Because my lovely Motorola Droid 1 had died I needed a new smartphone. Being a photographer and filmmaker I like the idea of always having a good camera with me – so I bought the Panasonic DMC-CM1. Although it is an eye-catcher this “phone” or “camera” or “phone camera” or “camera phone” is not a luxury toy for me. Like my Laco watch the CM 1 is only a working tool which sometimes has to be transported in the rain and have to handle a few collisions or falls.
So I needed a bag that really protects the CM1 and is not just a stylish accessory for the red carpet or for fashion shows. I found nothing corresponding and therefore I have invented something for me. It is based on an assault rifle double magazine holster. Original being manufactured in the year 1964, of course, it has some scratches and patina – but this gives every single copy an unique pattern look like a matchless fingerprint. And it does not affect the functionality because the holster is made from the most stable bull leather. If you have read some other of my posts you know that I like this form of life traces a lot.
According to my specifications, a saddler has made some modifications. He cut two single bags out of the double bag, replaced the leather clip for the belt fastening against a sturdy metal clip from a modern holster and modified the drawstring so that the CM 1 can slightly lift out.
I have labelled the result with my brand TIME:LOCK and for the impregnation, I worked with some beeswax leather care. Now I can use the bag in different ways: as a handbag, like a holster on my belt, as an additional pocket on almost every backpack or with an additional leather strap as a shoulder bag.
The cost amounts to a total of 200 Euros, but the bag is more than worth and indestructible. So it will protect at least my next 10 smartphone generations. Internal dimensions are 14 x 7 x 2 cm and if anyone is interested in owning a copy of this unique, stylish and extreme rare smartphone leather holster she or he can contact me via the comment function.
Reading my finished post again I am just discovering now that all the working tools and products whose design I appreciate have a common feature – you can use them with gloves.
Hi, I have just purchased a CM1 and noticed the lens protection you have. What exactly are the step down ring and filter you use please and where can I purchase. Thanks for your assistance in this matter.
Hi Jas and welcome in the CM1 family. This is the sort of lens protection/filter thread I am using: http://re-cyberrat.info/lumix_cm10_2
But unfortunately is sold out: http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/mitsuba/item/cotta-cm10-lenscover/ It looks like that you can find one comparable product here https://www.matenro.hk/products/hoodcover-cm1 . Even you can make an DIY solution. Buy some cheap 37 mm uv-filters, knock out the glasses, screw the filters together and you have one side for mounting at the CM1 thread and the other for every 37mm filter or lens protection.
Last recommendation are the grips from Flipbac: http://flipbac.com/camera-grip-1-2-3-difference.htm
I wish you a lot of fun and good photos with your CM1
Timo
Hi TIME:LOCK, I have the cotta lens protector and would like to copy your DIY solution. Please can you be more specific on how you got the flush look with the Fotga filter protector. Much appreciated.
Hi John, you have to buy a 32mm Fotga Pro-D Multilayer-Coating like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/32mm-PRO-D-Multi-Coated-Protective-Filter-for-Nikon-DC-P7000-P8000-Samsung-WB600-/260986186865
The glase have a glue strip, is easy to install, fits perfect on the top of the cotta lens protector and is working much better and faster then to screw or unscrew the cotta cap when you will make a photo.