Zhao R-D1 case prototype

[laptoprob]

So I was lucky to get the prototype for the R-D1 half case in the recent sale by Zhao.
Today I picked the case up at the postoffice. Fitted it on the camera and I like it. Nice and tightly around the camera. Soft leather, yet sturdy enough to give some protection. The grip on the front works great. Problem is the rubber grip on the camera's back. All cases are struggling with bumps like those. So maybe in time when I take the rubber off...

I can only compare it to the Luigi econo-case. The one with the pronounced edges sticking out. Here are some comparing photos.

 

[laptoprob]

And the back...

And the back...

message must be at least ten characters... anno 2009...

 

[laptoprob]

RFF stamp!

RFF stamp!

Here you can clearly see the main difference. The Luigi case is made up from two slices of leather, front and back with pieces in between. The other types by Luigi and the Zhao case are made completely the other way around.
This makes the latter type less bulky.

 

[laptoprob]

main issue

main issue

And this is something Zhao is working on for upcoming models, so he told me.
The leather tends to bulge outwards. So you will need to bend it in first. And that dreaded rubber bump...

Anyway, I am happy! Thanks Zhao!

 

[Sam N]

Looks pretty nice. I like the fact that it tapers at the ends like the body itself.

The cutout for the lens would look nicer if it were more angular and less curved. I think the curve works for M bodies, but the ZI and R-D1 need a different design.

 

[Geo]

Sorry,
but to me it looks like a cheap version of the Luigi case.
Geo

 

[laptoprob]

cheap? yes and no.

cheap? yes and no.

Sorry,
but to me it looks like a cheap version of the Luigi case.
Geo

Moneywise, yes. As a nicely finished product, no. To me, the Luigi cases are just too expensive. Exquisite but expensive. So I like this alternative a lot. Nice leather, fits like a glove. And who knows, maybe I will get used to the rubber bump.

 

[Krosya]

Sorry,
but to me it looks like a cheap version of the Luigi case.
Geo

I have used Mr. Zhou cases and they are SUPERB! Great quality, reasonable price and feel more comfortable and better in hand than Luigi to me. After using them I see no reason to go for luigi case, even if you have money to burn. YMMV.

 

[boobo]

Thanks Rob! Just to clarify this prototype was actually made about 18 months ago. Base on it, I made a batch of R-D1 cases. Afterward, I just put it on shelve until a month ago I found I have to clean up my work space.

As Rob mentioned, I am slowly working on some upcoming models. Look back, I was trying to improve the design. However, sometimes I found old version looks nicer than the new design. The first bunny version M case is a good example.

 

[meven]

I have a Zhou case for my CL, it is simply perfect!

 

[Geo]

It's an exact shameless copy of the Luigi case

It's an exact shameless copy of the Luigi case

and your comparison is not very fair Rob.

This is how a Luigi case looks like and as you can see it's one piece
of leather that goes around, with a bottom stiched in.
Exactly copied by the Chinese, as they always do.
Pure imitation.
I have my Luigi case 4 years now and it always looked like this one,
except for the screw, that mine does'nt have.
It's pretty cheap and shameless to take a good and well made product and copy it in cheap labor country.
Absolutely no respect.

I am sure they will copy Luigi's D-Lux 4 case too, in a while.
Geo

 

[laptoprob]

I am not getting between Luigi and Zhao. Very different products. Both are halfcases so yes, a copy in some way. But Zhao makes an affordable one while Luigi's is simply too exquisite for me.
Besides, I never claimed my comparison to be fair. It is the only comparison I can make, period.
After a few days now I can say the case really fits like a glove. After some extra folding and shaping, the initial 'bulging' isn't a problem anymore.

 

[phototektour]

Hi you guys,

I don´t understand the utility of a "half"-case at all. Anybody here to explain that?


I´dont like none of them. And this not only for a R-D1. Using a half-case is loosing the feeling. You don´t get realy in touch with your cam, like using gloves.

I like to take a cheap neoprene bag for going around of the cam in the backpack and its even rain proof (and a second one for a additional lens). But, maybe, it looks not so precious.

My5€
Rainer

BTW. Do you realy like Luigis website? Puhhh

 

[Spyderman]

Exactly copied by the Chinese, as they always do.
Pure imitation.

It's pretty cheap and shameless to take a good and well made product and copy it in cheap labor country.
Absolutely no respect.

I wonder if Luigi owns the copyright on "camera half-case"...

Because other than being a camera half-case I see no other "copied" part in the Zhou case. The stitching of the bottom to the "walls" is completely different. The Zhou being simpler and cheaper, the Luigi's more robust but also more labour-expensive.

And if I make a half-case - will it be shameless copying ?

 

[Geo]

If you look at the photos Spyderman, you will notice that both cases are made the way Luigi designed it.
A long piece of leather, as a wrap, that closes in the middle of the case,
right underneath the lens and not to forget the bumb on the left front side.
The Chinese case is constructed exactly the same way.
Sure there is no copyright on half cases, there are many ways to create one.
But the Chinese case is not created, it's exactly the same.
They did not need to do any research and improvements, since that was allready done by Luigi.
I now realize that many of us here have nothing against taking someone elses idea and market it,
so I am not gonna respond anymore.
If people don't wanna see it, it's a waste of time to argue about it.
Geo

 

[Spyderman]

OK, I admit you are right about the bump, but Zhou added another bump on the back, and wrapping one piece of leather around is NOT Luigi's invention. Screwmount Leica cases and many other are made the same way.

 

[boobo]

It's pretty cheap and shameless to take a good and well made product and copy it in cheap labor country.

Geo, Let me tell you something
1. Zhou respects Luigi cases
2. Zhou can't afford Luigi cases
3. Zhou cases are cheaper products but never shameless
4. It's not fair to compare Luigi with Zhou. Because Luigi worked on cases for many many years and Zhou only designs cases on spare time.
5. Zhou proud cases be made in China.
6. Zhou will continue work on his "copies" for his friends

Here is a Zhou's favorite "copy" of CL case

 

[jamriman]

I have both Zhou and Luigi's deluxe case. Although Luigi's case has superb quality. Zhou's case has a softer leather feel which I like. Zhou's cases are a great deal. Much better than Luigi's econo case. I'll hold on to both cases in case I grab another body.

 

[davidriver]

Geo,
I hope that when you are typing against the "shameless" Chinese-made copies, you are not sitting on a shameless chair made in China. As long as there is no patent protection, anyone can make copies of anything, not to mention that the Zhou cases have a lot of their own innovations and are never exact copies. Plus, Luigi is hardly the first camera case makers. Per your logic, any T-shirt maker is a shameless copier of the others, as they all look similar.

On the other hand, if it were not the Chinese making goods at lower labor cost, your cost of living would be much steeper, if it were not the Japanese companies copying Leica in 1950s, you would not be enjoying a lot of the superb digital cameras right now. Copy is pretty much the first step before innovation could happen. Then, again, those who are being copied can be wiped out by those who started with copying. Just don't forget about your tax money going into those automakers (assuming that you are in the states).

Dave

 

[roundg]

Pls look at the CL case from Zhou, anyone pls let me know how do u define it as a "copy"?

show me the original one if u can.

For me, it's a novel design as many of Zhou's cases.