Camera re-covering: which source?

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scottgee1

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I want to re-cover a couple of my older cameras. I initially thought of CameraLeather but whilst looking through archived threads I found a few folks who ordered from them never got their covers.

These may be very isolated incidents, but it makes me wonder what alternative sources are out there.

And yes, I realize I can buy the material and cut my own, but I'm not very handy so I prefer to buy it pre-cut.

BTW, Griptac looks like a very practical choice.

TIA for your input!/ScottGee1
 
Just ordered another covering from Camera Leather after initial experience--Griptac kit for a Leica M4-2. Camera Leather responds promptly to email and the kit arrived just as ordered. Now have three Camera Leather experiences -- all good. Just my two cents.
 
I have only ever ordered from Aki. His coveringss are of excellent quality and are quite inexpensive. But Cameraleather has a much wider selection of materials. So, I guess it depends on what kind of new covering you want.
 
I have a black lizard skin from Cameraleather on one of my M3's. Three years later, it still looks and feels great. (Take a look mid-way down page 6 of the 'Let's see your Leica M" thread to see it.) My experience with Morgan was first class, but it was a while ago, and I have since read of the same troubles in communication and delays in shipping from him. It's my impression that these are isolated incidents. Certainly he and his company have gone through some growing pains, but I haven't heard of anyone having issues with him lately. I would not hesitate to buy from him again, based upon my own experiences.

Aki's coverings do look good, and are certainly cheaper, but I'd stick to Cameraleather, since I've had good luck in the past, and prefer the choices Morgan offers. Either way, 'm sure you will be fine. Keep us posted, whatever you do.
 
I have ordered from cameraleather w/ no problems at all. I have to warn you though - it comes in a standard mailing (ie. letter) envelope - my wife almost tossed it out thinking that it was junk mail.

BTW - Griptac is quite awesome!
 
Yeah, I re-covered both my Yashicas with Griptac. Makes a HUGE difference in handling for small cameras!
 
I recently had Morgan at Cameraleather recover my MP with Griptac. Sent on Monday, back on Thursday. Camera is totally transformed with the Griptac, and Morgan is a pleasure to deal with.
 
My lizard from CameraLeather fit perfectly and looks exquisite (Leica CM). I ordered a piece for a LOMO LC-A from Aki, and it did not fit well. I sent an email about it, but never received a response.

Based on those two experiences, my most recent order (for a Zeiss Ikon) was made to Morgan at CameraLeather.
 
I have bought many coverings from Morgan at Cameraleather.com and the quality is excellent, but slow (its his 2nd job). However, he's 100% honest.

On the other hand, I've sent TWO emails about eyepiece protectors to Aki-Asahi w/ a simple question and got no answers. Gandy no longer carries them.
 
I didn't mention this in my previous post, but Aki is about the most efficient person I've ever bought a small item from.

(It's worth pointing out that a missing email reply is not as serious as a missing camera cover - emails go astray all the time.)
 
Paul T. said:
I didn't mention this in my previous post, but Aki is about the most efficient person I've ever bought a small item from.

(It's worth pointing out that a missing email reply is not as serious as a missing camera cover - emails go astray all the time.)
Click to expand...

I think you're right about emails, but TWO astray? I doubt it. But maybe he doesn't look at his "info" email inbox often.
 
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I cannot contact anyone at Camera Leather, and haven't been able to for two weeks as of today. Emails unanswered. No phone #.

Does anyone know of a problem?
 
Morgan is often out of town on other business and unless a train ran over him, he'll get back to you. I've had the same problems myself in the past. He has also had ISP problems too. Are you using info@cameraleather.com to email him?

BTW--I tried to buy some stuff from Aki-asahi and after I asked him about paying in cash, I couldn't get an answer. I've given up.
 
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Uh-oh . . .

Uh-oh . . .

:eek:

Sheesh!

OK, I gotta say it; this isn't inspiring much confidence.

I was thinking it would be too much of a pain to "do-it-myself" but it may be less aggravation than dealing with these guys.

To quote a former boss, "Gee, it's gettin' so you can't even give money away!"

Thanks for the updates!/ScottGee1
 
This does seem a particularly depressing thread! But, seriously, although I can understand Bill's irritation, on previous threads Aki has had consistently good reports. If you're unsure, you could always buy via PayPal, which allows for a refund, but I honestly don't think that's necessary. 99.9% positive feedback is better than the norm...

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Aki-Asahi-Custom-Camera-Coverings_W0QQsspagenameZL2QQtZkm
 
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