I was provided with the Oberwerth Half Case - Casual Black Edition for this article. I have used it in everyday life and when traveling - this test report is based on my personal impressions and practical experience.
The features described can largely be transferred to the other color and leather variants.

I admit it openly: I've never really warmed to half-cases. Somehow always a bit vanity, a bit ornamental, but often one thing above all - impractical. They either block access to the battery and card, make the camera clunkier or feel like cheap imitation leather with marketing promises.

I was all the more curious about the half case from Oberwerth - specifically the Casual Black version for the Leica M11. The manufacturer advertises with "Made in Germany", the best cowhide leather, a perfect fit and an integrated AirTag compartment. All right, I thought, let's take a look.

The first thing you notice is that the leather feels good. Not too smooth, not too rough, more like a well-aged leather corner on an old Chesterfield armchair - familiar and grippy. The seams are clean, nothing frays, everything sits where it should. The inside of the case is lined with soft velour, which not only protects the camera but also gives it a home.

Oberwerth dispenses with unnecessary showmanship - no oversized branding, no "I'm special" look. Instead: Understatement in black. And if you like, you can also get it in other colors and types of leather - from classic brown to wild vintage. Functionally, there is no difference.

The biggest sticking point for me with many halfcases has always been access to the functions that you need in everyday life: Battery, memory card, USB-C. The Oberwerth case? Doesn't tick any of these boxes.

• The bottom flap is magnetic and - unlike some belt clips with the same mechanism - holds really securely.

• Changing the battery on the go? No fiddling around.

• Removing the SD card? Just as quick.

• USB-C connection? Completely detached, accessible even with thick fingers.

• Compartment for an AirTag - helpful if you lose sight of your camera and bag. With the AirTag, the flap also closes well and securely with a magnet.

• Tripod thread? Integrated in the case - and the camera remains stable.

A nice detail is the optional magnetic display flap. Makes the camera a little bulkier, but protects the display on the move. Anyone who likes to throw their M11 in their photo bag next to the front door key might well appreciate this.

And then there's the AirTag compartment

The AirTag compartment is probably the feature that nobody needs - until it's missing. Discreetly hidden under the bottom flap, an Apple AirTag (or comparable tracker) can be stored without rattling or being bulky. Anyone who has ever lost control of their camera backpack at the airport knows that a "nice to have" like this can very quickly become a "why doesn't everyone have this?".

Even though I tested the Casual Black Edition here: Oberwerth offers the M11 case in different types of leather and colors - such as smooth leather, vintage look or more vibrant tones. These variants do not differ in terms of function, but they do differ in terms of feel and look.