X-T1 Half Cases

[Nero]

This thread isn't necessarily for me because I've already bought a half case for my X-T1 and am very pleased with it, but I debated which one to go with for quite some time. So I'm starting this for everyone who is considering a half case, but hasn't made up their mind yet.

 

I started out with the Fuji half case and was instantly dissatisfied. For me, a tripod screw for attaching the half-case is a deal-breaker if there is no access to the ports or battery compartment. I put it on the camera maybe twice and then it went on eBay. To top it off, you needed a coin or a screwdriver to get it off the camera. If I go out shooting, I know in advance whether I'm planning to use a tripod or not that day, so I don't need to worry about whether a half case has a tripod screw. It simply comes off my camera for the day if I'm tripod shooting.

 

I would rather have no battery or port access with maximum protection for the camera and two simple snaps around the strap mounts. Easy and quick to get on and off when necessary, adds a little extra bulk for a more sure grip, and good protection for the sides of the camera. I'm sure a lot of people wouldn't go for something with no battery access, but it really doesn't bother me to take off the case for a battery change as long as it is simple and fast to do with no tools.

 

The Gariz was the next one I considered because I'd read good reviews of their products for other camera models, the price wasn't cheap but not sky high, and despite the screw attachment it gave access to the battery and ports and didn't require a tool to remove. However, I got scared off by a slew of reviews complaining about the case blocking the tilt screen. There were a lot of fixes, but I don't feel like you should have to spend $110 on something and then modify it yourself so that your screen will tilt.

 

Kenji had a nice looking half case, but it had similar issues as the Fuji case. Screw-in connection, no port access (although you could get an optional battery access opening). 

 

So then I looked at the best, Luigi. Beautiful cases, but the X-T1 case has this thin, clear plastic strip that runs from one side of the camera to the other and is threaded in behind the top of the tilt screen. I really, really wanted to like this case, but that plastic piece just felt cheap and nothing on a $400 half case should feel cheap. I'm sure it's a great case (I use a Luigi strap that I love, his craftsmanship is wonderful), but I just couldn't lay out that kind of money for something that I didn't feel was a home run from my first impression.

 

Next, I looked at Angelo Pelle, but he doesn't have an X-T1 case, mostly rangefinder form-factor cameras.

 

Finally, I settled on an Arte di Mano half case. It ended up being about $230 with the rally volpe leather, but it fits everything I wanted in a half case. Over the strap snaps for taking it on and off, perfect amount of extra bulk to grip, good protection, great quality, and it looks good on the camera. 

 

What are everyone else's preferences and experiences shopping for an X-T1 half case? Let's try to make it less of a headache for everyone else shopping for one. Now that the X-T1 has been out for over a year, there are probably other options that I am not aware of.

[jerryrock]

I just bought the Gariz half case in black. It is like adding one of Fuji's grips to the X-T1 so the $114. price was not so exorbitant. The metal bottom does give added protection and there is access to the battery compartment and memory card slot. It also provides a tripod mount in axis with the camera lens. There is no problem with case blocking the tilt screen. I am currently looking for a better camera strap.

[Nero]

Good to know that they seem to have fixed the screen tilting issue! That would have greatly simplified my choice when I was looking to buy a half case!