M5 covering?

[rxmd]

Hi,

the vulcanite is coming off in big flakes off my M5 and I will eventually have to put on a new covering. I want something subdued that gives a good grip. It's not a fashion item. The M5 is my main working camera at the moment, and while I don't care much about how it looks I certainly won't be running around with lizard or red snake skin on this camera.

I'm thinking of one of the following:

- Aki-Asahi #4008 Black (not much choice there for the M5)
- Cameraleather.com: One of the natural leathers - Levant Black, Natural Grain Black or Black Beauty (some of the names are quite silly)
- Cameraleather.com Griptac Black

Does anyone have experience with how these feel to the hand? Are the grippiness properties of Griptac exaggerated or is it worth it?

Philipp

 

[rxmd]

Bump - Any experiences?

 

[ferider]

Haven't used it on an M5, but Griptac is really good. Thick with a little of the old shark skin feel.

Roland.

 

[vieri]

Second GripTac recommendation - fantastic grip, technologic & industrial look, works great on my MP & M8.

 

[Vickko]

I have Levant leather on 2 M's. Doesn't feel like Vulcanite, which is hard but good gripping properties. Levant leather feels like leather, slightly soft, but looks very nice.

I had some cameraleather synthetic leathers and hated them. One had a grid weaving pattern on it. Stick with the real leathers for aesthetic purposes.

I think I've used Aki-asahi leather once, was close Leica vulcanite. I remember that it was very well cut.

At the price, you can experiment.

...Vick

 

[Bill Blackwell]

Aki-Asahi's "Pebble Emboss" (4034) most closely approximates the original vulcanite. It is one of about four options when ordering M5 covering.

 

[FrankS]

I've recovered a couple of M's with Asahi dark brown lizard embossed cow leather. Perfectly cut, looked great, but more slippery than the original vulcanite.

 

[JNewell]

I recovered my M3 with Griptac and would very highly recommend it. Visually, it's very close to vulcanite. In the hand, it is a little "grippier," due to slightly sharper edges on the raised portions. It would be IMO a very excellent and serviceable choice.

 

[Blank288]

I recovered my M3 in Aki-Asahi 4008 black. Fits well - good look & grip. Recommended!