Black tape questions to cover camera markings

ymc226

ymc226

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I've read that gaffers tape can leave a nasty residue after removal. Is there a more gentle adhesive in any other tape to cover the identifying markings on the Leica?

I think I have left over bottom plate protectors that are black from Aki Asahi but don't want to waste them.

What kind of discoloration is left on black cameras after months/years of taping them up and is there a difference between black paint or black chrome?
 
You could always not tape your camera, because most people don't care. In fact, the only people who do care are other pohoitographers, and they will know what a Leica looks like.

By the way, gaffer's tape should leave the least residue. But long term, who knows. All tape will leave something, so you probably should retape every few months and take the opportunity to remove any adhesive buildup.
 
I have tape on some old cameras that have "worn" in, and become part of the finish. When I've removed old tape, I take a bit of rubbing alcohol on a Q-Tip and gently remove the residue. Others may recommend something else.
 
ZeissFan said:
You could always not tape your camera, because most people don't care. In fact, the only people who do care are other pohoitographers, and they will know what a Leica looks like.

By the way, gaffer's tape should leave the least residue. But long term, who knows. All tape will leave something, so you probably should retape every few months and take the opportunity to remove any adhesive buildup.
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I don't care if other people know or don't know. I got the M9-P because I hated the big red dot on the M9. That is also the reason I didn't place my name on any waiting list for the M240 until the "P" version came out.

However, I'm having focusing issues with several lenses that have been adjusted by Leica and other repairers so it may be my eyes are the issue.

When a dealer called out of the blue last week and offered a M240, I snapped at the chance as hopefully I can get more keepers that are in focus with my faster glass (using the EVF).
 
I tried tape for a short while. I found it drew more attention than if I left it off. People would walk up ask why is that tape there or what kind of camera is it. I guess it was a way to start a conversation so I don't use it anymore!
 
I agree with ZeissFan. Most people don't know or care what a Leica is. It just looks like some ancient film camera, even if it is digital. Nikon and Canon have the most name recognition. The bigger that dSLR is, and the longer that zoom lens is, the more it must be worth. Nobody cares about your dinky ancient refugee from the dumpster.

Try walking around with a Rolleiflex someday. Such a quaint old camera, like what grandpa used to have....
 
Gaffer tape is actually designed specifically not to leave residue.

However, it will impart residue when the adhesive starts to break down.

The adhesive breaks down from both heat and age--something that accelerates with heavy camera use.

If I ever tape my cameras, it's usually only for a short while--I'll do it for a trip or something, and then take off the tape when I get back.
 
"If you have ever seen a chrome M camera that has had tape on for a number of years you will find that the glue in the tape will actually stain the chrome . It is impossible to remove these marks , so that whatever is done there will always be a tell-tail stain where the tape was . And that is on chrome !"

Source CRR Luton: http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/page3.html
 
Renaissance wax?

Renaissance wax?

If you do want to tape your camera, why not wax it first with Renaissance wax? At least the tape adhesive will work on a layer of wax instead of directly on the camera finish.

The breakdown of the adhesive is what concerns me when I see a used camera that still has the baseplate plastic stuck on. I bought a 10 year old used M7 that still had this plastic. After a while, I decided to remove it. Mine came off very cleanly, with no residue. However, I've seen some posts here where the adhesive has turned into an ugly goo. Those of you who have an M6 with that original baseplate plastic on should at least try lifting up a corner to see what several decades has done.
 
black marker pen

black marker pen

I used a black marker pen, one that you wash of with alcohol. It wears off by the time but it is simple to renew.
 
Robert Lai said:
If you do want to tape your camera, why not wax it first with Renaissance wax? At least the tape adhesive will work on a layer of wax instead of directly on the camera finish.

The breakdown of the adhesive is what concerns me when I see a used camera that still has the baseplate plastic stuck on. I bought a 10 year old used M7 that still had this plastic. After a while, I decided to remove it. Mine came off very cleanly, with no residue. However, I've seen some posts here where the adhesive has turned into an ugly goo. Those of you who have an M6 with that original baseplate plastic on should at least try lifting up a corner to see what several decades has done.
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Good idea. I have some for some bamboo fly rods.
 
Electrical tape, that what I use on my work cameras red, blue and yellow so I can tell them apart. First thing I do when I get a new work camera is tape up the logo and change the strap to a black upstrap. I've not done anything to my M9 as it would be just like Leica to use some kind of weird paint that looks nice but has some kind of strange reaction with tape!
 
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electric tape.
 
Personally, I've never seen the point to this taping up*of logos and other stuff. I can recognize a camera by shape alone, and anyone knowledgeable about them can likely do the same.

Most thieves just see another $20 bill they can hock a camera for. Few really seek out expensive equipment (although I'm sure that some do) ... they just want to snatch and dump for some cash in most cases.

Covering up the LCD on digital cameras that don't have a facility to turn the darn thing off when not wanted ... sure. That's a functional issue, not a cosmetic or "anti theft" thing.

If you insist on it, however, I'd go to an art supply store and look for acid free archival black tape designed to work in book binding, matting, and framing. The adhesives used on them are design not to smear, leave a residue, or discolor the surface they are attached to. I have white tape of this kind that I've used to secure high quality prints on uncoated fine art paper for years ... after years of being in place, it peels off easily and leaves no residue or discoloration. I'm sure any camera finish would be impervious to it.

G
 
I used to cover up the markings on my Leicas when I traveled abroad to the big cities known for pickpockets, such as Rome, but now I don't even bother. I don't own any all-black cameras anymore anyway, and taping up a chrome camera only attracts more attention than it would without. And I agree with others here: only other photogs would know or care that it's a Leica. Criminals see just a camera.

I do always carry gaffers tape in my bag, though. It comes in handy for lots of things and leaves no residue--or almost none.
 
Somewhat pretentious

Somewhat pretentious

I find the whole taping of logos to be somewhat pretentious. If you think you need an invisible camera, you'll find you are out of luck. No such thing. More troubling, you may, in fact, be avoiding establishing rapport with the subject.

Taping your Leica's red dot is like saying you went to school "in Boston," this prompting confused follow ups that enable you to coily reveal upon the audience your crimson affiliations.
 
+1 to electrical tape. When I had M3s, I covered the top and bottom plates entirely with it. I also use a strip to hold on accessory finders--one strip over the top of the finder, down the side, and over onto the top plate of the finder.
 
I used to tape over the LED on my Minox so as not to distract. But it's silly taping over the name. It advertises it as something worth nicking.

As a former lighting technician, I have years of experience of getting both electrical and gaffa tape off cables, equipment etc. Isopropyl alcohol is best, but that can be a bit tricky to get hold of sometimes. I guess the internet makes such things easier, but I've had some funny looks from pharmacists in Boots in my time.

An alternative is acetone (which can be found in nail varnish remover). But that can take off some paint, so be careful.
 
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