Zhou or basic luigi case?

Mudman

Mudman

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What are your thoughts on the two? Or other makers as well. I have a Zhou for my m3 and it is nice, though the leather is thick. I like that the luigi is made in Italy vs. china, but it is also double the price. Any other good options under $150? This is for an m8.

Thanks, Eric.
 
The basic JnK case is the best in my opinion (not the deluxe arte di mano version). It lacks the tripod hole and the hand grip but I prefer it this way. It's not cheap though.
 
I've had two Mr Zhou's cases (for Leica and for ZI) and two basic cases of Luigi (for Leica and Bessa). In accordance with the leather quality and workmanship, I vote for Luigi :).
The price difference is justified, IMO.
 
Labor conditions frankly. That gets into a bit more political conversation, but I do my best not to support Chinese made products. Zhou is a bit of an exception since he participates here.
 
fair enough. hopefully enough people will boycott the blue greeter store as well since they're a MAJOR player in this equation.

I would probably go with Zhou for the price and quality as well, if I were to use a case ;)

curious, are the old leather Leica cases not up to snuff ?
 
i have a Zhou case for my CL .. It is ok, was inexpensive. The leather is a bit thick, and the fit is acceptable.

I have a Luigi case for my M9. It is better finished than the Zhou, fits very nicely. I found the back flap annoyed me, tho.

I replaced the Luigi half-case for the M9 with an A&A half case. Exactly what I wanted, superb fit and finish. I like it enough that I have the A&A cases for both my X2 and M4-2 as well now.

G
 
I have a Luigi case on my CL, and with the Euro rising ( or dollar sinking) I can't afford a new one. I would probably buy the Zhou case if I find I need another one.
 
I'll second the JnK cases -- the quality is superb, and the fit is perfect. I have one on my Monochrom and couldn't be happier.
 
I bought a Zhou for my MP and tried a basic Luigi for my M7. Turned out to like the Zhou better as I really liked the bump on the back. Fit better ergonomics-wise.

But I've ditched them both in favor of grips and the über cheap leicagoodies sling. So now I have two nice cases sitting around....but am much happier with the grip and feel and not needing to remove a case to changes things.
 
I can't comment on the Luigi case, having never owned one, but the Zhou cases are good, I like the thickness and softness of the leather and it makes a real difference to comfort and handling in cold weather.
The Leica cases - I have a M4 one, when used as a half case it's a bit too stiff and shiny for my taste. When used as an ever-ready case it becomes never-ready.
 
I had one of Luigi's high-line cases for my M8. First, the cut-out left more room than needed at the bottom of the LCD and overlapped the LCD about 2mm at the top, so it didn't fit flush to the body. "Quality" worth a huge price premium to me means a perfect fit, which it wasn't.

Mine was the one with removable back flap. First, the snaps were very weak and the flap popped off too easily. Second, the male snaps were the ones on the case itself, so when the flap was off they rubbed on my clothing and poked my cheekbone when the camera was at my eye. Inside, the little round felt patches used to cover the snaps all came un-glued and I had to use fabric glue to reattach them. If the snaps had been placed with the females on the case they would lie flush. And if the snaps had been attached prior to the lining, there would be no need for those patches. "Quality" worth a huge price premium to me means attention and thinking to the little details like that.

When I got my M9, Popflash had a used half case of undeterminate origin for $50 and I bought it. I was amazed that the cut-out fit better than the Luigi (though I did need to enlarge it slightly at the top). I'm not a leather expert but the cheap case smelled and felt and looked the same as the expensive one. The lining was similar, and no patches. Sold the Luigi when I sold the M8. After 3 years of use, that (probably Asian-made) generic case looks as good as the day I got it. No signs of falling apart.
 
I bought a Zhou case for my M9 two and a half years ago. It fitted very well and I was happy with it. I have now sold myM9 and bought a new M240. I asked Zhou if he makes a suitable case but none are available as yet. I have performed a bit of surgery on my old Zhou case with good results so I shall continue to use it.

Archie
 
Zhou it is then. Thanks folks. Regarding using a case; I like the extra grip on front and back my Zhou case has. Makes the camera a little easier to grip for me anyway.

Cheers,
Eric
 
Mudman said:
Zhou it is then. Thanks folks. Regarding using a case; I like the extra grip on front and back my Zhou case has. Makes the camera a little easier to grip for me anyway.

Cheers,
Eric
Click to expand...

You made the right decision. I have a Zhou case on my chrome M6 and it keeps the body in a 9 shape as much as possible. Plus, the bump grips help holding it steady. I know cases slow down the reload, but I shoot chromes' in my M6 so I don't get shot-happy.
 
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