Op/Tech Rangefinder Soft Pouch Review for the Fuji X100

[Abel]

Op/Tech Rangefinder Soft Pouch Review for the Fuji X100

The Op/Tech Rangefinder Soft Pouch is an inexpensive soft neoprene cover made specifically for smaller rangefinders. Having just bought a Fuji X100 camera and the Fuji Lens Hood to go along with it. I realized that the Fuji Leather Case would not work with the lens hood attachment so I looked around for other options in order to cover the camera completely when toting around and traveling with.

Summary:

I came across this Op/Tech Rangefinder Soft Pouch by accident while looking for an lens cover for my Fuji lens hood (review HERE). Since this pouch was only priced at $22 I decided to take a chance and order it to see if it would fit my need for it.

I found that it did indeed fit the Fuji X100 along with the Lens Hood perfectly. Here is the pouch and camera combination.

Function:

The Op/Tech Rangefinder Soft Pouch fits around the camera setup very nicely. The thick neoprene material that this pouch is made of really helps protect the camera from bumps while also protecting the LCD from scratches.

The main reason I wanted a full cover for my camera was only to protect my camera when carrying it through airports or when I have the camera stowed away in my luggage and/or back pack. This is not a case that I will find myself using day in and day out since that doesn't fit me and my style personally. Even with that being said if you are looking for an everyday, inexpensive pouch to protect your Fuji X100 this is a great option.

The main back flap of the neoprene pouch is secured via two plastic buttons on the bottom. At first I wasn't too crazy about this fastening option since on the inside those buttons will be in contact with the camera itself which could cause scratching on the body itself.

My fix or workaround for this is to simply place my soft micro fiber lens cloth inside the pouch on the bottom where those buttons are BEFORE placing my camera into the pouch. Possible scratching problem solved! Hehee. I know I know, you're thinking "Man this guy is super anal about his camera equipment!" and yes, I'd have to agree with you. I do take great pride in my equipment so making sure it's protected, clean and well taken care of it just how I am. =)

As you can see the pouch is just the right size for the Fuji X100 which is shown below. As explained earlier, this pouch is not something that I would find myself carrying around all of the time since I purchased this camera so I can have a minimal camera with me at all times that is readily available to shoot. Having the camera in the pouch at all times, for me, just doesn't work. I will only use this pouch from time to time when I need that extra added protection for it.

Of course this pouch can be used on a day to day basis if that's what you're looking for to add to your kit. What I really like about this pouch is that it can be easily folded up and placed in your pocket and/or purse when not needed. When I decided to shoot with my camera while at the airport a bit while waiting for my flight the pouch fit nicely in my back pocket. Sure it was a bit bulky like Costanza's Wallet but it wasn't uncomfortable by any means.

The one thing that I do leave on my Fuji X100 all of the time is a LensCoat XX-Small Hoodie (review HERE) which when on the camera STILL fits nicely into the pouch. This is a great added bonus for me since I really love the LensCoat hoodie and that is usually what I keep on the camera when walking around in order to keep dust and debris off of my front element.

There are a couple of ways you can attach the pouch to your camera so that they are not separated. The pouch has a strap on the inside of the camera that can be snapped to a couple of different included accessories that can be attached to your camera strap, lens body or tripod mount.

I for one don't like any of those options but I did like the fact that they gave the user several options to choose from. I myself don't want the pouch hanging around or hanging off the camera when not in use. I like the "ball it up and stuff it in my pocket" option the best since that gets it completely out of the way and out of sight.

The Verdict:

The Op/Tech Rangefinder Soft Pouch is a great product and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to protect their Fuji X100/Lens Hood combo. Sure it doesn't look as cool and as retro as the Fuji leather carrying case but I feel this pouch protects the camera much more since it can accommodate the camera AND lens hood attachment. The Fuji leather case can not.

With this pouch being priced at $22 I would hurry and jump on one before Op/Tech realizes the X100 community can take full advantage of them and decide to raise the price due to the demand. I am not saying they will do this but other manufacturers in that past have done that exactly once they realized there is a new demand for an older inexpensive product.

You will not be disappointed with this pouch. It's quality material and great craftsmanship is obvious.


Where To Buy:

Find the lowest price on this product from our sponsored Affiliates listed below:

OP/TECH USA Rangefinder Soft Pouch

[JDBish]

I bought the optech bag and recommended lens hood cover and find them very hard to stuff my camera into. Its like trying to put socks on a cat.

[Abel]

Originally Posted by JDBish

I bought the optech bag and recommended lens hood cover and find them very hard to stuff my camera into. Its like trying to put socks on a cat.

Lol "trying to put socks on a cat" <-- hilarious!!

Give it some time, the neoprene will relax and stretch a bit and it will definitely fit better. I actually like the case on a little snug... It gets better. Promise.

[Abel]

Originally Posted by JDBish

I bought the optech bag and recommended lens hood cover and find them very hard to stuff my camera into. Its like trying to put socks on a cat.

has the case loosened up any? is it any easier yet?

[JDBish]

I don't use it with my X100 but am now using it with my X10 and it works a lot better. I bought the Fuji leather case for the X100.