After my very positive experience with the screenless Leica M-D — a really superb back-to-basics camera to make you feel you are back in the film era — one of my first thoughts on hearing the M10 announcement was “when will be see the M10-D”? Surely, I thought, the slimmer film-camera body would make a great basis for a new version of the M-D. I even conjectured that the central ISO dial could be put to work as an exposure compensation dial.
Then I saw the new leather half cases designed specially for the M10 and was instantly captivated by the ingenious rear flap design. Here’s a quick way of turning your M10 into an M10-D with no temptation to chimp, no fiddling with menus (even the admirably sparse favourites screen). With ISO, speed and aperture in full and glorious mechanical view, the M10 lends itself to the new minimalist pantry.
There’s nothing particularly novel in a rear flap for a half case. Most manufacturers have been offering flaps as an option for ages. But the quality of workmanship and the ingenuity of the Leica design impresses. As you see from the photographs, when the rear flap is closed the case is neat and tidy, offering a clean, smooth back so there is no danger of scratching the screen or touching anything by mistake.
Leica’s designers have also come up with an interesting way of attaching the flap in order to avoid unsightly hinges velcro. The flap has a baseplate which fits inside the case, between the camera and case bottom. When the flap is not attached there is a spacer accessory which sits under the camera and keeps the same camera height in relation to the case as when the flap is in situ. It’s a great solution and impresses all round.
The Leica cases, which are reasonably priced at £160, come in red, as shown here, plus black and brown. I think they will be a popular accessory for M10 owners.
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Nice, but I think I’ll stick to the M-D 262 for the time being. There is more to being screenless than covering the screen.
I have the M10 on order and will be concentrating on that for the next few months. But the M-D is a stunning concept and very enjoyable to use. It will be a shock having a screen again, hence my rather tongue-in-cheek article!
Reasonably priced at £160, you say? For almost the same price I can buy me a Longchamp attaché-case – and Longchamp is far from being a cheap bag maker. Still on the subject of price and quality: thanks for the Lamy Safari hint. I bought one to try after reading your blog. I am going to buy two extra ones, each one a different colour, to use with different inks. Sixty euros for the three, which is less than fifty pounds 🙂
Ah, that’s "reasonably priced" as Leica accessories go. They exist in a parallel universe. Mind you, order an Arte di Mano case from Korea and you will pay upwards of €400.
Glad you like the Lamy. If you get the chance also have a look at the Kaweco Sport.
Mike wrote: "It’s a neat and practical solution for those who do not need constant access to buttons and screen — for instance, former Leica M-D owners."
There surely can’t be many of those in the wild Mike?
It’s a new camera!
Hmm. I know of two.
Former? Did you upgrade so soon?