Cameraleather.com questions

[canerino]

I am going to replace the cover of my M6 TTL and am looking at a few finishes but I have some questions before I order.

For the embossed leathers, I am looking at the Levant Black or the Black Beauty. I want a more matte finish, but the photos of these two appear a bit shiny or glossy. Are those photos accurate on the website? Or are the finishes 'matte'?

I am also curious about the composite finishes of the Konica Black or the Contax Black. I am drawn to them because the appear more matte in their finish.

I would love to hear any feedback on the above covers.

Thanks!

 

[sepiareverb]

I've got the Rollei black on an MP, it is shinier than the standard M6 covering, but quite the same texturally.

 

[CameraQuest]

The problem with replacing the original camera's body covering is that you practically always reduce its resale value to a future buyer -- unless the covering you are replacing was already trashed.

For that reason replacing a body covering in good shape on any Leica M in good shape is a money losing decison. Not only are you out the expense of the new skin, you will also take a hit when you eventually sell the camera.

Stephen

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I don't care if my Leica has resale value, I bought it to use for my work. I'm seriously thinking of pulling off the FLAWLESS vulcanite on my M4 and putting on something else, as I find it slippery in my small hands. Maybe Griptac, but i might really go all out and get a bright colored leather just to make the Leica snobs go insane.

 

[back alley]

as much as i love the colours that i have used in the past, i'm a griptac convert now.

 

[thetooth]

i had a ( recently sold ) m6 that i covered in pebbled burgundy from camera leather . in photos the leather looked more red then burgundy , but in your hands it had a deep rich color . i also like the texture and grip better then the factory covering .

and no i did not find the leather to be shiny . i found it duller then the original covering but i did go from black to burgundy . some picture can be found on lets see you leica m around page 140.

 

[sepiareverb]

The problem with replacing the original camera's body covering is that you practically always reduce its resale value to a future buyer -- unless the covering you are replacing was already trashed.

That does depend on why you have the camera though doesn't it? I have replaced the covering on three cameras, all of which I intend to use till I cannot anymore. Anything for investment is better purchased in good enough shape that the collectors are willing to pay for.

 

[thetooth]

I've got the Rollei black on an MP, it is shinier than the standard M6 covering, but quite the same texturally.

are you pretty happy with the rollei black ? as far as texture and grip ? i was thinking about doing my m2 in this covering .

thanks

 

[sepiareverb]

I've got arthritis in my hands and so need to have a grip in addition to the camera itself. I quite like the leather I;ve put on my Ms, I have snakeskin on the M5, and I think that has the best grip of all, but I'm really only using my thumb on it.

 

[nikku]

Let me add, I just ordered some gray griptac from Cameraleather.com, and Morgan was prompt with his reply and shipping. I ordered on Tuesday and had it by Friday. +1 for Cameraleather.com.

 

[CameraQuest]

That does depend on why you have the camera though doesn't it? I have replaced the covering on three cameras, all of which I intend to use till I cannot anymore. Anything for investment is better purchased in good enough shape that the collectors are willing to pay for.

no. I'm talking future resale value.

if you don't sell it, your estate will.

if you know that when you have the camera re-covered, great. But if you don't, it can come as a rude resale surprise to the RF newbie.

Stephen

 

[edodo]

no. I'm talking future resale value.

if you don't sell it, your estate will.

if you know that when you have the camera re-covered, great. But if you don't, it can come as a rude resale surprise to the RF newbie.

Stephen

i agree with that!
Anyway there are cases when you could do it but it must be some kind of last action when nothing else will work for you.
I replaced the leather on a old IIIa with crackling vulcanite. Not much value for that old IIIa, but it was sure fun to be able to use it with new grip!

 

[MCTuomey]

+1 griptac - slightly thinner than vulcanite though, makes the camera feel thinner in my hands, but what a nice grip it gives.

resale, shmeesale. if the covering keeps me from dropping the camera, then i'm sure it'll help preserve its value 🙂

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

no. I'm talking future resale value.

if you don't sell it, your estate will.

if you know that when you have the camera re-covered, great. But if you don't, it can come as a rude resale surprise to the RF newbie.

Stephen

Estate? Hell I will die penniless most likely unless my son becomes an engineer or doctor and supports me in my old age. The resale value of my cameras after I die is not a concern of mine.

 

[jmkelly]

I have or have had cameras with the following coverings from Morgan: Griptac, black lizard, black and red kidskin, and the Levant Black. The Griptac is the grippiest, the lizard is the hardest-wearing, and the kidskins are good looking. For look, feel, grip and smell, the Levant Black has been my favorite. I put it on my M3. It has a matte look - not shiny.

 

[canerino]

thanks for the responses.

i am not looking for resale value, but i appreciate pointing that out if i decide to sell down the road. but then again, i dont have the rarest of Ms, so that shouldnt be an issue.

john, glad to hear! i ordered the levant black last night! i agree, it looks very 'classy'. cant wait to get it!