Luigi's leather Rollei cases

[ToddB]

Hey guys,
cruising flea bay this morning, and saw Luigi's leather from Italy, featuring Rollei body cases for vintage Rollei TLR cameras. However they are very expensive. 750.00. Damn!!! I was wondering when someone was going to make custom case for these guys.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LUIGI-NEW-F..._Camera_Straps_Hand_Grips&hash=item2c6d03431b

 

[BrianShaw]

I've heard folks rave anout his casesN but that is just rediculous. But I'm sure he appreciates you posting an ad for him.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

That is a lot but as an owner of a couple of his half cases for my Leica MP and CL I can say his workmanship and materials are absolutely top notch. I find cases awkward for the Rolleiflex TLRs and though I have some original ones for mine I use the cases only in storage and completely remove it when I use the cameras.

 

[ToddB]

I've considered going commando with Rollei, however I'm little nervous on banging my camera on things.

 

[BrianShaw]

Commando is the only way! To get over the nervousness there are two approaches: bang it once and get the dreaded situation behind you, or adopt a technique of constant awareness when walking with or handling the camera. I chose the latter.

 

[summicron1]

Commando is the only way! To get over the nervousness there are two approaches: bang it once and get the dreaded situation behind you, or adopt a technique of constant awareness when walking with or handling the camera. I chose the latter.

if i think it will be rough, i use the 'cord -- it was pre-banged.

And, seriously, those cameras are pretty tough. They can handle hard use

 

[jcc]

If your heart is set on his cases, it's usually cheaper if you order directly through his site. I do second the awkwardness of a case on a TLR.

 

[E. von Hoegh]

For $750 you can get a decent Rollei with the original case, some accessories, and have $$ left over for film.

 

[benjiboy]

This is a premier quality Italian leather hand crafted luxury product, they don't come cheap, ask yourself if you had the skill to make one considering the man hours necessary to make one, how much would you sell one for ?

 

[E. von Hoegh]

This is a premier quality Italian leather hand crafted luxury product, they don't come cheap, ask yourself if you had the skill to make one considering the man hours necessary to make one, how much would you sell one for ?

I'd sell one for as steep a price as I could get. I'd certainly make one for my caseless Rollei Standard. But to pay that price for a camera case, when as I said I could get an original case with a camera inside for less, is just silly.

 

[ToddB]

Watch.. I bet someone out here will come up with a more affortable version. It takes some one to take the first step to make it happen.

Todd

 

[smolk]

For the 2.8F, I do not find the case all that awkward, easy enough to remove when reloading. The older models are a different story. I still have a case for them, because if I had n't, I'd want a lens cap or UV filter to protect the lens.
No matter how good Luigi is, these prices are absurd. I paid far less for my Rollei originals which are solid (it is worth checking that), and otherwise, a local leather repair service may be all you need for a fraction of the price.

That said, I tend to keep mine in a Retrospective 20 bag: one B&W, one colour, meter in between. A case is not really necessary then.

 

[zeta3]

I have nothing to do with Luigi and do not own any of his cases.

However, the remark "these prices are absurd" is interesting to examine.

I would estimate that such a case takes probably a day to make, maybe 2. Anyone know better? Also included in this day is the administrative work to collect orders, maintain site, answer questions, ship orders.

From that Euro480 (the price on his own web site), deduct the costs:-
€30-50 for leather and suede
€20 for PayPal charges
€80 per day for Rental value for a workshop/office in Rome
€?? for cost of tooling - but anyone who has a workshop knows how much good tools are compared to cheap ones and how much effort is required to maintain the tools.

Estimate €150 or so deduction from his price, which means he makes €330 for a days work, before all taxes, insurances, etc. (which are significant in Europe).

An IT professional in Rome (with experience) charges around €700 per day, so in my opinion Luigi's charge is not an excessive number - even if he were to make 2 in a day.

The only question is - do you want to pay this price for this case? That is upto you for your perceived "value" of this case.

 

[benjiboy]

I'm not a Rollei owner and have no axe to grind, but how much do you think the original Rollie cases would cost today new if they were still made today ?, and these are a hand made Italian leather luxury products for people to whom the quality is more important than the financial cost, people who don't wish to pay the price can always buy one of the original Rollei ones on an auction site.

 

[BrianShaw]

I hope he finds sufficient buyers to whom the quality is more important than the financial cost. Luigi seems like a real craftsman.

 

[E. von Hoegh]

I hope he finds sufficient buyers to whom the quality is more important than the financial cost. Luigi seems like a real craftsman.

Yes, the cases look gorgeous. The world of craftsmen and craftsmanship has changed considerably since the Rolleis were a standard item.

 

[dpurdy]

I'm not a Rollei owner and have no axe to grind, but how much do you think the original Rollie cases would cost today new if they were still made today ?, and these are a hand made Italian leather luxury products for people to whom the quality is more important than the financial cost, people who don't wish to pay the price can always buy one of the original Rollei ones on an auction site.

Rollei cases are still made and available new today... $344.00

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=303301&Q=&is=REG&A=details

 

[benjiboy]

Rollei cases are still made and available new today... $344.00

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=303301&Q=&is=REG&A=details

I knew that Dennis, the point I was trying to make although I admit I wouldn't personally pay this price, the market for Luigi's hand crafted luxury products are people to whom price isn't the primary concern, but craftsmanship and quality who are willing to pay a premium for something that's out of the ordinary.

 

[ToddB]

They sure are a beautiful cases and would diffently jazz up your vintage camera.

ToddB

 

[zeta3]

I'm not a Rollei owner and have no axe to grind, but how much do you think the original Rollie cases would cost today new if they were still made today ?, and these are a hand made Italian leather luxury products for people to whom the quality is more important than the financial cost, people who don't wish to pay the price can always buy one of the original Rollei ones on an auction site.

Fully agreed Ben. I rarely use a case as I prefer to use my camera than mollycoddle it. Most cameras look better 'commando' than wrapped up anyway

My point was that this is not an unreasonable amount for him to charge.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

My point was that this is not an unreasonable amount for him to charge.

And from what I hear he's so seriously backed up and busy due to overall demand of his cases some economists would argue he charges too little!

 

[benjiboy]

To quote a salesman in a Rolls Royce dealership " if you need to ask the price sir, you can't afford it"

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

For the 2.8F, I do not find the case all that awkward, easy enough to remove when reloading. The older models are a different story. I still have a case for them, because if I had n't, I'd want a lens cap or UV filter to protect the lens.
No matter how good Luigi is, these prices are absurd. I paid far less for my Rollei originals which are solid (it is worth checking that), and otherwise, a local leather repair service may be all you need for a fraction of the price.

That said, I tend to keep mine in a Retrospective 20 bag: one B&W, one colour, meter in between. A case is not really necessary then.

How do you carry film with that then? I have an older Tenba bag that fits both my 2.8E's, my meter, and several pro-packs of film. I'd like something that is slimmer, though, as the Tenba has a bit of a belly.

 

[dpurdy]

I like carrying everything in a camera bag over my shoulder. Putting the Rollei in a case would require I get a larger camera bag.