C J Campbell was inspired to
say
On 2009-05-29 14:12:22 -0700, said:

In the old film cameras era, I recall that when you purchase an SLR
camera, it usually comes with a soft or a hard (leather) case. The
case is attached to the camera via a screw to the tripod mount at the
bottom of the camera. I wonder why they do not have any more of this
type of camera case? Since it is attached like a "skin" to the
camera, I usually did not need to buy a camera soft pouch case. The
case will protect the camera outer shell from dust, and perhaps little
bumps; although it will not likely help to reduce impact if the camera
falls. On a second thought, I also wonder if the new padded camera
cases that you can get at the camera stores nowadays can protect the
camera if it falls either. Anyone has some thought about this?
Thanks for the info/discussion.

They were unpopular, mainly because they took too much time to unfasten
and get the camera ready. The only thing they did was protect the
camera from minor scratches. People complain because it takes two or
three seconds for their digital cameras to power up. They would have a
fit if it took ten times that long to unfasten a case, too. Many a pro
does not even know where his lens caps are.

The real problem was that the flap that went over the top would bob up
in front of the camera lens!!

However, I'm not too proud to admit that I used my Leica M3 for years in
one - but the Leica case had the advantage that the cover could be
completely removed, and the camera was protected in the little cradle
that held the body. Then I got a Benser bag (the first equipment case -
AFAIK - that opened away from the body to give rapid access to the
contents); nice, but heavy!

But if you want one, most manufacturers still make them for their
consumer cameras. You just have to order it. If you have a pro type
camera, forget getting one from the manufacturer. You will have to go
to some third party supplier.

Much more popular are belt pouches and holster systems, which offer
better protection and faster accessibility.

But too easy to sit on, with the consequences of damage to vital parts!

Mike
--
Michael J Davis

Now with added pictures on http://www.flickr.com/photos/watchman


The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.
Dorethea Lange