In Praise of the Luigi Case

RayPA · 10-18-2005

Wow! I just got my Luigi Leica M half-case. Unbelieveable quality and fit. I've heard others here praise these cases, but I had no idea. The leather is soft and supple—gorgeous. The case has a little padded bump/grip that I didn't know about, a nice feature.

I got a lead on this product from recommendations heard here, so I had to add my voice to those singing the praise of the Luigi/LeicaTime case.

Traut · 10-18-2005

I will probably have one for sale within the next week if anyone is interested.

f/stopblues · 10-18-2005

To fit an M I assume, Traut?

mkyy · 10-18-2005

for which camera?

Traut · 10-18-2005

It fits all the M's. I have 2 of them now. I bought one with a strap and will probably sell one of mine or the new one. They are great cases, especially their simplicity and how they protect the area adjacent to the strap lugs by a simple strap and snap design.

Traut · 10-18-2005

I will also trade the M case for a Luigi for the IIIg if anyone has one.

dreilly · 10-18-2005

What's your asking price, and what color is it?

RayPA · 10-18-2005

My thread of praise has become a FS/WTB!

That's cool, proof positive of a quality product. I guess I should add the disclaimer: No connection with seller (other than a fellow RFFer).

dcsang · 10-18-2005

Oy.... I've seen these things and keep thinking.. "kind of pricey.. but then again.. it IS for a Leica"

Now I see raves and people longing for them and .. well.. I think this is what I'll get my baby for Christmas.

And by "baby" I don't mean a significant other.. I mean my M6 and/or M3

Dave

JohnL · 10-28-2005

I have seen many of these references to Luigi half cases, but none of the links seem to work for me. Would much appreciate it if someone could post the full URL. Many thanks.
Edit: OK. I found it via Google. Sorry to bother.
John

RayPA · 10-28-2005

Hi Jon,

You should look at Luigi's cases on the giant evil auction site. He has an online store. Just search "Luigi" generally (and drill-down to Cameras & Photo), or under Cameras & Photo. I just did it and he has 35 listings. Most of his listing are BIN, IIRC.

f/stopblues · 10-31-2005

I just received my package from Italy today, and I must say I'm impressed! Like others have said, soft and supple leather, fitted very nicely.. even smells great

He included a little note letting me know which piece to remove to use the wrist strap with the half-case, and a nice metal Leica keychain too! It's for my R2A though, so it kinda feels like fitting a Crown Victoria with Pirelli's.

JohnL · 11-03-2005

I have a couple of questions about these cases and would appreciate if someone who has one could clarify for me:
1 How is the half-case attached to the camera ... via strap lugs, tripod screw or otherwise?
2 Is the tripod screw-hole accessible with the case on?
3 For lenses that have a focusing lever underneath, is there plenty of clearance?
OK, it was 3 questions ...
John

RayPA · 11-03-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnL

I have a couple of questions about these cases and would appreciate if someone who has one could clarify for me:
1 How is the half-case attached to the camera ... via strap lugs, tripod screw or otherwise?
2 Is the tripod screw-hole accessible with the case on?
3 For lenses that have a focusing lever underneath, is there plenty of clearance?
OK, it was 3 questions ...
John

1. the M half-case attaches by snaps that wrap around the strap lugs
2. on my half-case (Luigi offers a couple of options IIRC), no, the tripod screw-hole is not accessible with the case on.
3. This is a good question and one I didn't consider until I pu the case on and attached my CV 35/2.5. However, yes the focus lever is has plenty of clearance.

umana · 11-03-2005

"2 Is the tripod screw-hole accessible with the case on?"

Hi John, hoping to don't be guilty of spam, I thought to let you know that I designed a very special screw that can be fitted to the bottom of my cases, and that allows to use a tripod (perfectly!) still leaving the case bottom FLAT, unlike in all other cases, either Leitz/Leica, and others ! Regards to all, Luigi

ducttape · 11-03-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by umana

"2 Is the tripod screw-hole accessible with the case on?"

Hi John, hoping to don't be guilty of spam, I thought to let you know that I designed a very special screw that can be fitted to the bottom of my cases, and that allows to use a tripod (perfectly!) still leaving the case bottom FLAT, unlike in all other cases, either Leitz/Leica, and others ! Regards to all, Luigi

Oh geez, now Luigi is spamming

Seriously, his case is top shelf. I have 2, one for my M and one I just got for the RD-1. Both are great. The M is maybe 3 years old, and it seems after about 3 months or so it just stopped aging. It's been at a level plateau and just feels great. I even use my M7 in the rain and I don't take the case off. Extremely well made of high quality leathers.

I bought the RD-1 while Luigi was still figuring out the rear screen flap thing. Now I see he has snaps, which I don't know if I would like. I took off his attaching lashes and used a strong black thread to sew the two holes to the flap at the top of the flap to the case. It pushes in and stays closed but I can lift it when need be.

Also, until selling my 35mm Summicron this past week, I used the case for years with the focus tab. Plenty of clearance. Now I use it with all sorts of Voigts on the RD-1 and still, no problems.

So, in sum, his stuff is great. You've broken down and sent your tuition or mortgage money to Leica, now treat yourself right and send some to Luigi

d

ClayH · 11-03-2005

I will concur about the quality of Luigi's work. The leather is great, the fit perfect. He made me a batch of custom straps after I observed Ralph Gibson using a short fixed-length strap that can be quickly converted to a wrist strap, and they are simply great - high quality, and with nifty protector tabs to protect the camera finish. Plus he is fast, reliable, and to judge by his web page, a suave italian gentleman to boot!

JohnL · 11-04-2005

RayPA
Many thanks for info!

umana (Luigi)
Many thanks for taking a personal interest in this! Is there anywhere I can see a picture of the screw that is fitted to the bottom of the case? Is this fitted to a standard case or does it need to be a special case in some way? I think I'll contact you directly via your website ...

Ducttape, ClayH
Many thanks!

John

RayPA · 11-04-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClayH

... He made me a batch of custom straps after I observed Ralph Gibson using a short fixed-length strap that can be quickly converted to a wrist strap, ...

Now this sounds interesting! Sounds like something I'd like. Can you post a pic of the strap?

P.S. When did you see Ralph Gibson working?

nksyoon · 11-04-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducttape

Now I use it with all sorts of Voigts on the RD-1 and still, no problems.

I use a CV 21/4 on an M6 - any idea if there would be problems with the focusing lever?

Thanks,
Nick

JohnL · 11-05-2005

I just ordered one. Within 20 minutes of sending the email, I had a reply from Luigi confirming he was packing it up for shipping !!!

ClayH · 11-05-2005

Quote:Now this sounds interesting! Sounds like something I'd like. Can you post a pic of the strap?

P.S. When did you see Ralph Gibson working?

I took one of his workshops in Paris last spring. Very worthwhile if you ever have the opportunity. His camera handling is amazing. He approaches the camera the same way he approaches a guitar. He maintains that it should be something that you can pick up and use completely by feel. He suggests practicing just like one would with a musical instrument.

I'll try to snap a picture of the strap. It is very simple, but I think it is very useful. Here is a picture of the man himself. You can see the braided strap he uses. It is about 27 inches in length, and is the perfect length for carrying the camera on your shoulder just below the elbow, and then can be wrapped a time or two around your wrist when you are shooting. The braided nature of the strap makes this very easy and comfortable. At any rate, Luigi can make you one of these too!

RayPA · 12-02-2005

CLE users, Luigi is now making cases for the CLE. This is very tempting...

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