REVIEWS - Arte di Mano Leica M10 Leather Half Case

THE INCREDIBLE VANISHING LEICA M10

One of the first things I noticed about the Leica M10 is how lighter it feels compared to my Leica M Monochrom Typ 246, but according to their specifications the M10 is only 20 grams lighter. So I placed the M10 and M-246 on a balance and delta was 106 grams. Huh…?…

For their weigh-ins, both the Leica M Monochrom Typ 246 and Leica M10 were outfitted with a Artisan & Artist 301N rope strap, Match Technical Thumbs-Up's, battery and Arte di Mano half-cases. The weight reduction is due to a lighter camera, a lighter Thumbs-Up, a lighter half-case... and the big one - no base plate with the Leica M10. That was the a-ha moment. The newly style Arte di Mano half case eliminates the Leica M10's base plate - a 50 gram savings.

So that is the weight reduction, but the Leica M10 also has a smaller footprint. If measuring just the camera body itself, the Leica M10 is almost 4mm thinner than the Leica M Monochrom Typ 246. Sounds like a simple thing to measure, but measure from where? The lens mount protrudes a bit more, the rear screen hangs out a bit less, button depths are different... Anyways, not a big change, but the change is noticeable (and appreciated), so it would be a pity to diminish the savings with a chunky half case.

BUILD QUALITY

As the pictures illustrate, the JnK Handworks' Arte di Mano half-cases are expertly cut and hug all the controls and surfaces without overlapping or covering the display edges, button edges, etc. The fit and finish are simply superb. I cannot over-state how good they are. I have owned many different half cases, and most poorly follow the button outlines, screen outlines, etc.

Arte di Mano's leathers lay flat - there are no bulges, waves, gaps. Also, the leather thickness is not too heavy either. I mention this because earlier this year I received an Angelo Pelle half-case bundled in with some used gear. The leather was at least 1/8" of an inch thick and looked ridiculous. The Pelle case partially covered up buttons, the screen... the fit was a mess. I have also owned the Luigi half-cases, and frankly, their fit and finish to not come close to Arte di Mano’s quality.

During the past five years I have owned 7 or 8 different Arte di Mano half cases for various Leica M's and the Leica SL Typ 601. Along the way I have tried some of the different leathers offered by JnK Handworks. The minerva leather has been my favorite. It is fairly soft to the touch, a bit grippy. The standard rally volpe feels similar to the minerva leather. The shrunken calf leather felt stiffer; I prefer the supple feel of the minerva leathers.

Generally, Arte di Mano can use any thread color you like or ask for. But when it comes to edging, it appears their only two choices are black and brown. With lighter color cases, that black or brown edging my clash (depending on your taste).

PERFORMANCE

The Arte di Mano Leica M10 half cases can be ordered with an optional battery door. With this type of half case the Leica M10's base plate is no longer needed. A small hidden magnet holds the door closed. When the door is opened, the battery and SDHC card are both easily accessed. The half case is held to the camera via a double thread tripod socket screw, so the case is securely locked in place. The battery door is not weather sealed (like the Leica's base plate), so that may be something to consider if headed into adverse weather conditions.

Since the Arte di Mano Leica M10 half case is secured to the camera via the tripod socket, there is no need for the little ears and snaps that ride over the strap lugs like the traditional half cases. The result in a more comfortable grip because the sides are smooth and free of bulge / stack found on the traditional half case designs. All in all this is a win-win-win -- looks better, feels better and weighs less.

I typically buy the Really Right Stuff (RRS) Quick Release L-Plate Sets for Leica M's. If using the RRS plate frequently, then unscrewing the Arte di Mano screw is a pain (especially in the field). In this case Arte di Mano’s more traditional open-back style with the little snap tabs around the camera strap eyelets is a better case choice.

I have tried using a small Arca Swiss quick release plate attached to the Arte di Mano's tripod socket. This does not work very well because the screw from the QR plate tends to bind / stick in the tripod socket. Getting them apart can be a pain, especially in the field. And there is still going to be some moderate flex and play since the half case the and Leica M are not a very rigid connection. For QR a plate, hands-down, the Really Right Stuff BM10 Base Plate is the best option.

The Arte di Mano cases fit snuggly which is great when using the camera. The downside is - pulling off the case can take alittle effort, pushing down on one side at time. Repeatedly putting on and taking off the half case can get tedious, so the new style with battery door solves that problem. Since each case is handmade, some cases have slid on and off easier vs some others.

CONCLUSION

I like using half cases because they protect the Leica M body bumps & bruises while providing some extra grip. The Arte di Mano half cases have worn well over the years. Unfortunately the Arte di Mano half cases are pricey, but I cannot complain about the quality. Arte di Mano cases can be found on Ebay and the Leica Store Miami (and probably other Leica Stores).

If ordering direct from JnK Handworks, generally it takes around 4-6 weeks. Definitely plan ahead because it can be a long wait. Arte di Mano ships their half cases overnight via FEDEX, so once it is done, it does arrive quickly. I have no affiliation with JnK and receive no commissions from them.