Your experience with original Leica M8 case

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Just got my M8.2, and am looking for a case, that provides also protection.
I would like to know your experience with the original Leica M8 leather or neopren cases.
How do they handel in practice?
Is it possible to detach the upper part from the half case?
Can you view the tft screen when the case is on?
other experiences?

In my view many cases of other mark look better that the original Leitz cases, but as far as I know they cannot provide full protection.

 

[cmdrfire]

The Leica half-case (the "Protector") can mark the covering of the camera - the design has been revised to prevent this from occuring, apparently.
I did have a Leica full leather case, the front part cannot be removed completely as I recall.
Leicatime (the so-called "Luigi case") does a half-case with a mating front part that can be removed easily. Luigi is great to deal with, does custom work very easily, and his cases are absolutely lovely. I'd recommend a case from him.
http://leicatime.com/a000-CasesLeicaM.htm

 

[ali_baba]

luigi.

luigi.

i have a mint luigi that i never used.
its black - with a hanging door, and a thumbs up model 1 cutout.
i'll sell it for what i paid.

thanks

im in chicago usa.
i can send photos.

i have another case that i use daily. but thought i needed a case / camera but i was wrong. when im shooting with both bodies i dont need cases.

 

[kin]

I'm one of the people that used the original Leica protector case that damaged the body covering. Eventually Leica replaced the item for free but I had to live with the damaged covering. Fancy buying a 'protection' case and have it damage the body!

Anyway, that said, the design of the protector is very good. Better than the Luigi half case of which I also own. Although the Luigi is beautifully created with fantastic finishing, the design of the deluxe Luigi strap makes it difficult to remove and replace the case. Secondly Luigi cases for the M8 don't fit perfectly. The LCD and buttons are partially off centered. For such a high price, this shouldn't have happened. Not enough to be functionally defective, but enough to irritate me while using the case. I find myself constantly trying to adjust the case.

It doesn't help that I am also using the replacement M-Mate baseplate which adds a millimeter to the depth of the camera and makes the fit worse. Without using the M-mate, the fit might be better.

Ultimately using the combination of the Leica protecter with a Thumbs-Up device is my cup of tea. I have a silver pastille replacement for the red dot and along with the black protector and a black Thumbs-Up, the entire package is very understated and harder to spot during shooting.

Mind you, if you are looking for the ultimate in luxury and can live with the minor issues I brought up, the Luigi case is still worth considering. Luigi's a professional and a nice fellow to deal with. I actually own a couple of his products and am still using his case for my D-Lux4.


ps. Forgot to mention that there are quite a lot of accessories for the M8 series. Two such accessories I find very useful are the Thumbs-Up device and Eye cup both made by Tim Issac. Both are able to fit the Protector. If you are considering a case, you should make sure your case can fit all the accessories you are planning for the future also. The more you cover up for protection, the less likely you will be able to fit things on/around the M8.

 

[cmdrfire]

Luigi's cases are all individual. With my example the fitment is quite good and after breaking in you can even see the "PLAY" button text now. I did buy a deluxe strap, but I've swapped it for a LeHook and the original strap on the LeHook now.
I found that the (old) Leica Protector interfered with my Thumbs Up - the Luigi case does have a cutout for that. The Thumbs Up Mod3 I use is fantastic - I've not taken it off since I've had it practically and wouldn't use the camera without it now.

 

[kin]

The standard Thumbs Up Model 1 can be used while the M8 wears the Leica protecter case without any problems at all. Not sure about the longer versions of the TU - they do come in different sizes.

Although the Luigi case does have a cutout for the Thumbs Up, you have to specify it before ordering. Thereafter it looks strange using the case with the cutout but without the Thumbs Up fitted. 😱

But why would you want to use the M8 without a TU? 😉

 

[jaapv]

The Neopren cases are cheap and effective and they will take two batteries as well in the flap.

 

[jaapv]

But why would you want to use the M8 without a TU? 😉

Because I don't feel I need it?

 

[Jim Evidon]

I have a Leica half case that I bought last year. Despite the claims that it marks the body, i have seen no such evidence. It is probable that I have the later version. If you order a new one, you will probably get the later version as well. it is much less money than the Luigi and I found that it is excellent to hold and grip the camera in all situations. You may also want to check out Mr. Zhou. You will mail order and delivery is reasonably prompt. I have one of his for my M4P. It is not as well made as the Leica half case, but it will do the job and it looks pretty nice.

 

[cmdrfire]

I did like the Leica case, but as it was an older one I had marks on my body within a month of using it. If I'd gotten a newer one I'd probably have left it at that.

 

[Richard Marks]

I bought the original case. It does not protect the chrome on the posterior surface of the upper body segment. it also wore through the original black coating down to the metal, and underneath where the stud fastener sits on the right hand side it has scratched the chrome again.

I did write to leica about this saying that the case was defective. I had to pay £220 to resurface the black grip material. They did not reply to my letter but did send a new replacement case which does seem to have been improved. I do believe their case not only failed to protect the camera but atually scratched it. I might have been better off with nothing! It annoys me that leica did not answer my covering letter sent with the camera.

Richard

 

[boy_lah]

hi all, which case are we talking about here which causes damage? I have the full ever ready 'soft' nappa leather - model 14872. Is that the same thing?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/461909-USA/Leica_14872_M8_Eveready_Case.html

 

[cmdrfire]

No, it's the original leather "protector" half-case that damages the body of the M8. However the design has been modified and apparently no longer causes wear.