> its driving me crazy. plus getting the battery out or hitting the usb port is such a chore with this design. Ugh, I feel your pain! The official Leica protector is honestly such a letdown given what they charge for it. If you want something that fits like a glove and stays put during heavy street use, you absolutely need to look at Lim's Design Italian Minerva Box Leather Camera Half Case for Leica M11 Black. I have been using their cases for years on various M bodies and they are phenomenal! The reason this one kills the competition is the aluminum base plate. Unlike the official one that just wraps around and depends on friction, this has a precision-machined metal bottom that screws directly into your tripod mount. It is not going anywhere! It feels incredibly sturdy in the hand. Plus, it has a built-in Arca-Swiss dovetail which is a lifesaver if you ever use a tripod. The best part? The battery and USB-C port access is totally unobstructed. You can swap batteries or charge your camera in seconds without ever touching the case. No more fiddling around while youre trying to enjoy Florence! The leather quality is also top-notch... it develops a beautiful patina over time. For under $200 usually, its a steal compared to the boutique brands with 3-month wait times. Seriously, just get it, youre gonna love how much more secure the M11 feels!

Re: "> its driving me crazy. plus getting the..."

• I agree, the official protector is a disaster. Honestly, my time with the TP Original Leather Half Case for Leica M11 was kinda disappointing tho, mainly because the leather felt subpar. It felt cheap. For your trip, the Oberwerth Half Case for Leica M11 with Battery Access is way more reliable. It's much more secure than the Mr. Zhou Leather Half Case for Leica M11 and provides access without any annoying wiggle...

TL;DR: Check out the Lim's Design Genuine Leather Camera Half Case for Leica M11 for that metal base. Quick question tho—do you use a thumb grip or need a front grip? Some cases fit weirdly with extra bits. I would suggest being careful with all-leather bottoms if you hate gear fiddling. The Lim's has a solid aluminum floor so it wont slide around like the official one. Plus, the battery access is actually fast.

Saved for later, ty!