibility of the Bottom Lug
Accessibility of the Bottom Lug
With that hole for the bottom lug exposed, is it possible to use this half case for the Leica CL either horizontally or vertically? It looks like a small metal loop or a strap could be fed through that bottom lug still. But I'm wondering if it's too tight of a fit, or maybe the lug doesn't project enough to get at it with the thickness of the leather. Has anyone tried putting the strap on so the camera hangs vertically as it was originally designed? How is it?
Accessibility of the Bottom Lug
With that hole for the bottom lug exposed, is it possible to use this half case for the Leica CL either horizontally or vertically? It looks like a small metal loop or a strap could be fed through that bottom lug still. But I'm wondering if it's too tight of a fit, or maybe the lug doesn't project enough to get at it with the thickness of the leather. Has anyone tried putting the strap on so the camera hangs vertically as it was originally designed? How is it?
newspaperguy
Well-known
Well, I tried it Russ... it's really tight, but I could do it with a thin
fabric strap - but, IMO it would be a bitch to remove the camera
from the case to change film.
fabric strap - but, IMO it would be a bitch to remove the camera
from the case to change film.
russelljtdyer
Writer
Yes, having to undo the strap whenever changing the film would be an irritation. Maybe Zhou needs to work on the design related to that, maybe add a cut along the side with velcro. Or just come up with a different design for those who want to hang the camera from the camera's lugs.
Thanks for checking that out, Rick. I went ahead and ordered one.
-Russell
Thanks for checking that out, Rick. I went ahead and ordered one.
-Russell
FrankS
Registered User
The main reason I bought a Zhou case for my CL is so the camera can hang right side up. I never could appreciate the sideways hanging.
newspaperguy
Well-known
Me too, Frank. I tried my CL without the case... really tried
to like the side-saddle carry, but just felt it left the
thin top plate of the CL too open to damage.
Might make sense for an under-jacket carry?
to like the side-saddle carry, but just felt it left the
thin top plate of the CL too open to damage.
Might make sense for an under-jacket carry?
russelljtdyer
Writer
Vertical Use
Vertical Use
On December 16, I posted a message to this thread asking about how Zhou's case works with a neck strap attached to the camera instead of the case. This is a follow up of that post, since a few weeks ago I received the Zhou Case that I purchased for my Leitz Minolta CL (i.e., Leica CL) camera.
I tried using the half-case with a neck strap attached to the rings on the case. That arrangement works fine, although I was a little concerned that the camera might pop out of the case should the velcro be pulled apart--which is unlikely. Still, I prefer to use the camera as it was designed, hanging vertically and using the lugs on the camera.
Below is a photo of my camera with the strap attached to the side lugs on the camera and with the case wrapped around it. As you can see, it fits nicely. I think it looks good, too.
When I remove or load film, I just pull the velcro apart to remove the case. It's easy to remove even with the strap attached to the side lugs making for a tighter fit. I just have to put the case in my bag so I don't forget it somewhere--you don't have this possibility when attaching the neck strap to the case. Then I strap the case back onto the camera. It only take a few seconds to remove the case and a few seconds to put it back on the camera--about as long as it would take when using the loops on the case, since you have to remove the case to change the film.
Incidentally, the Zhou case is well made and of good quality. However, it's not the finest quality. From what I've seen, I suspect the Luigi case (i.e., from leicatime.com) is better, albeit much more expensive. For the price, Zhou's cases are very good and worth the money. I just would not say they are the same quality as a Luigi case.
Vertical Use
On December 16, I posted a message to this thread asking about how Zhou's case works with a neck strap attached to the camera instead of the case. This is a follow up of that post, since a few weeks ago I received the Zhou Case that I purchased for my Leitz Minolta CL (i.e., Leica CL) camera.
I tried using the half-case with a neck strap attached to the rings on the case. That arrangement works fine, although I was a little concerned that the camera might pop out of the case should the velcro be pulled apart--which is unlikely. Still, I prefer to use the camera as it was designed, hanging vertically and using the lugs on the camera.
Below is a photo of my camera with the strap attached to the side lugs on the camera and with the case wrapped around it. As you can see, it fits nicely. I think it looks good, too.
When I remove or load film, I just pull the velcro apart to remove the case. It's easy to remove even with the strap attached to the side lugs making for a tighter fit. I just have to put the case in my bag so I don't forget it somewhere--you don't have this possibility when attaching the neck strap to the case. Then I strap the case back onto the camera. It only take a few seconds to remove the case and a few seconds to put it back on the camera--about as long as it would take when using the loops on the case, since you have to remove the case to change the film.
Incidentally, the Zhou case is well made and of good quality. However, it's not the finest quality. From what I've seen, I suspect the Luigi case (i.e., from leicatime.com) is better, albeit much more expensive. For the price, Zhou's cases are very good and worth the money. I just would not say they are the same quality as a Luigi case.
FrankS
Registered User
I've had both leicatime and Zhou cases and can recommend both.
The leicatime cases are luxurious, high end, and more expensive. The leather and stitching seem finer and higher quality.
The Zhou cases are perfectly functional. I have Zhou cases for my CL, M2, and Hexar RF cameras. I am very pleased with them.
The leicatime cases are luxurious, high end, and more expensive. The leather and stitching seem finer and higher quality.
The Zhou cases are perfectly functional. I have Zhou cases for my CL, M2, and Hexar RF cameras. I am very pleased with them.
mocheez
Member
I received my Zhou case today : I'm even more in love with my CL now! 
The grip and overall felling is awesome! Although I wear glasses, the velcro - which adds extra thickness under the finder - doesn't seem to be a problem, so far. Plus my CL can now stand straight on a table even with a longer lens… Happy!
The grip and overall felling is awesome! Although I wear glasses, the velcro - which adds extra thickness under the finder - doesn't seem to be a problem, so far. Plus my CL can now stand straight on a table even with a longer lens… Happy!
whitecat
Lone Range(find)er
Yes, Luigi's case is more upscale but both are nice.
Beemermark
Veteran
Nikon S2
Nikon S2
YES, YES and YES.
I have at least 4 of his cases, M bodies and the M8 and love them. I'd happily buy one for my S2
Nikon S2
YES, YES and YES.
I have at least 4 of his cases, M bodies and the M8 and love them. I'd happily buy one for my S2
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Thank you all for sharing your experiences with the Zhou case for the CL. I wanted something to protect the camera and provide a better grip, this seems the best option available at a very reasonable price. Just placed my order.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
My case arrived a couple of days ago, just had a chance to take it out of the box and fit it to the camera.
It's good! It's not the equal of the A&A cases I have for the Leica X2 and M9 in terms of fit and finish, but it looks well made and very serviceable. The only other CL half case I've seen is Luigi's at four times the price ... I am sure Luigi's is lovely quality, but that's nearly as much as I paid for the camera. This will do fine.
jtullar
Established
Got my case today and I must say im disappointed. The case fitment is way off and touches the shutter speed selector, it also is wide on the other side. Guess the person who made my case was from the b team. Sigh.... well what do I expect for 64usd lol.
FrankS
Registered User
I'd bet that if you send Zhou an email of your concerns with pics, he'd make it right.
back alley
IMAGES
return it for another.
i've had a few zhou cases over the years and they were all great!
i've had a few zhou cases over the years and they were all great!
jtullar
Established
Yea Ill try and contact him and see what he says. Just seems weird they dont test fit cases . A&A has always been spot on but they are more money. The build and material is great however, its just the fitment is off.
back alley
IMAGES
maybe they sent the wrong case?
literiter
Well-known
I have four Zhou cases. 2 for Leica M, one for Leica iiif and one for a Nikon FM2n. All fit perfectly.
I just wish he would make a case for my F2 and F3......hint, hint!
I just wish he would make a case for my F2 and F3......hint, hint!