How to remove the leatherette from M8?

[nickmeertens]

Hi all,

I'm contemplating a new cover for my M8 from cameraleather.
Putting it on seems simple enough when I check their website.
However... they don't mention how to remove the old cover/skin from the M8.

Is there somebody here with experience in doing that?

Thank you, Nick

 

[jaapv]

Justlift one corner with a pin or something and peel off. Rests of adhesive should be removed with white spirit (wasbenzine) Don't drown the camera in it!

 

[Ducky]

Cameraleather skins are tricky to put on unless you use the wet method described in the website. When you are done it is beautiful. Good luck.

 

[nickmeertens]

Thanks you for the responses.

The wet method was what I was thinking. Seems very doable.

Glad to hear the skin comes of relativly easy. On the cameraleather site they showed the removal of vulcanite with a strong solvent. Not something I looked forward to!

 

[jaapv]

I've recovered an M8 four times now, and never had any problems, even without resorting to the wet method. looking to recover my M9 now.

 

[splitimageview]

The M8 plastic peels right off, revealing a smooth surface. I have never used a wet method, either.

 

[ableforensics]

I have found that heating the existing cover with a hair dryer facilitates the process. You do not want to apply very much heat, just enough to warm the cover and the underlying adhesive.

 

[nickmeertens]

Jaap,

What do you recover it with? Do you have a favorite skin?

My M8 is black so I'm thinking a black cover is most neutral, with Lizard skin making it a little more exclusive.
Dark brown would also work with a black M8.
As would red snakeskin or white cobraskin but those might be a tad to flashy for my taste 😎.

Best, Nick

 

[jaapv]

I have recovered bright chrome cameras up till now. I always used the Kid leather in Granite gray or Verdigris green, both were very nice in a subdued way and very grippy. Now I have a black M9 and half my lenses are chrome, which I don't like. Except Griptac. I don't want synthetice material, so that is out. I went for darkish grey color, which Morgan does not really have. I settled for the darkest Grey Paradise Snake he has, but red kid was an option as well, maybe too flashy. I once did a camera in what Morgan calls Black Beauty, but I found that a bit thick and the edges were visible.

 

[greggebhardt]

How about some images of these re-skinned M8s

 

[proenca]

Well, your request is an order Sir !

Here's my M8 which I reskinned with some leather from Camera Leather.

Looks beautifull to be honest.

Sold now, making space for my Wensday-to-come-M9

 

[jaapv]

My green and grey ones have featured in this forum before. I will post the M9 when I have the leather on. Waiting for Morgan now 🙂

 

[nickmeertens]

Dark gray... that might be nice to. He has a dark grey lizard skin.
Does someone here have experience with the tactile side of lizard? Is it grippy or slippery?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I must be the only person that likes the M8 covering. It reminds me of Crinkle Paint finish from the 1940s and 1950s. I should put the external finder from my Retina on it, the finish matches the Leica. I use the Leica half case with the camera, and the case has a nice grip to it.

 

[atufte1@mac.com]

I have recovered bright chrome cameras up till now. I always used the Kid leather in Granite gray or Verdigris green, both were very nice in a subdued way and very grippy. Now I have a black M9 and half my lenses are chrome, which I don't like. Except Griptac. I don't want synthetice material, so that is out. I went for darkish grey color, which Morgan does not really have. I settled for the darkest Grey Paradise Snake he has, but red kid was an option as well, maybe too flashy. I once did a camera in what Morgan calls Black Beauty, but I found that a bit thick and the edges were visible.

Black M's with chrome lenses are the most beautiful, so get used to it... 🙂
I have always bought black body/chrome lenses deliberately, just because it's different and looks nice, like a black classic car with chrome spoke rims...but what i do not like is, black lenses on chrome body's, no thats really ugly... 🙂

 

[Phil_F_NM]

I like used lenses in excellent optical condition on my beat up M4 or my M8.
I don't look at the camera when I'm using it. 😉

 

[k.a]

is there any place were you can buy new letherette for the m8, or do people make there own?

i'm in the mood for dark brown for my black m8 🙂

 

[jaapv]

http://www.cameraleather.com/

 

[nickmeertens]

I've ordered a black lizard skin kit at cameraleather yesterday for my black M8. I'll post a picture when I have it installed.