Plastic strap protector on the side of M6...

[bhop73]

I just noticed today that the little plastic protector (dunno what else to call it) on the side of my M6, just above the strap lug, seems to have broken off and disappeared into the world somewhere. It left some glue which i've removed with an xacto and fine sandpaper, but there is a hole in the side of the top plate where it used to be. (one of the holes still has a plastic nub in it) Are there any issues with leaving the hole there? or should I plug it with something? Or, is there a place where I can get a replacement plastic piece?

 

[Tom A]

It is a good idea to replace the protector as the hole can (and will) let dust and stuff in. Not a big deal, except in removing the left over plug - dont push it in!!! It can migrate into the cameras viewfinder system.
Just phone Leica USA and ask them to send you a spare - they are usually very good with things like that. Ask them what kind of adhesive is needed or if the protector comes with its own.

 

[Tom A]

When one of mine came off - both of the "nubbies" were stuck. I use a small needle with a slight bend in it - just the tip and worked it into the plastic. I found that if I heated the tip (match/lighter) and lightly pushed it in it melted the plastic and once it cooled off I could wiggle it out. I did replace the protectors later when the camera went in for a service. Until then I kept gaffers tape over the ends.
I lost both of them due to extreme cold - about -45 C and I suspect that the plastic got a bit brittle and the metal rings on the strap pushed them off. It wasent at the same time, but in a couple of days in a cold "job" up north.

 

[bhop73]

Thanks for the tips. I sent Leica a message, hopefully they'll reply. In the meantime, maybe I should stick some tape over the hole.

 

[Al Kaplan]

...and then stick some tape over the new protectors to protect them?

 

[jaifo]

Put some tape if you don't want to find some strange light leak it took weeks for me to know where it came from!

In some random negatives i found a light leak very similar to flare. I had my M6 adjusted twice (back door,...) and the light leak persisted. It was coming from that small hole!!

Asked Leica for a spare part and it came at no expense to my local shop.

 

[bhop73]

I got a reply today:

"The protectors are connected from the inside of the top cover, so it has to be removed to install/replace them. Your M6 should be sent to our Service Dept. The attachment is shipping instructions. The cost to do just this would be approx $100.00 Most of this is labor because once the top cover is removed the rangefinder has to be re-adjusted when the top goes back on"

So... I just paid to have my rangefinder adjusted about 3 weeks ago and my Leica's a user, not a shelf queen, so the only real issue I have is dust. I can always fill the hole. *shrug* My domke gripper strap has the leather protector built in, so i'm not worried about more scratches. Oh well..

 

[Ducky]

Not the answer you wanted but that is very fast response for any service department. Cudos to Leica USA.

 

[Livesteamer]

Very early M6 cameras did not have the plastic protectors. I have a black M6 #166xxxx with no protectors but my later M6 #1738457 has them. Joe

 

[bhop73]

Mine's a 174xxxx.. it did have them, but now it's only got one... and some black tape.. *shrug* I'm not that worried about it, just would be nice if the expensive camera wasn't falling apart since i've only had it a few months.

 

[sanmich]

One of the side protectors on my M6 started to move a while ago.
I wonder if it makes sense to open the top just to reglue it in some way, instead of waiting to see it fall apart, ask for a replacement, and then...open the top to glue it in some way...