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Which leather half cases are best for the Fujifilm X-Pro3?

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Finally got my hands on a Dura Black X-Pro3 and man the finish is gorgeous but im already terrified of scratching the bottom plate when i put it down on cafe tables and stuff. I've been scouring the forums and I keep seeing people talk about the official Fuji BLC-XPRO3 case but it looks kinda flimsy in photos plus it doesnt seem to add much in terms of a grip? Then I looked at the Kaza Deluxe cases which look way more premium but i read a few comments on a reddit thread saying the leather stretches out over time and the camera starts wobbling inside. For that price tag I really dont want something that becomes loose in six months.

I need something that hits these points:

  • must have a bottom opening for the battery and SD card so i dont have to unscrew it every time
  • needs to not interfere with that weird flip down screen (super important!!)
  • budget is around 120 bucks max
  • looking for something in a dark coffee or black leather to match the dura finish

Im based in London so shipping time from places like Artisan & Artist might be a killer but im open to it if the quality is actually there. Has anyone tried the TP Original or maybe the Gariz ones? The Gariz ones with the metal base look cool but I worry they might be too bulky for street shooting which is what I mostly do... thoughts?


5 Answers
12

Just jumping in with what I found when I was shopping for my own kit a few months back. I was super paranoid about that screen clearance too.

  • Gariz Genuine Leather Half Case for Fujifilm X-Pro3 HG-CHXPRO3BK: I know you're worried about bulk, but the metal base is actually pretty sleek. It adds a bit of heft which helps if you're using larger lenses, and the battery door access is spot on. It doesnt feel like a tank in the hand, just solid.
  • Lim's Design Genuine Leather Camera Half Case for Fujifilm X-Pro3: This one uses an aluminum base too but has a built-in dovetail plate for tripods. The leather is really stiff compared to others ive handled, so it wont sag or stretch out like you feared with the Kaza. Personally, I found the metal bases actually protect the bottom better against those cafe tables you mentioned. The leather stays clean while the metal takes the hits.


10

Quick reply while I'm on my coffee break. Honestly, I’ve had a bit of a rough time finding the perfect match. I tried the official Fujifilm BLC-XPRO3 Leather Case first and it was such a disappointment... super flimsy and didn't add any real grip. Such a waste of cash. I ended up with the SmallRig Leather Case for Fujifilm X-Pro3 2944. It hits your requirements—battery access is easy and the screen flip works perfectly. But the leather quality is kinda mid, feels a bit like treated cardboard which is a bummer next to that Dura finish. If you can handle the wait for shipping to London, the Bolinn Genuine Leather Half Case for Fujifilm X-Pro3 has a better feel, but unfortunately, their stock is always hit or miss. The SmallRig is alright for street shooting tho, doesnt add much bulk.


3

Yep been there done that. Can confirm everything said above is spot on.


2

If you're worried about that Dura Black finish getting marked up, you're right to be cautious. I've seen those plates get micro-scratches just from being in a camera bag without a proper wrap, let alone cafe tables. I would suggest looking into the TP Original Leather Half Case for Fujifilm X-Pro3 since it fits your budget perfectly and has the dedicated bottom access for the battery and card. I have used this specific case for quite a while and you might want to keep these points in mind:

  • Check the screen hinge area immediately upon arrival. The flip-down design is very tricky, and if the leather isn't cut perfectly, it might snag the screen when you're trying to pull it down quickly.
  • Be careful with the screw attachment. Make sure to tighten it with a coin every few weeks, because if it gets even slightly loose, the friction between the camera body and the case can actually cause the very scratches you are trying to avoid.
  • Look for the black version specifically. The dark coffee dyes from some brands can occasionally bleed if you get caught in a London drizzle. The Gariz XS-CHXP3BK Genuine Leather Half Case with Metal Base is also a very reliable choice, but it might feel a bit heavy for long days of street shooting. I've found the metal base adds a lot of peace of mind when setting the camera down on stone or metal surfaces, though. If you can find a local stockist, I'd go with the TP Original for the lighter weight.


2

Man, the struggle is real! I love it so much but I've been living in a constant state of anxiety because of the price tag. I actually took it out last week and spent the whole time holding it because I was terrified of the table. It's heartbreaking how easily those tiny marks show up... kind of a nightmare tbh. Gorgeous camera but honestly a total stress-inducer!


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