At the risk of contradicting the title of this article, the Panasonic Lumix LX100 is a camera that actually doesn’t require much accessorising, at least not to amplify its good looks. Of all the mirrorless cameras we’ve tested, apart from the X100 series from Fujifilm and the Olympus Pen E-PL7, it has the most attractive design we’ve come across.
Still, there are a few accessories that can certainly add to its beauty and improve its overall functionality. Below I’ve compiled a mixed list of accessories: some we’ve personally tried and enjoyed on the LX100 and/or other cameras, and others that were recommended to us by photographers who use the LX100.
If you are looking to accessorise your LX100, this is the perfect place to start your search!
Ethics statement: The following are accessories we have used and enjoyed on our Lumix LX100, or that were recommended to us by LX100 users. We were not asked to write anything about these accessories, nor were we provided any other compensation of any kind. Within the article, there are affiliate links. If you decided to buy something after clicking the link, we will receive a small commission. To know more about our ethics, you can visit our full disclosure page. Thank you!
1. Gariz Half Case for LX100
We recently tested the Gariz half case for the Sony A7s and found it stylish, well-made and functional, so there is no reason why the Gariz LX100 half case shouldn’t be the same. Unlike many other half cases, this case isn’t just a decorative item to doll up your camera. Rather, it is a useful carrying solution. It attaches directly to the Gariz neck strap and can be used in “gunshot mode,” meaning that you can slide the camera up and down the neck strap for quick and efficient shooting. What’s more, it does not block access to the battery door/memory card slot or HDMI port, and shifts the position of the tripod mount away from the battery door so you can change your battery without moving the tripod base.
All cases are made from genuine leather and come in a variety of tones including black, dark brown and light brown.
The only real downside I can think of is that it adds some bulk and weight to an otherwise very compact camera. And to state the obvious, it won’t protect the top half of the LX100 as it is a half case. (For a full case, there is also the option of the official Panasonic LX100 jacket case but I personally find it a bit too bulky to be a good fit for the camera.)
So far, the Gariz half case is the only third party case available for the LX100 but even if there were alternatives, I believe the Gariz would remain one of the most attractive and practical options out there.
Check price of the Gariz half case on eBay
2. LX100 Lens Cap
The LX100 Lens Cap is an accessory we haven’t personally tried yet but it has received good reviews and has been recommended to us by a number of photographers. Plus, being made by Panasonic itself, you can rest assured that there won’t be any compatibility problems with the LX100.
Why is this lens cap a great accessory to have for the LX100? Because the lens cap that comes with the camera is a bit of a pain. As I mentioned in my first impressions article, the cap has the tendency to pop off if it comes in contact with something, like the interior of a camera bag or your arm. Not only does this put the lens glass at risk but it also means you’ll end up with a lens cap that looks like its been through the wars.
Below you can watch a quick video by Walkeast on YouTube showing you how the LX100 lens cap works. As you can see, it is a simple matter of screwing the lens cap onto the lens after removing the ring. The three doors automatically open and close with the lens as it extends and retracts. It is impossible for the cap to pop off as there aren’t any clips on the side that you might accidentally press. At most, it might come a little loose inside your camera bag if not screwed on tightly.
Check price of the LX100 lens cap on B&H Photo | eBay
3. DeadCameras Leather Slim Strap
A brand of camera strap we’ve only just recently started testing is the DeadCameras series. They make a variety of models including a wrist strap, slim strap, mini strap and shoulder strap, but for the LX100, I’ve found the slim strap to be the perfect match. It hangs at stomach level when placed around my neck but can also be slid under the arm to function as a sling. The fact that it sits on my stomach might bother me more if a heavier camera were attached to this strap, but the LX100, being so small and light, does not cause any discomfort.
The straps have been designed to “look and feel great with your vintage camera” and you cannot get much more vintage in appearance than the LX100. Made of soft and pliable leather, the straps are comfortable to wear around your neck and wrist for an extended period of time. Amazingly, it is also quite easy to slide the metal rings onto the camera lugs, unlike some rings which require super human strength (or a really good screwdriver) to pry open. Each strap comes with two soft leather protection disks to protect your camera from scratches due to the metal rings, and all straps come in black except for the brown shoulder strap. (I would have preferred a brown version of every strap but who’s to say we won’t see some in the future!)
You can browse DeadCameras’ strap selection on eBay
4. National Geographic Vertical Pouch
We’ve owned the National Geographic Earth Explorer Pouch for nearly two years now, and it has proven a truly useful companion for those days when all you want to carry around is a compact camera, an extra battery, a memory card or two and a smartphone.
While the earthy green design of the pouch wouldn’t suit the colours of the LX100, it’s twin, the National Geographic Vertical Pouch certainly would. The brown canvas complements the vintage design of the silver LX100 very well, and its water-repellant exterior and interior will keep the camera well-protected even on wet days. A big advantage of this bag is that you can choose to either attach it to the provided adjustable shoulder strap or thread it onto your trouser belt. It also comes with a frontal pocket where you can store a handful of small accessories.
If you aren’t obsessed with the idea of having a leather bag or pouch, the Vertical Pouch is an attractive, functional and inexpensive alternative that will keep your LX100 safe and sound.
Check price of the National Geographic Vertical Pouch on eBay
5. Photographer’s Guide to the Panasonic Lumix LX100
Yes, I know, this isn’t really an accessory in the traditional sense of the word but Alexander S. White’s book entitled Photographer’s Guide to the Panasonic Lumix LX100 will definitely help you get the most out of your new LX100. We read his manual about the RX100 II and loved his detailed descriptions of the camera settings, helpful advice and writing style.
Do you own the Lumix LX100? If so, which accessories would you recommend? Leave us a comment below!
Speaking about videomaking: a ND filter might be really useful.
For your interest the Cokin PURE Harmonie UV MC filter works fine with the auto lens cap. They are extremely thin.
Cheers.
I have a response from Panasonic!
“In response, we inform you that the optional lens cap attaches to the camera in the space left by removing the Lens Front Ring (see attached image). Unfortunately, it will not be possible to use a filter in conjunction with the DMW-LFAC1.”
I added this product because it is an official Lumix accessory but you are right, from now on we will always physically test all accessories before we add them to these lists. 🙂
Uh, no it doesn’t. There is a ring at the end of the barrel surrounding, you have to remove that ring and then screw the petal cap on. It has nothing to do with the filter threads.
Maybe you shouldn’t be recommending a product that you haven’t used yourself… ;-D
That’s a gorgeous combination. You’re right–it isn’t in the least bit bulky. Thanks for sharing these!
Here are a bunch of shots I took of the GM1 with the Gariz and a brown leather strap I was given as a gift (sorry, don’t know who makes it). The first six are with the 12-32, and a few are with the Oly 9mm lens cap, making it the tiniest MFT setup out there 🙂
https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=AB2B9F4ABC5D4028!60778&authkey=!AAtimmsCgc_xndQ&ithint=folder%2cjpg
Not at all. I actually find that camera very difficult to use without a case or grip of any kind. I have large hands and it’s nowhere near textured enough on the front for me to feel confident that I won’t drop it. Once the case goes on, the added leather texture and the bump on the front make it totally enjoyable to shoot with. It only adds 1cm to the overall height of the camera, so it still fits sideways in any of my camera bags, and with a lens on (usually the Leica 15mm), I don’t notice any significant difference in weight. I also think the black/silver version looks better with the brown leather case than without it 🙂
One minor issue I forgot to mention before is that with the GM1+Leica15+Gariz, the camera tips forward and rests on the bottom of the lens when it’s sitting on a table. Without the Gariz, it still rests on the bottom of the lens, but it’s flush with the bottom of the camera, so it’s not as noticeable. It doesn’t tip forward with the 12-32.
I don’t think they can be used simultaneously as the cap attaches to the lens via the lens thread.
Thanks for that, Dixon. I was listing the characteristics of the filter in general but yes, you are right, it is superfluous to the article.
Thanks for the input, Speltrong. Do you find it adds significant extra bulk to the GM1?
I read that the auto lens cap cannot be used when a filter is attached to the lens. Can you confirm or refute this?
I have Gariz cases for my GM1 and GX7. I love the one for the GM1. The GX7 one is good quality, but unfortunately the design of the battery/memcard door in the camera makes it impossible to have a cutout at the bottom of the case (like the ones for the GM1 and LX100 have). The twist-screw is also hard to pry up w/o a tool, making it difficult to quickly change cards or batteries. No issues on the GM1 version (or the LX100, I’d imagine)
All modern sensors already have a UV/IR filter in front of the sensor, so another UV wouldn’t really be “absorbing UV light and removing the bluish cast of daylight.” That only applies to film. Also, not all UV filters are colorless–some made for films have a slight pinkish hue (to remove the bluish cast). I’d prefer the B+W Clear filter (007M). If one is to actually use it on camera, buy a good multicoated one–shine a flash light at 10 degrees angle off center and see what kind of reflections it gives–the smaller and duller the reflection the better the multicoating.
I had a look on B&H and the silver version is in stock while the black version is available for pre-order. As for Europe, they don’t even seem to have it at the Panasonic Store yet. I’m sure it will become available soon.
Where can one find the DMW-LFAC1K Lens Cap (in Europe)? I’ve searched using Google, and cannot find any in stock. B&H don’t have it in stock either.
I find the lens cap a little awkward, especially as I carry the camera in a jacket pocket, and have to shoot one-handed a lot as I’m using the camera for pictures/video of my kids. The automatic lens cap would be useful to speed up shooting.