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Gariz realized their sexy half leather cases for the new Olympus E-M1 You can have it on eBay in [shoplink 43405 ebay]Black (Click here)[/shoplink] or [shoplink 43406 ebay]Brown (Click here)[/shoplink].
There is also a terrific deal on the E-PM2. You get camera + two lenses + acessories for $349 only(!) at BHphoto (Click here).
Olympus 12-40mm lens is in Stock at Amazon (Click here).
Reminder: E-PL5 double lens kit for $499 at BHphoto (Click here) and Adorama (Click here). Up to $800 off on Olympus cameras+lens bundles at Amazon deal page (Click here) or at BHphoto (Click on Buy Together & Save link).
61 Responses
It sure needs someone to bring sexy back for it 😉
It may be just me, but I find half cases to be truly fugly…
I find them totally useless.
Then you are totally clueless. If you pick the right half case, with the right color, they can really enhance the camera. Plus – more importantly – they actually provide protection to the bottom, sides, and part of the front of the camera. And, just as importantly, they add just the right amount of bulk, resulting in a nice hand grip – and you, thus, don’t have to fork out additional money for metal (or plastic) grips.
I have these on several of my cameras, including those I shoot with under adverse conditions. They are excellent. And you don’t have to spend big bucks for a Gariz. The Chinese faux leather half cases do a great job and they last.
I am not clueless, instead, I know what I need. To me this half cases are clunky. The E-M1 already has enough good grip.
Instead of a half case, I have added the Really Right Stuff base plate (BOEM1) to my E-M1 body with the benefit of getting an always on Arca Swiss compatible tripod plate and to have a rest for my small finger. THIS gives you benefits, but not clunky beauty accessories.
i find it repugnant that olympus would not consider the comfort of your precious small angel finger during the EM1 design
Your reasons are all silly. The first implies that you like to dress your camera. The second that you abuse your camera, or baby it unnecessarily. The third implies the camera needs ergonomic improvements (this I doubt). I’d rather save my money and buy neither a grip nor a half case, but rather a camera that I like as is.
I’ll also refrain from telling others they are clueless just because their opinions don’t conform to mine – except this once. You are clueless.
Because someone has a different opinion than you they’re clueless? Who appointed you God? Get real.
The case pictured doesn’t appear to protect the bottom of the camera at all.
I think those cases are the ugliest things on the planet. Frederick Van Johnson is always showing one off, with his black-taped Olympus logo. Talk about an eyesore.
Paul & Andrew,
You guys are probably quite young. I think most guys over 35 really love those cases. Same goes for those who dig the vintage/retro thing, regardless of age. They also protect the camera from bumps and scrapes.
But that’s cool. Everyone has different taste. Lots of people still love the DSLR “look”, I hate it. Doesn’t make me right.
Rangefinder with leather case=beautiful to some of us. LOL.
BTW, looks like the EPM2 deal is gone.
I’m 65 and would not entertain one of those half baked cases, a complete waste of time and a lot of money for a bit of rubbish.
Then look at my post above. You are just as clueless as mahler.
I’m clueless too, and agree completely with mahler and OMega.
CC is clueless.
Maybe, we just have different clues than you do–and they’re not fashion-conscious clues.
I know many people in Asia who have the Gariz cases and love them, because of the style, not because of the protection.
No one needs to have the same opinion as you to have a clue.
You do have quite the ego, don’t you?
I find is looks sexier undressed.
camera sexy is a body that has scratches, dings and paint wear to the metal, because it’s been used; not dressed up and locked away in a glass display case. Geegaws like this favor buyers that think in terms of: resale, collectors edition, pristine, NIB … commodity not photography
I can’t understand the whole “never-ready” case infatuation. Back in the 1970’s and 1980’s, only POSERS would baby their cameras in such dumb contraptions. Working photographers either carried their cameras out in the open ready to shoot or in a shoulder bag–exhibit A being Jim Marshall’s Leica M4 —
http://blog.ricecracker.net/tag/leica-m4/
And what’s this about a “sexy” camera? Are you kidding? NOBODY, I mean nobody cares what a camera looks like, except for camera equipment geeks. And if you want camera geeks looking at your “sexy” camera, then I guess everyone’s entitled to their kinks…
Nobody?
Sadly, a great many seem to care more about how a camera looks than works. Especially Oly users, it seems. They’re always criticizing how Panasonic cameras look.
I haven’t been called that in many years. I hated these leather “never-ready” cases then, and I hate them now. If the camera is ergonomically designed, it shouldn’t need the extra bulk.
I do admit to being somewhat amused by people who value the small size of m43 as it’s primary reason for being, and then put half cases on them to make them bigger.
Admin, the E-PM2 kit on your B&H link appears as “discontinued’.
I purchased exactly the same kit two weeks ago from Amazon US. One of the best deals I got in the past 2-3 years.
The “In stock” 12-40mm is not in stock. Just sayin’ ….
Probably because it sold out now? 🙂
That’s a nice-looking case, but it would prevent you from taking pictures because it seems to include a piece that blocks the sensor! Look inside the lens mount on the supplied photo: there appears to be an opaque flat-black disc where you normally would expect to see the sensor…
…of course I realize this actually most likely is retouching, but it’s amusing that Gariz seems to think its customers would be offended by the sight of that nasty ol’ sensor that enables their camera to take actual pictures…
Looks like the pins are missing too. I wonder if it is a dummy body?
Very much looks like a dummy indeed
In general olympus grips fit like a glove. With a half-case they will fit like a glove put over half a glove. I will pass.
IMHO Gariz cases are fantastic…I am a fan. In this situation with the M1 the black one looks GREAT on the camera, helps protect it and truly makes a not so beautiful camera better looking.
I have a Gariz black half case on my silver E-P5 and I use it in conjunction with the Gariz “Shot-gun” strap set-up. Really a great way to fly. I love it!
Gariz=Well Made Products.
..but they are not for everyone. Photography and camera set-up are very personal to the individual. No doubt.
Not sure, what you want to protect at an already sturdy and robust camera. To call the E-M1 ugly is certainly a matter of taste, however, to me with adding the Gariz half case, things are even getting worse.
If I need a thick grip, I could buy a fat DSLR. I bought the E-M1 also because it is relatively slim. The Gariz case completely counteracts this.
“..but they are not for everyone. Photography and camera set-up are very personal to the individual. No doubt.”
I think I said that …didn’t I?
Hey..as far as I am concerned the M1 is way too big for a MFT camera…I would not own one..but I appreciate it. Enjoy yours it is right for you. My E-P5 is what MFT is all about for me..fun, capable and small. If I am heading to M1 territory I am just going to skip it and grab my 5D3. Why mess around. 🙂
No need for a case. The price of the thing is more than sexy.
Sure, let’s make this already portly micro 4/3 camera even heavier and bulkier.
I like Gariz products, they’re always exceptionally well made. However I don’t think I’d use one on the E-M1, as it already has a grip- I used the case on Pen’s, mostly to add a little bulk + extra height for grip.
Don’t want. To me a case is something you remove the camera from when using it. I don’t like or use straps either.
Makes this ugly camera a bit nicer to look at, imo. Sorry I can’t help it but this camera is so ugly that it made me not to buy it. The case makes it a bit nicer, but still I won’t buy it.
If Ansell Adams had cared about what his cameras looked like he would have never taken a photo and would have pursued a different career.
I find it surprising how many here really consider the E-M1 to be downright ugly. I think both this and the E-M5 can look a little awkward from certain angles and with certain lenses but definitely nothing that would make me pass over either camera if it was otherwise the right tool. My E-M5 looks exceptionally nice with the 75, not so great with the kit lens. They’re no Leica’s nor even film series OMs but compare either to any Canon or Sony DSLR or mirrorless and tell me what’s the definition of ugly. I think my D800 looks purposeful but by no means handsome or pretty. Regardless though is a camera looks really that important? It’s a tool.
I bought the (OEM) half case for my E-PL5. It looks great and exponentially improves handling. Seems like overkill for the EM-1, but at least dresses up a homely camera.
What is all this crazyness about this Gariz halfcases? It does not protect anything, like a bikini does not cover really a body! It seems like a fetish for men like little sweet girls are dressing their barby doll and getting “overexited” ? I do not understand the use! Help me ! catch me ! If u can!
Are you not fashion-conscious?
In Switzerland at Digitec 10% discount for the 12-40 until 22.12. 😉
new Review: http://www.optyczne.pl/313.4-Test_obiektywu-Olympus_M.Zuiko_Digital_12-40_mm_f_2.8_ED_PRO_Rozdzielczo%C5%9B%C4%87_obrazu.html
I think the OM-D E-M1 is beautiful. My 76 year heart gets palpitations whenever I look at the E-M1; or is that just my age.
I have the same feelings towards the E-M5. Either one has good taste and a permanent recall of good design, or one has not.
Unfortunately one in forums mostly deals with the latter, so one suspects of a degeneration of the times.
On the fun side it will be interesting to see how the new Leica mirrorless reinterprets (or betrays) the Bauhaus tradition.
Meanwhile send the Sony frankencamera to the White House, for the next Obama’s selfie… 🙂
Its funny to compare this to what you were saying about the looks of the E-M5 before you got one…
Why? The EM-5 is a greatly designed camera. My preference goes however to the RF type of aspect, and I definitely hope that my next one will be one of these.
You should really mind to improve your own taste, instead of copying another’s.
Why? Oh, because you have been ranting about how big and ugly it was with its hump to no end until you got one.
Maybe instead of saying all kinds of clueless things about the taste of others, you should simply learn to keep your mouth shut until such time that you informed yourself enough to know what you are talking about?
Oh, I see, Sir. You are the kind of *stalker* who gives and takes permission to talk. I think that was Admin…
Its always funny to see the silliness you come up with when people point out the inconsistencies in your ‘arguments’.
No, you obviously don’t need my approval for opening your mouth, but neither do I need yours.
What a pack of whiners here…
Mum I don’t like it! its not what i wanted mummy, its so ugly mummy. Waaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!
E-M1 is DSLR-shape body, thus looking uglier with half-case leather. This half-case leather however looks gorgeous for range-finder body.
SLR shape is the orginal sin of the Japanese camera industry. Except some attempts to imitate the Leica RF shape in the end of the ’50s by Canon and Nikon, their first success was with the Spotmatic and the Nikon F, so it’s no surprise they cannot stray far from there.
That is why I wondered about the shape of the coming Leica, it would the greatest ridicule if it resembled a Fuji, which is a copy of a Leica. They could introduce it at the Carnival of Venice 🙂
Spotmatic is Pentax. It was a very popular press/magazine camera in the mid ’60s. I converted a few users to Minolta SRT by lending them mine for a few days each.
I mentioned Spotmatic and Nikon F as *models* , not as brands. What brand it is I know perfectly well, having owned one, LOL.
Besides, more interestingly I read that the hump, while not hosing a pentaprism still houses a screen and its lens. So it is not only a decorative item, if true.
I appreciate this, but I still think that the Pen shape is much better. I’d give up the flash for a built in EVF.
Yet, I state that the OM-D are very well designed cameras. Strange that some people cannot hold two ideas at the same time in their pea.
Cutaway image of an E-M5: http://25.media.tumblr.com/a9bdb97b592ad571583856e410365904/tumblr_msufs8QMDg1rs27dzo1_500.jpg
Clearly the hump is not empty space and serves a purpose.
Judging by the superdeals on E-PM2, it is due to be replaced very soon.
Sounds like you are pining for a GX7 body (RF style with flash, hotshot, EVF and LCD). Now if only it had Oly IBIS and weather sealing…
Or maybe its –ME– that is pining for that camera. Yeah, it is me. But maybe you too?
First, I think the OM-D E-M1 is quite a handsome looking camera. Sure, it’s not as elegant and clean lined and form like the E-M5, but it’s not suppose to be the same camera.
The E-M5 is simpler in design and purpose, but it reflects the classic OM design in it’s own modern way. If you want a cleaner more compact design that delivers almost as good images as the E-M1, then the E-M5 is a great alternative.
I get that people may see the E-M1 as a weird combination of retro and modern dlsr-type style.. I mean I think most trash talking about the design comes from the added grip on the side and how it kind of looks to dslr-like instead of the more focused retro-like design… design schizophrenia?
I don’t think so…
1) I always used the E-M5 with the optional vertical grip attachment cause without it it just was too flat and small to hold securely.
2) the integrated grip on the E-M1 is definitely welcomed and makes the camera feel a lot more substantial, secure and comfortable to hold.
3) this is a E-5 DSLR replacement, as Olympus has officially stated so it should be no surprise the E-M1 will have DSLR features and that means a respectable grip. With that in mind, I think it was smart and very cool for Olympus to try and keep the main body of the E-M1 for lack of another term, “retro”, and fuse it with DSLR features such as the grip to focus on physical DSLR attributes. Like it or not, that’s what you get with the E-M1 and I don’t get why some people are so surprised and even outraged the E-M1 is designed the way it is?
So, to get back to my primary statement, the E-M1 is a handsome camera.. but, I’ll add that it is because it is ruggedly handsome.. i mean it is built great without doubt, is extremely functional in features and control layouts, and all the DSLR-like pro functions and features are designed into a still relatively slim, but a little bulky and clunky form factor which is kind of cool in an odd maybe to some ugly sort of way. I don’t personally don’t like the plastic humps that typical modern dslr’s take on, so to have something like the E-M1 (and Sony 7R’s and Nikon Df) that has hard lines and a bit of functional chunkiness I think is great… different strokes for different folks, but that’s my take on the design and looks of the E-M1.
Speaking of design and looks, I think some are being too critical on the Gariz half-case. If you’ve ever owned one, in terms of bulk, you’re really not gaining that much over the body itself.. they’re made really nicely and fit perfectly and it is an extra skin or grip for your camera.. as much as I appreciate MFT cameras being small and compact, sometimes it’s just too damn small.. not saying that about the OM-D, but for ergonomics, having almost any added grip to a camera will be better than not enough. It’s easy to take on and off, but you have full access to battery compartment and tripod mount if you need to with the case on.
Admittedly, being the E-M1 is a bit more DSLR/SLR like in design and with a grip, this one from Gariz can seem a bit odd for such a camera.
I’m sure I’m not alone on this, but I also buy a camera for looks as well as great features & functions. I don’t have a problem dressing up or customizing the look of my camera as it is cool to add that extra bit of personality and differentiation to your own gear from the stock line up. Haha.. I want my camera to look as good as the photos I can take with it… maybe I should have somebody photographing me with my camera gear trying to take photos instead?!… JK, but all kidding aside, is this case functional or a complete waste of money? No, be it limited in it’s protection coverage and added grip, it still has it and it does work for those who desire more for their camera. Are there alternatives that can basically do as much or more if not as for almost as much or even less, sure…. take J B Camera Design & Really Right Stuff.
Do we need to spend extra $$ just for a strap that is leather and designed a certain way? Does it work better than what came in the box with the camera originally? does it help us take better photography?
No to the first 2 questions.
Maybe to the last question… sometimes having an ideal camera setup, even beyond the pure photography aspect of it all, which includes the feel and aesthetics of the camera is enough to more fully excite and motivate one to use their gear and take photos… good or bad, pro or amateur, I think whatever tickles your fancy and makes you enjoy photography, be it taking pictures or just having and working with the gear, is alright with me.