I get an email a week about my leather wraps. Here's a new photo of the one I've just started using on my M4-P plus Rapidwinder (that's its prong sticking out of the base!).

Hmm, nice thick leather this time with a green felt lining.

-- Andrew Nemeth (azn@nemeng.com), February 06, 2002

Answers

I am speechless. Does it include electronic climate control as well.

-- sait (akkirman@clear.net.nz), February 06, 2002.

Sorry Andrew, that is the most useless, pointless, ugliest thing I have ever seen.

-- Steve leHuray (steve@icommag.com), February 06, 2002.

And the advantage of this over the bottom half of an ERC would be?

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), February 06, 2002.

1/10th the cost. Also protects the whole camera and not just the bottom plate. Also sound proofs the camera somewhat. Also makes the camera softer (and hence easier) to hold.

-- Andrew Nemeth (azn@nemeng.com), February 06, 2002.

Yes but I think this defeats the nearly perfect ergonomics that are inherent in the M body design. Kind of like wrapping a hammer in a bath towel. Not even the bottom half of the never-ready M case makes the camera feel any better to me. I like a naked M.

-- Tony Rowlett (rowlett@mail.com), February 06, 2002.

My wife wants to know if it is available in tartan

-- sait (akkirman@clear.net.nz), February 06, 2002.

Andrew:

When I look at this case I am reminded of the old "sound-blimps" used on Nikons for shooting on theater or movie sets. Have you given any thought to producing it in neoprene? It would be more sound-proof, probably cheaper, and definately hug the body better. You could even match the new Hassleblad colors if you so desired! While perhaps functional for your uses, this case makes the M look like a very fat lady in an ill-fitting bikini. (IMO only!)

I must admit I have to agree with Tony here -- I really prefer my M's naked... :-),

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), February 06, 2002.

Andrew,

I like the design. You make these by hand, cutting, punching, stitching (2), dyeing. Whew! One small recommendation : Smooth out the edges more. I suppose know how to do that. Besides the other regular stuff I've also used very fine wetsanding paper, dry, on difficult edges.

Nice work.

-- Alex Shishin (shishin@suma.kobe-wu.ac.jp), February 06, 2002.

Looks like that face mask that Hannibal Lecter wears in "Silence of the Lambs"!

-- Douglas Kinnear (douglas.kinnear@colostate.edu), February 06, 2002.

Doug: I think these are also available at leather shops with names like "The Crypt" and "Agony".

Just kidding, Andrew - it's ingenious.

However I DID move to Leicas in part because SLRs were starting to look too much like Darth Vader's helmet. This come a little too close to that look for me....

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), February 06, 2002.

>Looks like that face mask that Hannibal Lecter wears in "Silence of >the Lambs"! -- Douglas Kinnear

BAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!!!

feli

-- Feli di Giorgio (feli@d2.com), February 07, 2002.

Andrew.I have never in all my days seen such a hidious looking article.I can't think why on earth anyone would want one of these 'things'.Did you take too many drugs one night I think "I know,I'm going to make a leather gimp mask for my camera and give everyone on the Leica forum nightmares"??????

Oh God I feel sick.

-- Virgil (leicavirgin@hotmail.com), February 07, 2002.

Probably very useful in the winter, I should think. Very idiosyncratic, I like your style.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), February 07, 2002.

do you have the "LHSA" or "Danish Royal Wedding" edition of the leather wrap?

-- Dexter Legaspi (dalegaspi@hotmail.com), February 07, 2002.

Andrew, are you beginning to regret starting this thread?!? :)

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), February 07, 2002.

You know....I've looked at it again and it has a kind of 'first World War officers issue' look to it.I'm going to have to do a complete U- turn.I love it.I want one.

-- Virgil (leicavirgin@hotmail.com), February 07, 2002.

Doug: I think these are also available at leather shops with names like "The Crypt" and "Agony".

Hmmm...How does Andy know the names of such stores? Hmmm...

-- Douglas Kinnear (douglas.kinnear@colostate.edu), February 07, 2002.

Yeah, it's like one of those army watches with the leather cover.

Still pretty cool, in a horrid sort of way.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), February 07, 2002.

Well, well - looks like I've given a few professional nay-sayers an unintentional opportunity to practice their craft.

Do I regret starting this thread?

Not at all. The blind, knee-jerk resistance to anything new and unusual, along with the sheep-like adherence to group-think orthodoxy has been most informative...

-- Andrew Nemeth (azn@nemeng.com), February 07, 2002.

Hey, let's give Andrew his credit. His invention may not be for everyone, but if it works for him, then great. And he also will "Stealth-ify" your Konica Hexar Silver for you, which is a great public service in case you ever want a TRULY silent camera.

-- Douglas Kinnear (douglas.kinnear@colostate.edu), February 07, 2002.

Good for you Andrew!

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), February 08, 2002.

i am horrified and shocked.My old friend,Ziggy,M3 35 yrs old almost needs a tranquilizer.i agree its for Hannibal Lecher! its bizzarre! its horrible! Where can i get one?

-- jason gold. (leeu72@hotmail.com), February 09, 2002.

how secure is it against leicaids?, we never know!

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), February 13, 2002.