Do you tape your cameras?

jaredangle

Photojournalist
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I'm not referring to taping over brand/model logos, but rather certain functions of the camera so that they do not get changed.

On my Nikon F4 I leave a small square of black tape over the multiple-exposure lever so that it does not get activated, as it is rather easy to snag on a jacket and shoot the next shot on the same frame, which can be pretty frustrating.

Regardless of which camera, I will also frequently put a small piece of tape on wide lenses, securing the focusing ring to the lens body/grab ring, so that the focus does not get changed when I am shooting hyperfocal.

What about the rest of you?
 
Not my cameras; but one of my lenses, a Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Alphabet Soup in Pentax KA mount, is kept as a 17mm f/2.8 by the strategic application of duck tape to the zoom ring.
 
Hm...that is a great idea! I have wondered why manufacturers don't put hardware locks on lenses to keep either focal length or focus in a fixed position. Probably there are some, but then tape is so available.
 
Never, I like the fact that I can change things around when I want to.

Also, I don't take the camera brand or model. It only makes it more conspicuous.
 
Dab of rubber solution to block C and self-timer on digi Ms. Broken-off toothpick to jam infinity lock on Contax/Kiev and 50/1.2 Canon. Bit of Dymo tape to keep M-X-V levers on X. Probably others but those spring immediately to mind.

Cheers,

R.
 
I should use more tape, I see! Like Roger, I find the digital M on-off switch too often lands on C or self timer, so I applied an elegant self-adhesive cabinet bumper (or most of one) to the top, thusly:

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I tape the body of my Kiev 4a
1) I find it provides better grip
2) makes it look even cheaper than it is
3) covers the logo — the only question I've ever had about this camera was “Is this film or digital?”
4) Mild form of rain protection (I put transparent tape over the frame counter (which I should probably do with some other cameras as well)
 
I tape the aperture ring of my old 43-86 Nikkor to f/22. It's got no 'min aperture lock' like modern Nikkors and the ring tends to slip all on it's own.
 
I love Doug's solution, very handy !
If I had some old second hand well used camera, I'd probably tape some parts, like the exposed terminal on my F100. But my Leica is still too new and expensive...
 
When assisting on things like fashion shoots where the photographer is using something like a Mamiya RZ or a square-format Hasselblad, I used to gaff tape the lens so that aperture or shutter speed wouldn't be changed accidentally.
 
I read that HCB used to tape over the RF window so he could zone focus and not be distracted by the RF patch. Later he used an accessory viewfinder. Haven't been able to confirm this.
Vic
 
No... I think it is ridiculous, this stealth nonsense. If it is functional, then I have no issue...
 
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