View Full Version : How much do you really like cases for your cameras?
haagen_dazs
09-05-2007, 19:36
I know that alot of camera users love to have a nice leather case covering their leather bodies. There are lots of advantages to having a beautiful case to hug your camera tight.
Lately, I have started stopped using a case on my Leica cameras.
I actually prefer to have the case off.
I do take care of my equipment and dont just knock it around.
However I find that the camera is so much more beautiful just on its own.
To see the entire build and curves and corners of it.
Nothing covering it. Just purely the camera hanging off my shoulder.
I also find that the cases (eg leather cases) actually add alot of bulk to the camera. I am actually not liking that at all. Even if it has added grips here and there, it makes my camera thick and fat. :( I dont like it at all.
Anyways, I now just enjoy the camera without a case on. Its most beautiful to me and I will probably stick to this plan from now on.
What do you guys think?
Same with me - I would like to have it without the case, but seem to keep the case on most of the time. I, too, am very careful with my gear. Maybe I will join you in going "caseless" for a while.
Jay
I've always found cases to be an annoyance. I very seldom use them.
back alley
09-05-2007, 20:00
i generally don't like cases and use them only on the coldest winter days to help keep my hands from touching the cold metal of the camera.
If I'm working out of a bag, I don't use the case, just due to me putting the m4-2 in the bag(domke f5xb) when it's not needed.
If I'm going solo I tend to use the case, or if its crappy weather like rain or cold.
thomasw_
09-05-2007, 20:05
living in southern bc, the cold is not a factor thankfully. accordingly i have no use for a case; more annoying than helpful, that's how i have found them. i agree with haagendazs about the bare body aesthetics too:)
back alley
09-05-2007, 20:08
you b.c. guys are all alike...always rubbing it in about the weather ;)
literiter
09-05-2007, 20:37
I own a Leica M2 and a M4-P, can't afford a 1/2 case for them, yet. But I surely will get something one day. Most people from my neck of the woods would't know a M4-P from any old point and shoot anyway.
I've always used the lower part of the case for my Nikon F2 and F3 and feel much better for it, but if I'm working in a situation where I have to change film often or perhaps where I'll be using a tripod I'll leave the cases off. Otherwise I'll protect my tools.
I spend a bit of time in the back country using a small backpack. It helps to have the 1/2 case on, so the cameras don't bash around too much. Also when I have to set the camera on a rock, the 1/2 case protects.
pellothed1
09-05-2007, 21:17
I hate 'em.
As for asthetics ... I reckon it depends on the case. Cameras are beautiful things in their own right I agree but a Luigi case sure doesn't detract from their looks or add much to their bulk! :)
I like it...after getting some sand in the dial of my M8 I tend to carry in its case most of the time. If only for my own state of mind.
Plus I think it looks simply dashing...
http://carlmogerley.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p118357334-3.jpg
kalokeri
09-05-2007, 22:44
I never had an ever-ready-case for any of my cameras. But I came across the neoprene case from Leica in spring. Itīs cheap and useful. It protects the camera when Iīm out without a camera-bag or just a backpack. Honestly thatīs not happening that often.
The neoprene case is easy to store. If I donīt need it I try to roll it and it fits in the pockets of my jacket or the rear pockets of my trousers.
Thomas
It didn't take me long to find a full case made it difficult to respond to quick photo opportunities, and then there was that top part dangling awkwardly. So I did use the bottom half-case on my Spotmatics when they were new, eons ago. Of course that was inconvenient for film changing. I don't even have half-cases for my current cameras and don't miss 'em. I have come to like side-grips though!
Maybe I have big hands I don't know but the case provides a nice gripping surface I feel improves handling. Also I like the small of leather especially Luigi leather when I aim and shoot.
I voted no because I didn't use cases much so far. But since the R-D1's rangefinder can easily by disaligned with not so big knocks, I ordered one of those phantastic Luigi cases (color: rally) which should be on the way to me. Ask me in a few weeks again.
Didier
markinlondon
09-05-2007, 23:39
I like the idea of cases but in practise I find they just get in the way. It's bad enough having to find somewhere to put the baseplate while reloading when you're as clumsy as me.
I don't use cases. I'll put the camera in a pouch when I put it in a bag or backpack with other stuff, but that's it.
I find myself making a case for caseless cameras. With a Leica I think cases are simply impractical because of film loading - another extra piece you have to take care of. With other cameras they get in my way. I'm a left-eyed shooter, and I don't need another extra piece of leather between me and the camera to flatten my nose against.
Hi,I use then just for the protection they offer.I'm not in a hurry over anything to do with pictures..........Robin
I only use a case when I'm planning a drop test.
Noel
pesphoto
09-06-2007, 08:15
I've never used a case.
I like using a half case on the Bessa R. In its starkers, the camera doesn't have a great feel and is a bit light. The case improves its feel, imo.
Gene
i never take my leica's leather case with me, i just put my leica mp in a bag, it looks much better without the case, and i don't care about scratches, a leica has to be used :)
BillBingham2
09-06-2007, 08:30
Never Ready Cases we used to call them.
B2 (;->
They make the camera quieter.
Also, I've done the drop test in a Luigi case - it helped.
Roland.
I generally use a half-case on my rangefinders, but go caseless with SLRs. The case seems to afford a better grip, and often, a better point of attachment for the camera strap- old Canon cases for the 5, 6 and 7 series are very robust.
As much as I like seeing and feeling the camera, and agree that even a half case adds bulk, I still like my Luigi half cases with the built in grip because it makes holding the camera while walking around so much more comfortable. That case means I can hold my camera in hand at my side while walking around without having to hold the bare camera in a death/vise grip. Also makes pulling the camera out of the bag that much easier and less likely to slip out of my hand while doing so. And, of course, a Luigi case just looks, feels and smells great.
-Randy
sepiareverb
09-06-2007, 12:10
Hate 'em. Cases that is. I shoot too much film for a case, all that unscrewing the thing off every time would drive me nuts. For protection I use a bag.
(I guess maybe that doesn't sound quite right, but...:angel: )
I hate 'em.Me too. There is a reason they are called "never-ready" cases. The only practical use I can think of is maybe to help deaden the sound of the shutter.
The only thing I like in a case is wine.
For protection I use a bag.
(I guess maybe that doesn't sound quite right, but...:angel: )
You meant filters, right ? :) :angel:
When you drop an M4 in the Leitz hard case from six feet unto concrete the rangefinder is still ok at infinity.
Trust me
Noel
ChrisPlatt
09-06-2007, 13:23
The only thing I like in a case is wine.
But in another thread you wrote:
Odd, I don't see how I am "anti-case"?
Chris
Never Ready Cases we used to call them.
B2 (;->
That's about all there was when I started photographing (1947). I started using them because everybody else did. Often was frustrated trying to get the front open while my photo disappeared, or, the tab ended up in the photo. Later, I just used the lower half, but finally, just used the camera. I work out of a bag, and like it.
I never thought of how the camera looked - although I agree I like the looks of just the camera. It was a more practical decision.
Back in the 50's and 60's there were those that not had the camera buttoned up, but a case for each lens, filter, flash and every other accessory, all carefully tucked into a fitted bag. Really looked nice - they never took many photos. :cool:
Dropped a fitted bag as well.
Arn't you guys clumsy>
Noel
Why don't you sissies just encase your precious Leica's in a block of casting resin. That way you can put it on a shelf and polish it. A camera is a tool. I've used the lens to start a fire on camping trips, the bottom plate can be used in a pinch as a canoe paddle. The shoe works great as a bottle opener. I found the Summilux to work well as a hammer when one isn't handy. Oh, this isn't pnet??????
I always use a half case. 'bye.
They make the camera quieter.
Also, I've done the drop test in a Luigi case - it helped.
Roland.
Making the camera quieter is exactly what we need for an M Leica!!
As for never-ready cases, I don't use them. Now that we don't have to take one with every camera purchase, as was once true, I don't miss them at all.
But in another thread you wrote:
Chris
Why does my perference to not use a case assume I am against the use of cases? That is like saying I like film, so I must be anti-digital. It does not follow.
Steve Bellayr
09-06-2007, 15:10
Only use the half case on the Leica. The half case is more comfortable. Would not use them on my other cameras. I'm pretty hard on cameras. When driving in a car I use a cheap case that I store them in on the front seat. Usually the case is open.
Making the camera quieter is exactly what we need for an M Leica!!
As for never-ready cases, I don't use them. Now that we don't have to take one with every camera purchase, as was once true, I don't miss them at all.
If you want a real quiet camera, an M is not the right choice. Try a cleaned Contax and you might be surprised
how much noise your Leica makes.
Except for changing film, I'm not sure I understand how a half case slows you down. Why it makes the
camera "never ready".
I can't stand the cases that came with my fsu cameras, but I do use them to store my cameras in. The cases that I have with my bessas esp. the brown case that came with my R. The padded feel is really great. I also just recently aquired a new Yashica GTN that came with a black half case that I really like. It has a good feel about it. So I use it. I would like to maybe soon get a Zhou case If they have any to fit my cameras.
Only use the half case on the Leica. The half case is more comfortable. Would not use them on my other cameras. I'm pretty hard on cameras. When driving in a car I use a cheap case that I store them in on the front seat. Usually the case is open.
I just got rear-ended going to my work this morning. I had my GSN in the back seat. I'm glad it was wearing it's case. It survived the crash.:) Thank goodness.
sepiareverb
09-06-2007, 15:42
You meant filters, right ? :) :angel:
Um, filters, yep that's it.;)
Austerby
09-08-2007, 09:09
Actually I really like using an original worn brown leather M series case with my M7 and MP as it makes them look even older and less valuable. Only problem is that it's falling apart somewhat so I do have to make repairs from time to time.
Point taken about nuisance when changing film but I don't get through that much film that quickly.
Marc Jutras
09-08-2007, 12:10
I don't like cases at all. Never used one on my cameras and was always annoyed by them when I had to use a camera that was in one.
As for asthetics ... I reckon it depends on the case. Cameras are beautiful things in their own right I agree but a Luigi case sure doesn't detract from their looks or add much to their bulk! :)
I second this nice Aussie too. He wrote about aesthetics.
As for practical purposes hereby my reasons:
a) The half case LOWERS shutter noise
b) Protects the camera not only from hard banging but from simple slight marks.
c) The upper half helps in having the whole camera clean
d) Both halfs are very practical to "throw" the camera in a bag without worrying.
e) I prefer the tactile contact with leather than with metal. Others may not.
f) In case of using two cameras of the same brand simultaneously, exchanging the upper half among them spares me from carrying a bag, and from banging.
g) Lastly about aesthetics. It fully depends on the combination of camera color and case color you have.
Cheers,
Ruben
magnus67
09-09-2007, 02:31
Yes, I use a half case on my Zorki 4K. But that's just because I prefer carrying it with a shoulder strap and it doesn't have any strap-lugs. Otherwise I probably would go caseless with it, just as I do with my other cameras.
Bike Tourist
09-10-2007, 12:59
I used an everready case once — back in 1959. Didn't like it. We called them NEVERREADY cases.
Never like case. Only use camera bags.
350D_user
09-29-2007, 04:27
They're called "never ready" cases for a reason. ;)
shadowfox
10-05-2007, 13:38
If I'm working out of a bag, I don't use the case, just due to me putting the m4-2 in the bag(domke f5xb) when it's not needed.
If I'm going solo I tend to use the case, or if its crappy weather like rain or cold.
Another thing that we have in common, Gavin! I also prefer the comfort and protection of a bag rather than a camera case.
Except I am still looking for a Domke F2, I have a feeling that F5x is too small for my need.
Also, a heavy duty Ziplock bag for sudden downpour.
I got a half case from Luigi a few months ago, and I've been using almost everytime I shoot. The leather is more comfortable than bare metal. In addition, I can get a better grip on the camera, even though I only have the standard model with just the little front bump. But I'm not sure how much protection is has offered, since the only thing I've ever dropped was the bottom plate onto concrete once, when I was loading. And that might never have happened if I didn't need to pocket my case to begin with! :bang:
I've been thinking about trying to go case-less for awhile, but now that winter is approaching, it might not be the wise thing to do. The ONLY thing I don't like about using a case, is the extra time it takes to load. Sure, it's not that much more, but it can matter at times.
The black case does look good on my black M6 TTL, but I have to say that the camera looks even better without.
I don't use a case on my IIIf RD or my Zorki 1, since they are lighter than the M6, and easier to hold becasue of that.
literiter
10-20-2007, 07:31
I will get a Luigi case for one of my M cameras. Just 'cause I like the look of them. I'll use it when I want to look cool.
The issues with retaining moisture, fungus and "neverready" are well taken. I live in a very dry climate and my cameras seem to be free of any problems, but, after reading these posts I removed all my cameras from their cases.
Roger Hicks
10-20-2007, 14:08
Well, I often carried my Pentax SV in its case in the 60s.
Since then I've wondered by anyone wants to make their camera heavier, bulkier, and slower to reload.
Put it this way: I first started work as a professional photographer in the 1970s. I do not remember the last professional I met who used a never-ready case, even a half-case -- though no strap lugs without a case is a powerful argument.
Cheers,
Roger
I use a half-case when I'm bangin' around with just one camera/lens and no camera bag. I can enjoy the aesthetics all I want when I'm home, and the camera doesn't need any protection from knocks and casual abuse. When I'm out and about, I'd rather protect my camera, and the half-case doesn't seem to intrude much, nor add much weight. Never-ready case....Nah! Half-case.....Yeah.
Regards!
Don
nikon_sam
10-06-2009, 22:41
I have a case for two of my cameras and I only use the bottom half...One on a Nikon F2 and the other on the Yashica Mat 124g...
The one of the F2 is there to protect and I also like the way it feels...It does make it a bit bulkier but I'm okay with that...
The case on the YashicaMat is there for protection only...
Never used one. Never will. For one thing: how do you reload film/sd?
januaryman
10-07-2009, 03:52
To protect my Hexar AF from bumping around in my business bag, I picked up a large Zing bag - just a padded neoprene bag with a pull tight cord at the neck. Not a case, but protection. I have in the past bought the origial half case for my Canon P and used to use it, but have stopped. Only my Bessa R is in the half case all the time, because it is much more susceptible to bumps and bangs and bruises.
Juan Valdenebro
10-07-2009, 04:25
I never use cases. Usually two body/lens outfits hanging naked from both shoulders. A non photographic bag when traveling.
maclaine
10-07-2009, 07:31
I had a case for my Bessa R3A, and it kept the body in like new condition without adding too much bulk. The only issue was the hood part of the case (the part that covers the top and lens, not the part that the body sits in). It could come off, but I would never know what to do with it if I was walking around. Unnecessary hassle. Also, the part of the case that the body sits in would make changing film a bit of a pain, since it had to be removed for the back door to open.
I recently traded the camera and case for an M4, and while my inner OCD freak is worried about banging up the body any more than it is (which is, truthfully, not all that much), I really don't want to have to go through the hassle of having a case again, so I will be going caseless.
Based on over thirty years of shooting with naked Nikons, in my opinion leather cases and half-cases are a complete waste of time and money. They just get in the way.
leather cases and half-cases are a complete waste of time and money. They just get in the way.
Ditto.
Camera = tool = "like new condition" irrelevant (whilst still caring for the mechanical and optical condition of the camera, obviously).
(I upset a collector friend by grinding M8 lens codes into my rare type of 35mm Summilux: I don't care about collecting, value or cosmetics at all! :p)
I like some of my Kievs in ' square ' cases 'cos they are beautifully made .
I have also adapted a late Kiev case as half case for an early Kiev / Contax and I like using one like this .
My M8 just has a camera bag as do the overlarge Dig 3 / L1 .
vBulletin® v3.6.8, Copyright ©2000-2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.