The Olympus E-M1 is close to being a perfect camera for me, apart from the size. It fits perfectly in my hands, except that I wish for a little more depth so that my pinky finger could grip the camera body rather than be hooked underneath. I could use the Olympus add-on grip; but that adds so much unwanted volume and weight. What to do?
The answer came from Gariz who make a half-case that would not only protect the camera from my sweaty hands under the Thailand sun; but would also add a little depth, sufficient for all my fingers to grip.
The secret is in the design. The case is bonded to a lightweight metal piece which screws onto the bottom of the camera.
There is an access hole for the battery compartment, a tripod mount, and a screw to fit the case to the bottom of the camera. The screw looks complex, only because it is designed to accommodate a Gariz “gun-shot” hook and strap. As I don’t have one of those, so I just screw the case tightly to the camera.
The metal plate adds those useful extra millimetres to the depth of the camera:
Mounted to the camera, the case does not impede access to any of the controls.
My only complaint is that my copy stood a little proud of the body on the right hand side; but use has made it more flush and now I never notice it. It’s also not cheap; but it appears to be very well made with quality leather. The only source I could find to buy it was via eBay. It’s also available in brown.