Zhao R-D1 case prototype

[newspaperguy]

Originality? C'mon guys... some of us have been using half-cases
for more than 60-years. They came from the camera's makers. We
used to call them "never-ready" cases. So many photogs punched
out the rivets on the flaps and replaced them with snaps, and only
used the tops for storage or transport. Those were the originals.

 

[__hh]

Shameless copies

Shameless copies

I've owned the "original" Leica never-ready case, Zhou's cases (multiple) and Luigis.

Just because one is not made in the "prestigious" locations such as Gerrmany or Italy does not make it cheap/shameless/knock-offs.

I have bought many of Zhou's cases and they are far from being cheap.

Everything in life is a compromise.... and out of price, performance, quality, customer service, and reputation (all of which combine to give me a "value" figure).... I'd rate Zhou's case as being on top.

But then again, I could just be a cheap consumer who knows nothing about quality and (how dare I) not stick to the "prestigious" brands.

 

[LCT]

Originality? C'mon guys... some of us have been using half-cases for more than 60-years. They came from the camera's makers. We used to call them "never-ready" cases...

Hehe yes this one is a 30 yo LuiZhou's copy made in Germany 😀

 

[saiminyaku]

i really wouldn't mind getting my hands on a Zhou case for my R-D1s. i have a half-case now from Japan, but it does not have an integrated grip on the front like Luigi and Zhou tend to make theirs.

i'd be really interested to know when Zhou plans to have another sale because i'd buy one in black in a second.

 

[laptoprob]

headcount?

headcount?

i'd be really interested to know when Zhou plans to have another sale because i'd buy one in black in a second.

If Zhao would know how many R-D1 owners here would want one, I'm sure he could and would start a production run. As I stated, he told me he is working on an improved model.

So start counting...

 

[jamriman]

I'd buy Zhou's case over Leica's or Epson without hesitation! As a mater of fact the only leica cases I have came along with an old M camera.

 

[JayC]

I am looking for a case for mine as well. I read on the net somewhere tht a dude had a half-case without a cutout in the back. I think I would like that kind. It would force you not to use your lcd until the end of the day.

 

[Geo]

My case has no cut out and I never use the screen when I work.
Love it that way.
Geo

 

[kazeonrff]

Zhou's cases makes sure that i have enough money to both accessorize AND keep up with film shooting as a young student below 20!
The recent $15 Bessa case on sale (one of which) was bought by me, and i absolutely adore it. It cost even less than the cheap voigtlander leatherette case i was using before, and that almost horrifies me.

And yes, i'm Chinese too. Please don't make degrading comments, i truly believe this is a great forum unlike the hostile one in my own country. I don't always trust Chinese products either, but Zhou here is renowned for his great work with cases at superb prices.

If there was one thing i would have a problem with :
- Hey, how come he gets the rangefinderforum.com print on the underside of his case? I want one too!

 

[Moto Mark]

I've already sent him a PM saying I'm interested. Everyone out there who wants one of these cases should do the same.

 

[timexchen]

One-piece-around case design has been there for decades and an arbitrary conclusion that Mr. Zhou's cases are "shameless" copies of another case maker is just ridiculous.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

(partial quote)


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

I have that case for my Leica CL. The original soft case is just too clumsy. To further protect the CL, I put the CL with its Zhou half-case into a holster type leather case made for an Olympus something-something Fixed lens DSLR. I can put the Tele-Elmarit on it, and drop it in. Works great, cost $5 at an outlet.

 

[mobilexile]

I have no experience with Zhao cases but can say that I love my Luigi case and feel it's a very good value for the money.

 

[Kevin]

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

Sweet! Will that fit a Minolta CLE?

 

[Geo]

Cool cases

Cool cases

Both my cameras have Luigi cases and I must say that
the RD-1 case ages very nicely over the years.
Geo

 

[tan131]

I do not own either Zhou's or Luigi's half-cases but frankly, calling Zhou's a copy and China a cheap labour country is crazy. Like mentioned, the design of T-shirts only differs by the print and in this case, a single piece of leather wrap around the body only make sense (unless once is making a quilt for the body). Anyway, without cheaper labour, most of us may never be able to afford the life we are leading now. The cost of alot of stuff will be simply too high. Technological advancement will also be limited, as more funding is required for production and not into R&D.

Anyway, I have tried Luigi's case which belongs to a friend. No doubt, its very well made and Luigi definately takes pride in his work. However, the hard leather just does not appeal to me. I love my Artisan & Artist half-case 🙂

Kudos to people like Zhou who is willing to inovate and get their hands dirty. For his products have given some a chance to own a half-case, which they might never have consider because of the price.

Peace folks 😉

 

[laptoprob]

Cle

Cle

Sweet! Will that fit a Minolta CLE?

I don't think so. The CLE is a little bit bigger. And doesn't have those strap lugs.

 

[ZeissFan]

When it comes to Chinese-made goods, I think we all have different opinions.

I always look at the country of manufacture and note what is made where. It's unavoidable to go through a day without using something made in China. It covers everything from clothes and computers to electronics, eyeglass frames (RayBan, for example), knives, tools, toys and even pet food.

As we've learned in the past few years, quality can be an issue with Chinese-made goods. And the other unspoken topic is pollution. There are few pollution controls in China, and if anything decimates the population there, it will be the toxic waste and air pollution from factories and not imperialist nations. Well, maybe it will be imperialist nations by proxy. But neither the greedy Communist regime nor the greedy Western companies seem to have a problem with it.

And consumers as a whole don't care, as long as they can buy $49 DVD players and $150 LCD televisions, because the ends justify the means.

By the way, it doesn't mean that a product made outside of China will be any better. There was some real crap that came out of Mexico. And certainly the U.S. auto industry doesn't have a stellar track record (Gremlin, Pinto, Chevette, Corvair, Mustang II, Citation, Edsel). At least we don't have any products from North Korea. You know that would be a total exploitation of the people.

On the upside, China has a growing middle class, and somewhat like Singapore, the tradeoff for having personal wealth is limits on political freedom. They can travel. They can buy luxury items, such as cars -- unheard of during Mao's era. Most find it an acceptable compromise.

Regarding Zhou, I'd like to see him be more creative with design and get away from knockoffs. We have enough cheap knockoffs on the market today. I applaud his efforts to be innovative and test different designs.

Because his goods are made in China and began as less-expensive copies of Luigi designs, they will always be perceived by some to be just another cheap Chinese copy of someone else's premium product.

By the way, I own a Luigi half case. It's really a very nice piece.

And I'm sure we have plenty of Chinese-made goods in my house. As I said, it's unavoidable.

 

[Geo]

Good post ZeissFan.
Thanks for being so clear and serious about this subject.
Geo

 

[kshapero]

Excuse me but I hope there are 10 shops making cases for RF's. Free enterprise is alive and well in the human soul.