Risk of leather cases going moldy in Singapore?

[articulate]

Hello everyone, first the usual apologies if this has been asked before. I did try searching, both google and here. Only came up with a warning that leather cases run the risk of making the M9 moldy in humid climes. But not much else.

I intend to buy a Luigi full case for my M9 primarily so I can carry my camera without a bag. And if it rains or snows(overseas of course) there is some protection versus a naked camera. Also with such a case, I believe it's then possible to use my lens without a filter barring excursions to the beach or if it's raining of course. I am not like Mr. Overgaard who dares to use his 50 'lux with no protection other than hood. And because my lens is chrome, it's also quite heavy so I'd like more grip than just the thumbs up. I thought of Griptac but that doesn't make the camera water resistant.

So the question is, to all of you that use Luigi/Zhou/Ciesta cases or even Leica. Provided the camera is in constant use and is out of the case or sitting in a dry locker with case when not in use. Are these cases practical in our much more humid climate? Do I run the risk of molding up my lenses especially with a full case?

Thanks in advance people!

 

[artspraken]

Get a small camera bag. Cases are not practical regardless of climate. They make the camera more combersome. M9 is already fatter than other Ms. Case makes M9 even fatter.

Mould is a risk regardless of leather case.

If you are not sure, you should not consider Luigi due to the cost and time it takes for luigi cases. Just get a cheap Zhou case (chiif got sell) and decide if you like it, before looking at expensive options.

I fail to see any correlation between cases and filters in the manner you described tho.

 

[articulate]

I have a small bag, an A&A leather bag, a really small one. Can't remember the model but it's smaller than the Hadley small.

About the filter thing, I imagine that with a full case, the lens will be protected enough when not in use to allow for it to be left within the confines of the full case without a cap or filter on. Versus not having a case/bag and just having the camera around your neck. I get paranoid about leaving lenses filterless, but in the case of Leica lenses I make an exception. Even so, I just want to baby my latest acquisition just a bit more.

I am quite sure of what I want and have gone through numerous bags and straps in search of the ideal carrying solution. I tried a Leica neveready case while at the Leica store in Paris and despite not liking it, Luigi's cases seem to be more ergonomical. The only thing I am uncertain of, is whether the likelihood of mold occuring is amplified because of a warm leather(not to mention dark and felt covered on the inside) case that closely hugs the camera.

Lastly, I believe the M9 may be more ideal for these half case contraptions because you don't need to change film all the time. Only maybe batteries. And the way I use my M9, I charge my battery perhaps once a week. As for memory cards, 8gbs lasts me more than a month. I like taking photos, I just don't like coming home to 1000 images to process.

 

[artspraken]

Might be good idea you join RF.SG and see how people carry their Leicas.

Another option is go visit chiif and tryout his cases and bags and see which you like.

Personally i find half cases annoying, full cases even more annoying. I use a small camera bag to keep my M9 when not shooting. Walking around showing a camera attracts unwanted attention

As for filters, if you feel paranoid then get a filter. Makes it easier to wipe your filter instead of the actual lens. A full case has no correlation to your filter, surely when you are shooting the front of your full case is removed and lens exposed right?

Some people argue that decades ago lenses were used filterless, but my counterargument is that in those days lenses were not so expensive.

Don't worry about leather case causing mould, instead think of getting a dry cabinet if not already

 

[articulate]

Might be a good idea if you just answer the question in the title. I couldn't care less how you, or other people tout their Leicas. As for attracting attention, carrying a bag anywhere already gets you attention. I cannot fathom why it is you seem intent on nitpicking on my topic but not once addressing the issue directly.

I am grateful someone replied. And said at least that mold is a risk regardless of leather case. But I was specifically asking if a leather case was practical given our climate. If I llived in Europe, I wouldn't even bother asking this question.

About the filter no filter, just leave it at that. I cannot articulate something if your refuse to look at it from a different viewpoint.

Also, I resent the statement I should consider a cheaper alternative before going for the real deal. I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. But that doesn't mean I am content with settling for less when I can clearly afford more. Yes someone could argue that if I can afford it, I should just buy it and not care right? But fortunately, I'm not that frivolous.

Thank you so far but honestly, you not liking a half case much less a full case is not a point I'm convincing you on. I like carrying my camera across my chest. I'd just like a way to do it if I get caught in the rain or snow sometime. Until Leica introduces weather sealing. A full case is the only option.

 

[artspraken]

Ok as you request, i shall answer the question in title. Aiyah if main concern (in the title) is leather case becoming moldy, then put mink oil or leather polish lor...Go ahead and buy luigi full case and polish it regularly. Sure will not become moldy wan. Problem solve liao.

 

[Dominum]

I use a luigi's case with my M8.. So far no mold. I store the leather case and camera separately also so that the inside gets some ventilation.

 

[articulate]

Thank you, that's what I wanted to know.

 

[WuffRuff]

Store the case and camera in a dry cabinet.
I stored my leather wallet in my dry cabinet for 1.5 years and did not touch it.
It was 100% moldless when I examined it later.
My leather long coat in the wardrobe just next to be dry cabinet grew mold.
Proven - dry cabinet prevents mold.

 

[Thedraperyfalls]

Just use the case and it will not get moldy.

Mold happens when you keep it in dark, enclosed areas.
Just use it, let it get air and sunlight - and it'd take care of itself.

 

[articulate]

That's what I thought. I was just worried about the inner felt part that sees little to no sunlight even when in use. And I just wondered if anyone experienced mold growing from within and spreading out. Granted with film M's that shouldn't happen since you remove the case every 36/37 shots. But with the M9, I charge batteries once every 10-14 days and memory cards, I'm currently in my 2nd month in Europe and I still have 45 shots left(shooting just RAW) in my 8gb memory card.

 

[ZoomP]

Always has a half case on my digital M. Rule of thumb, if you managed to get it wet on the case or straps, let it air-dry first before putting them into the dry cabinet.

 

[mamypoko]

Used a Zhou half case for close to 2 years now, when not in use its with my camera in the dry cabinet, no mould whatsoever.

Important thing as ZoomP has mentioned is that if it gets wet, air-dry it, don't use a hairdryer.

I use bags with leather trims, my daily use bag is still going strong without mould, although there is a chance that the leather might dry and crack in the heat, so keep some mink oil or alternative available just in case.