The M10 has arrived! Which half-case to get?

[raid]

I am very relieved that USPS delivered today the M10. Thanks to Brad H for carefully tracking its journey from Massachusetts to Florida, including making several phone calls to USPS. The camera looks like new in the box. It came to me with two batteries and a battery charger. It looks really nice in chrome.

I am used to keeping my M Leica cameras in leather half cases. The M9 is in a Luigi case. Less respect was shown to my M8 and it "sports" a Zhou half-case. The M3 has a Leica half case. I forgot what the M6 has as a case.

Did you get a half case for your M and is there any specific brand/seller you can recommend to us?

 

[raid]

Luigi has some fine cases at a price of $200+.

 

[raid]

Artisan & Artist (from B&H) for $150

 

[raid]

Leica M10 Protector ($265 at Adorama)

 

[shawn]

I like the Luigi cases with the back door flap as it gives loads of protection to the back as well as makes it more 'M-D'ish. I have one for a x100 and m240. The little bump at the front help with the grip and I also have a Thumbie on the m240 as well. Both of my Luigi's have lost a snap on the door flap though. X100s happened when it was brand new, the m240s was much later on. Luigi sent me replacement snaps but I haven't gotten around to getting the tool to install them. The x100 I will have to cut the case slightly to install it.

Shawn

 

[Huss]

None. The whole point of the M10 is that it is now slim like a film Leica. Putting on a half case makes it fat like an M240.

 

[raid]

Adding any half case makes an M thicker. The same applies to an M240. I would like to keep my cameras look clean for years to come.

 

[Huss]

Adding any half case makes an M thicker. The same applies to an M240. I would like to keep my cameras look clean for years to come.

Reminds me of keeping plastic on a sofa so it stays clean longer. Never mind it makes it miserable to sit on.

😀

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Reminds me of keeping plastic on a sofa so it stays clean longer. Never mind it makes it miserable to sit on.

😀

Raid, Definitely a noble thought, but like Huss, I love the look of used tools & the handling without the case.

Jim Marshall

 

[raid]

Do you and Huss skip also using a camera strap?

 

[raid]

Reminds me of keeping plastic on a sofa so it stays clean longer. Never mind it makes it miserable to sit on.

😀

Fine leather and plastic are not the same.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Do you and Huss skip also using a camera strap?

No Raid, I'm all in with the strap always.

Flickr

...but if you go Luigi, i think the cognac one would look good once time and use ages it. 😉

 

[raid]

The cognac finish case looks nice indeed.

 

[D&A]

Fine leather and plastic are not the same.

Much agree. Of course all this is personal as each individual has their preferences. for myself, I use a 1/2 case on all my Leica bodies. If money is no object, Arte de Mano is exquisite and it fits Leica bodies like a glove. As much as I admire Luigi cases, Arte de Mano is as fine as it come. They have a model where you don't use the bottom plate of the M10, so camera fits inside 1/2 case and a door at the bottom allows quick access to the battery and SD card and the M10 never has to be removed from the case. They also make a model without this access door and the entire M10 fits inside, including its bottom plate Two different grips available and a million different colors, leathers and finishes. Matching straps also available. The workmanship and fit is incredible.

It's too bad they didn't make a access door on their M9 cases but because of the location of the M9 battery and SD card, it wasn't feasible.

Arte de Mano is available at Leica Store Miami or direct from Arte de Mano on their website.

Again the price is considerably more than Luigi's.

The other 1/2 cases by other manufacture's are also nice, one for every taste and budget.

Good luck in whatever you decide Raid.

Dave (D&A)

 

[raid]

Thank you for your tips, Dave. There are many options.
Do you own cases by Arte di Mano? It is made in South Korea.
It seems to be very costly.

 

[Emile de Leon]

I've never understood the concept of 1/2 cases..
I use a never ready case when I need one..and/or snap the front cover off for a reduction in size..
Seems like a lot of money for something w/no option to protect the front..
Most of the time I use a small Billingham..w/extra lens or 2..

 

[raid]

I've never understood the concept of 1/2 cases..
I use a never ready case when I need one..and/or snap the front cover off for a reduction in size..
Seems like a lot of money for something w/no option to protect the front..
Most of the time I use a small Billingham..w/extra lens or 2..

I unsnapped the Leica front cover for my M3 hslf case, Emile. I have no other full cases for a Leica.

 

[Darthfeeble]

I have the Fuji factory cases for my three Fuji's, they are nice but nothing I've seen measures up to the Luigi cases. I've had a Mr. Zhou, and an off brand from eBay. I've not seen the A&A to judge.

 

[Rayt]

I only like the Luigi because you can get one with rear flap that covers the screen. If you don’t want the screen covered then A&A has the best fit and finish.

 

[D&A]

Thank you for your tips, Dave. There are many options.
Do you own cases by Arte di Mano? It is made in South Korea.
It seems to be very costly.

It is costly and I could never justify paying full new price. Fairly often I find someone puts a 1/2 case up for sale because they've moved onto a different stele/size leica body and thus they sold for 1/2 price.

In fact 2 days ago a Arte de Mano 1/2 case for M10 in cognac brown with a matching Arte de mano strap sold for approx. $200 for the case and something like $75 for the strap. Once you see how the case fits, you'll understand what the Arte de mano is all about. Nothing like it. Yes made in Korea.

I own their cases for my M9's and my MM. I used to own Luigi cases. Again its all about the fit and attentiom to detail.

Dave (D&A)