case/half case/protection

[steveclem]

Ok, I'm on a verbose roll here today, I've trawled through the threads here looking for a nice leather case for my Epson without going down the loadsamoney Leicatime route for a decent half case for my treasure.
I love Luigi's works of art but cannot justify the price right now, in spite of the the in-built hand grip.
I would like a hand grip too but if it comes to a choice between that or a case, the case argument wins.
Any further recommendations other than Mr Zhou?

[tuanvinh2000]

you can use bessa cases (ever-ready) and just use the bottom part of it. I would never use a case though, make the body feel much thicker but it's my preference. These rd1s are built to last so no worries. I brought it to the mountain at -5C and it runs just fine (outdoor over night too)

[Mr_Flibble]

I'm still using the original case that came with it though I've had to glue the layers back together on the back side a couple of times. My R-D1 has plenty of wear though despite the case. The paint isn't particularly hard.

Wasn't there a Mr. Zhou case for them as well?

[steveclem]

I've gone for the Zhou option, there's been some reasonable feedback on here about them, I just wasn't over enamoured with buying from China and all that entails and sought alternatives.
My camera is in pristine condition and I want to keep it that way for as long as possible considering what they are and can still do.
Thanks all, will post further once it comes through.

[robbieduncan]

I have a Mr Zhou black leather half case on my RD-1. It's really nice and dealing with Mr Zhou was actually fine (I was worried too). In fact I was so happy with it I bought a Mr Zhou half case for my Leica M3 when I bought that camera!

[dct]

Originally Posted by robbieduncan

I have a Mr Zhou black leather half case on my RD-1. It's really nice and dealing with Mr Zhou was actually fine (I was worried too). In fact I was so happy with it I bought a Mr Zhou half case for my Leica M3 when I bought that camera!

+1
Had a case for my Hexar RF and will buy an additional one for my Bessa. The value for money is very good @Zhou.

[Expatinprogress]

I have Zhou's for my RD-1s and yes, it feels thicker but also safer.
One pro. One of the rivets broke a week later I received I couldn't find one with the right size so I had to make a mess and put a bigger one.
I think rivets quality is the main issue of this case.

[steveclem]

Can anyone tell me how it took to arrive? bearing in mind we're based all over the world that is.....

[Expatinprogress]

Umm, I cannot remember Steve, but it was around 10-15 days, as they sent it trough regular mail service. In any case, it is too long when you are waiting for new staff

[Expatinprogress]

Originally Posted by Expatinprogress

Umm, I cannot remember Steve, but it was around 10-15 days, as they sent it trough regular mail service. In any case, it is too long when you are waiting for new staff

I forgot to say that it was sent to Spain.

[steveclem]

That's cool, I'm away working for the next ten days anyway, thanks for that.

[steveclem]

Well it's here and fitted. First impressions are that it's a little too small/snug and as a consequence a couple of mm of screen is obscured and the WB/raw switch is impeded. I guess you gets what you pays for.

[FrankS]

I'm happy with my 4 Zhou cases on my M2's, Hexar RF, and CL.

[Red Robin]

I have also been looking for a Mr Zhou alternative. I have two on my Canon P's and another on my Bessa R . They have worked well for several years now. Buying one from him reminds me of the old Henry Ford Ad, "I'll paint your car any color---as long as it's black". Those Luigi antique brown one's just look so-o-o-o-o good, but not five times better. My new-to-me Leica III-a will be clad in black like the others. Maybe I'll get fancy and buy one with red stiching.