Tripod/Camera case preferences

[jww_40]

Good Morning!
This is for all of the P&S enthusiasts...

I need help with a camera case that fits an LX5/LX3 really well. Any using the leather half/full case? Do these protect the camera well? What do you think?

Also, what tripod do you prefer? I'm looking for something light but reasonably sturdy. I'm over 6' tall and have given up on a tripod that will extend high enough for me. I'm willing to bend over as long as the tripod is light/sturdy.

If either of these questions have been asked previously please accept my apologies (and point me toward those posts).
Thanks,
John

 

[danielsonkin]

John,

I hear the Panasonic case is great, though very expensive. I didn't spring for it so I went with this case ( http://www.cutecamcase.com/show_case_item.php?back=panasonic_case_lx5.html&cam=lx5&brand=Panasonic%20DMC&case=lxv&lcd=3.0 ). I like the slip-in design so I have access to the battery compartment.

I have two Manfrotto tripods that I like using: 785b and the 680b monpod. My only complaint about the 785b is that you need to have little connectors for each camera, a minor inconvenience for a great tripod.

Daniel
--
http://danielsonkin.smugmug.com/

 

[jww_40]

Daniel,
Thanks! Am researching now...
John

 

[PeteGeordie]

Lx3 or LX5? They are different sizes.

I was lucky enough to pick up a new genuine Panasonic leather case for the LX3 and it is superb. £30 from eBay.

The LX5 won't fit in it though. I also had to go for the hot shoe mounted clearviewer as the tripod mount one wouldn't fit in the case.

--
Pete

 

[Floyd Kessler]

Besides the XZ-1 what else (accessories) can you put in it?
It looks very well made.

 

[jww_40]

PeteGeordie,
I'm looking for a case for my LX5.

As far as I can tell, the leather cases are unique in that you can keep it on the camera while taking pictures (even while using a tripod). I currently have a small pouch that the LX5 fits into, but it has a small zippered top and it always removes the lens cap as I withdraw the camera.
Option 2 is the Lowepro Apex 30 AW. Anybody use this? Do you like it?
Thanks for the help!
John

 

[kernow]

There are plenty of tripods that reach your height and well-above. They are all overkill for a little camera though.
--
Oll an gwella,
Jim

 

[Erik Ohlson]

Good Morning!
This is for all of the P&S enthusiasts...

I need help with a camera case that fits an LX5/LX3 really well. Any using the leather half/full case? Do these protect the camera well? What do you think?

Also, what tripod do you prefer? I'm looking for something light but reasonably sturdy. I'm over 6' tall and have given up on a tripod that will extend high enough for me. I'm willing to bend over as long as the tripod is light/sturdy.

If either of these questions have been asked previously please accept my apologies (and point me toward those posts).
Thanks,
John

Hi, John,

Yes, unfortunately, these questions are asked fairly frequently, and some forum regulars are "rolling their eyes", having seen my reccommendations before

I'm a bit of a minimalist - and over 6 feet tall, too, and for a tripod, I use this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/239957-REG/Ultrapod_PD01020_1_Black.html

Small enough to "live" in a back pocket, sturdy enough for astronomical use, and the velcro strip enables attachment to trees, poles & the like. Nice, tiny "Ball Head", and inexpensive.

As to a "Case", I have never found anything more protective than a simple plastic bag:



Another fairly common question on these forums is: "What's this spot on my pictures?" It usually turns out to be dust inside the lens or on the sensor - I've never heard this complaint from someone who uses a bag.

I have for years, always had a TZ/ZS series camera in my pocket, in a bag, and have never had a dust problem. If you prefer some sort of regular 'Case', I'd still line it with a bag - my sister's camera case has lint packed in the corners, so I'm not convinced that cases offer much protection.

BTW: don't use a zip seal bag: it seems they seal in any moisture like a "Mini-Sauna" which could damage the camera, and they sure slow down deploying the camera.

-Erik

--
DP Review Supporter.



'He who hesitates is not only lost - he's miles from the next Exit.'
http://www.flickr.com/ohlsonmh/

 

[Bruce Bowman]

CuteCamCase.com's case works well imo cuz it has a belt loop. I don't like shoulder/neck straps unless I can wear the strap around the neck with the camera in a shirt pocket. That doesn't work with the LX5. There are several offerings on the web that appear to be identical. Without the shoulder strap, I find a wrist strap becomes important, e.g. OpTech.

Decades ago Sunpak (now part of ToCAD America) just made camera-flashes, but now they also offer carbon fiber tripod's. I bought their PRO 723P (panhead) for a different purpose (DSLR). I wasn't happy till I dumped the panhead and got an Induro ballhead for it (should have gotten the PRO 723B).

Here's an alternate to consider: I bought a High Sierra Envoy waist pack (on sale at eBags for $20US at the time) to carry the camera in its leather case, EVF, batteries, WA lens, filters, adapters, memory cards, + more 'stuff' like my cell phone. Works great and now I don't keep bumping the leather case with the dangling EVF as I walk.
--
Bruce

 

[jww_40]

All,

Thanks very much for all of your help! I decided to get a Lowepro 30 AW (it was in stock at a local store). I'll let you know how it works out. The LX5 fits but it's TIGHT.

As far as a tripod, I'm still debating on full size or tabletop style. Both have obvious advantages/disadvantages... I'll probably wind up flipping a coin LOL.
Thanks again All!
John

 

[LX93]

Have you found a case that would've been a better choice?

I just bought an LX5 for use while doing 10-mile trail runs. Definitely not the environment for a leather case, w/ me getting all sweaty & sometimes being caught in the rain. It'd be great if Pelican made a case for the LX5. But the lens seems like it makes a hard fit for most cases that would otherwise be ideal.

No, I'm not going to return it for a Canon S95- I should've looked into this before I bought it. Personal responsibility. End of discussion on that.

Looking forward to hearing about how well your Lowepro 30 AW worked out or made you buy another better-fitting case. I know when I had a Canon G10 w/ a tight-fitting case, I wound up buying a looser-fitting case because it was too much hassle getting the G10 in and out.

All,

Thanks very much for all of your help! I decided to get a Lowepro 30 AW (it was in stock at a local store). I'll let you know how it works out. The LX5 fits but it's TIGHT.

 

[Cyril Catt]

As the LX3/LX5 have fairly short tele zoom settings, and fairly fast lenses, I feel there is less need to steady the camera with a tripod than might be necessary with longer zooms or slower lenses in dark situations. So, to limit unnecessary baggage, I limit myself to a tabletop tripod with a ball joint head. When stability is needed, There is usually a rigid surface nearby (a tree, wall, lamppost, etc) against which I can firmly hold the legs of the tripod with one hand, whilst operating the camera with the other. At a pinch, when there are no suitable surfaces with which to steady a little tripod ( i.e. when standing on the touchlines, watching my grandchildren compete in games) I find that I can hold the tripod against my upper ribs and sternum with reasonable results (that position also brings the LCD close enough to my face to shade it into visibility on sunny days!)
--
Cyril