batterytypehah!
Lord of the Dings
I've always liked Karen Nakamura's solution (scroll halfway down):
http://photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/LeicaM7.html
http://photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/LeicaM7.html
I do not think anyone (except us, camera nerds or should I say lovers) can really identify a Leica. In three years having lugged my chrome M8 or M3 around Paris, just one person have made one (friendly) remark.
Wow, that's shocking. In NYC, I have someone at least once a week say "Nice Leica" or something to the effect of "I know what that camera is." I even get people asking me about the Fuji X100... some know it is a X100, others think it is a Leica. Mostly old men and women within my dating age range for the Leica. However, the X100 has been mostly 20-30 something males. And I'm not even that friendly or approachable when I don't know you.
greyelm
Malcolm
250swb
Well-known
Not looking suspicious yourself is the best way to remain anonymous. Covering logo's will always beg the question in somebody's mind 'what has he got to hide?'
A DSLR camera with a big lens is going to attract a thief whether it has tape over the logo or not, and a chrome M4 isn't going to attract a thief because surprisingly they are not interested in mugging somebody for an old camera, they want something they can sell in the pub.
Steve
A DSLR camera with a big lens is going to attract a thief whether it has tape over the logo or not, and a chrome M4 isn't going to attract a thief because surprisingly they are not interested in mugging somebody for an old camera, they want something they can sell in the pub.
Steve
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
What is there to cover up on an M4? The RF window?
Unless it's the case that you want a black paint M4...
Phil Forrest
Unless it's the case that you want a black paint M4...
Phil Forrest
rbsinto
Well-known
My gear is so old and beat up that I don't really worry about disguising the brand name.
However, if I was going to do so I'd use Dymo label tape, which has good adhesion in all temperatures, and comes off without leaving a residue.
However, if I was going to do so I'd use Dymo label tape, which has good adhesion in all temperatures, and comes off without leaving a residue.
séamuis
Established
right now my main two cameras are Pentax K-7’s and a Bessa R3a. I cover up the logos on my cameras with black electrical tape. I do it for two reasons, 1: because I don’t care for logos and writing all over my cameras (at least on newer cameras) where the simple all black body just looks rather nice and 2: because my work cameras (my K-7’s) are just that, work cameras and I find that covering up the name invites less people to stop and ask me what I am carrying. (you would think such would do the opposite, but it doesn’t in my experience) I don’t worry about thieves because if someone wants to steal my camera they will one way or the other. you can tell a DSLR wether you can see the brand or not and any thief will know that a DSLR is a quick and easy way to get good cash. Ive never bought that whole ‘stealth’ and theft avoidance bit. but I can certainly understand the ‘simplifying’ if you will by covering up logos and names, etc. because it just looks good. if I had a black paint leica of any model, I would certainly cover up the name and red dot.
isorgb
Well-known
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
Oh, I've seen Canon Rebels, Zeiss Ikons and (no shyt3) Holgas have the letters and/or logos taped up.
Electrical tape, if you don't mind the gooey residue. Acid-free tape painted over with acid-free black marker (both available at art supply stores) if you do mind gooey residue, but not having to replace the "mask" often.
dave lackey
Veteran
Every time this topic comes up brings a smile to my face. Thanks for posting this thread.
andredossantos
Well-known
Generally when I'm in a bad area I conceal my entire camera inside a small bag.
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
Some people try concealing their bills in a wallet, but that doesn't seem to help at times.
Best is to be prudent. I consider "masking" purely cosmetic rather than "preventative".
Best is to be prudent. I consider "masking" purely cosmetic rather than "preventative".
woodphoto
woodphoto
I just like the way my M6 and M8 look as a all black camera. Black electrical tape blends well. I blacked out my Canon 1n back in the day. I never thought the tape added stealth, especially for a 6'5" white guy...
Bob Michaels
nobody special
I have never tried to hide or cover logos from any camera, but I did ride a Litespeed framed bike I built up with a complete $129 Huffy decal set for many years. It even said it had "10 speed index shifting"
Besides just wanting to be different, it was a tribute to Greg Lemond who won the Tour de France riding for the 7-11 team on a Huffy bicycle. Actually his bikes were built for him by Ben Serotta and Roland Della Santa but Huffy was the sponsor.
bfffer
Established
I wish to have a black M, so i mask mine.
i could not afford a black M3/M2, and i consider repainting a chrome M very destructive.
i could not afford a black M3/M2, and i consider repainting a chrome M very destructive.
nobbylon
Veteran
I have my D700 taped up with decorators masking tape around the prism/flash. It was the cream coloured stuff so I just used a black permanent marker on it. I also have some edges taped and the black slide locks on the Leica wide strap I use on it.
It is now watertight around the flash head which I never use. The tape on the body stops the Nikon paint going shiny preserving resale if necessary and the slide lock tape stops inadvertent strap detachment. It looks tatty to be honest and friends have asked me when I'm going to buy something more recent! If you have reason to tape it up then why not.
It is now watertight around the flash head which I never use. The tape on the body stops the Nikon paint going shiny preserving resale if necessary and the slide lock tape stops inadvertent strap detachment. It looks tatty to be honest and friends have asked me when I'm going to buy something more recent! If you have reason to tape it up then why not.
DerekF
Established
A Klingon cloaking device works best.
Qapla'!
Qapla'!
Oh why didn't I think of that before!? I should put some gaffer tape on that shiny Apple logo on the back of my iPhone 4 for the extra street cred.
Oh wait, I had this case on it. And there is no Leica dot to cover!
A perfect way to foil thieves, disguise your Apple as a Leica.
Elektrojänis
Established
I haven't read that yet (even though my wife has a copy in our bookshelf). I have actually thought and acted like this at least from early 90's or maybe even 80's (I was just kid).
I got to admit that I added one sticker to my bike after removing the original ones... See the attachment. It's a corporate logo too, but maybe a bit funnier.
(And I've been too lazy to rub off all the logos from all the components. I only pulled the logo decals from the frame.)Attachments
pepeguitarra
Well-known
I used gaffer tape to cover the logos of my all-black M8 just to avoid being mug on the popular streets. Once I got into the public market one guy came to me and said: "Oh, you got the M9-P". Go figure.