Thoughts, opinions and advice on the Luigi half case

[OurManInTangier]

This may well prove to be the most pointless thread ever as I'm aware Luigi's cases are thought very highly of but I really would appreciate the thoughts of those that have bought one ( or more if they're that good.)

I have been thinking about getting one for my M8 for some time now without actually getting around to looking into it further. Last year during the RFF EuroMeet in Florence I was able to have a play around with Kully's Luigi cased M8 with thumbs-up and soft release as well as Yannick's ( Yannidel) half cased M9. I've since invested in the thumbs-up grip and soft release which I find extremely useful but am now thinking about the benefits of a half case.

Kully and Yannick had both said that they feel the Luigi case helps to muffle the wind on sound a little, maybe not enough for this to be a sole reason for purchasing but a nice little bonus. This would be a reason for me to buy if the other perceived bonus points are also considered to be generally an improvement on a stand alone M8/9. Part of the reason for me enquiring is the ability to cover the rear screen so that its not so obvious I'm shooting digital....and so I can tell huge porkies if someone wants to see what I've just shot😉

So, what I'm asking for is your experiences with the Luigi half case range. Both good and bad points if there are any?

Is the hinged flappy version better than the detachable? Is it worth considering cheaper alternatives and if so which? Despite the high cost is Luigi's craftmanship simply worth the extra? Is there somewhere selling second hand cases? Do they have problems being hand made i.e. some may be too snug a fit or too loose? Which looks better on a black M8 and will I need matching evening shoes?

All experiences, opinions and knowledge is, as ever, greatfully appreciated.

many thanks

 

[kshapero]

As I guess I have large hands, because having a half case does not deter physical handling for me.

 

[mfogiel]

I use Luigi half cases ith most of my cameras: the M7's, Zeiss Ikon, BessaR4A. Apart from the Bessa version, all the others have been ordered with grip, which in my opinion improves greatly the handling when shooting verticals, particularly with longer and heavier lenses, that are normally used for portraiture. I find the principal advantages to be the protection of the RF mechanism, and reduction of the shutter noise - the extra protection of the body is nice, but not my prime problem. I also shoot an M4 without a half case, and I find the handling a bit more difficult, even if it has vulcanite. A question of preference, I guess. The quality and the finish are very good, my only reservation is with the strap, which after some time has issues with some add-ons getting unglued. A plus in my opinion is the tactile eperience, and the smell of fine leather, which enhances the pleasure of the use of a fine camera.

 

[kshapero]

I went with the Zhou case. Quality is very very good. Has a small finger grip up front and a thumb grip on the back. Had a luigi, of course, quality is super great but not worth the extra money IMHO

 

[hteasley]

I have Luigi cases, on my MP and M9, which were both migrated from my M3 and M8. I like the security of knowing the cameras have some padding in case of shock, and don't feel like they've bulked up all that much.

I recommend the flap-down back as opposed to the detachable. It doesn't get in the way, hanging there: at least for me it does not. It's one less thing to lose, and it's much easier to flip back up between shots, to keep the screen well protected while you're shooting. Flipping it down is easy, and not chimping is easy, so there's no real inconvenience to it.

I got cases with the grip: sent Luigi a thank you shot, and he posted it on his site. http://leicatime.com/HarryTeasley2LeicaMcasesOnBooks.jpg

The only thing I wouldn't recommend is the battery/sd card case that can attach to the strap. The strap is so soft and pliant, that the case swings all around and twists the strap and such: the strap provides no stiffness to hold it steady, so it becomes really bothersome. Were I Luigi, I'd think of a way to add battery/sd storage compartments to the bottom of the camera case, or to the shoulder pad of the strap. Having a boxy case that can only attach to the thin strap doesn't work all that well.

 

[Traut]

I use Leicarime cases on almost all my cameras. I do not find it interferes with the tactile connection.

There is a double added benefit to the flip down case to me. 1) I do much less chimping 2) It looks less like a modern desirable digi cam to rip off my neck. This is in addition to protecting the screen and controls when I trot down the street and the camera can bump other equipment.

 

[ferider]

They do protect and make the camera quieter. I once had an M6 drop from my shoulder and it survived 100%, due to Luigi half case. When I carry a Leica on my motorcycle or in the plane, I try to use a half case.

That being said, the cameras are more fun to use "naked". Owning a half case doesn't mean you have to use it all the time, when I travel, I often leave it in the hotel.

Also, consider the Zhou cases - they are very good and much cheaper.

Roland.

 

[OurManInTangier]

I had assumed, and rather hoped that the strap itself was an extra or separate purchase from the half case itself. I would be much happier using the strap I currently have than the thin leather straps that Luigi has; just a personal preference there.

Harry, I didn't say it before but yeah, having the case to help stop me chimping would be good. It's odd, beyond checking exposure/colour balance in tricky situations I don't tend to chimp when working with my Nikons but as soon as I'm just snapping with my M8 I chimp at nearly every shot!

Mfogiel - I'm intrigued, and a little pleased, to hear you believe that shutter/wind-on noise is reduced by the half case. Also that you find the front grip useful. I have a thumbs-up grip which is wonderful but think the front grip of a half case would also be beneficial.

I'll check out the Zhou case too and see how that appears to stack up

 

[Traut]

The strap is not attached to most of the cases. Some of his higher priced ones have an integral strap.

And it's Harvey not Harry but no big deal.

 

[hteasley]

And it's Harvey not Harry but no big deal.

It may be Harvey to you, but I'm partial to Harry, myself. ;-)

 

[berlincontemporary]

Both good and bad points if there are any?

Good
+ nice retro look if you care
+ well made

Bad
- Like every halfcase pretty much useless and sometimes in your way of accessing film / batteries / etc
- price / performance

 

[Benjamin Marks]

I have a Luigi case on my M8 with a rear-screen flap and a Zhou case for my M9. Both cases increase the depth of the camera body, and I think a user's opinion will be in part related to how this added dimension feels in the hand. Obviously, I'm a fan as I followed the purchase of a Luigi case with Mr. Zhou's offering. The Zhou case has a cut-out for the rear screen and control wheel.

I tend to keep the image-review off for my cameras to save on battery use. So having the flap to protect the camera screen is useful. I asked Mr. Zhou whether he had a version of his M9 case with a back flap, and he indicated that he did not. I would have bought one if he offered it, and am considering having a local leather craftsman add it to the case.

The Luigi case has a better fit. My Zhou case pulls away from the camera body on the lefthand side of the screen a little - not a big deal and this may improve with use, or not. The difference is not enough to make me not use it, but I think that the quality/fit of the Luigi cases are justified by the price. I don't really notice that the cameras are any quieter for the cases.

Ben

 

[ferider]

Zhou cases are too snug when you start and they get just right after a while.

Luigi cases start out right and get very loose after a year or so.

In my experience, anyways.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

Thanks. That is good to know.

Zhou cases are too snug when you start and they get just right after a while.

Luigi cases start out right and get very loose after a year or so.

In my experience, anyways.

 

[OurManInTangier]

Harry, Harvey apologies for the mix up, I was referring to Harry's post in my previous post but all opinions and replies are very useful😀. Though Harvey has made the point about disguising (slightly) the digi cam nature which is something that is of interest to me.

I've just had a look at the Zhou cases and these would be perfect for me although I would very much like to have a cover for the rear screen. Though this brings up the question of how 'annoying' users may find it when having to adjust ISO etc...obviously a personal opinion but interesting nonetheless.

I also looked into the A&A cases but they seem to be for film cameras only at the moment

 

[rpilottx]

They used to be called "ever ready cases". Professionals called them "never ready cases". They will certainly protect the camera body but restrict access. In 44 years in photography, I have never felt the need for one.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

I don't find the flap on the Luigi case annoying and like the extra protection for the screen. As wrote above, however, I do not view the image much after pressing the shutter and do not often change ISO settings after I have set them for a particular situation.

I've just had a look at the Zhou cases and these would be perfect for me although I would very much like to have a cover for the rear screen. Though this brings up the question of how 'annoying' users may find it when having to adjust ISO etc...obviously a personal opinion but interesting nonetheless.

 

[atlcruiser]

I have owned 2 luigi cases; I M6 and 1 M8. Both were made to spec for me and I loved them. Perfect fit, great classic look, lots of protection, downright fancy 🙂

After a few weeks/month of use I decided I hated them. Added too much bulk and made changing film a PITA.

My cameras are now nekked.

My opinion, more or less worthless, is that if you plan to resell your camera at some not too distant point, a case is a good investment.

I enjoyed my product and all interaction with Luigi and felt both cases were well worth the money and wait just not for me in the long run.

 

[CSG123]

I went with a Kameraleder half case for my M4. My lugs are worn to the point of distraction but may not be as bad as I fear. Regardless, I wanted a case with an integral strap and the Luigi cases don't do that. I paid $185 which is quite a dear price but the case is exquisite and made beautifully. For me, all the nonsense about slowing you down because you have to remove the case to change film is just that, nonsense. I have a Leica film camera in order to slow down. Rapid film changes are not something I need to do. Also, the case gives me a more secure grip on the camera than when I carried it with just a strap.

Horses for courses and all that...

 

[andydg]

I shoot one or two rolls with the L. 1/2 case, then a few without. My main issue is the time it takes to change film, having to remove the 1/2 case to access the bottom plate. The strap sometimes gets in the way of the case loops, slowing down the process of removal and replacement. (at least for me).