recovering an MP? How good?

[visiondr]

I've been toying with the idea of replacing the cover of my MP with something with a bit more tactile quality to improve both the handling of the camera (it can be pretty slippery) and it's appearance (I think the old vulcanite looks great). Does anyone here have any experience in replacing the MP's notoriously difficult to remove cover? Has anyone had it done by the various pros out there? Finally, how does it look, and feel and will it stand up to years of use/abuse?

Ron

 

[OdDbaLL]

I've been toying with this idea aswell. I agree that the stock cover is a bit on the slippery side, but it's not THAT bad... so if it ain't broke... but I'm curious.

 

[NL2377]

I dont know about MPs but when I recovered my M2, it took me almost 2 hrs to chip off the vulcanite and properly prep the body before application...

 

[visiondr]

Apparently, the MP covering is applied with a special glue that's really hard to remove. I would hesitate to try it myself.

Ron

 

[OdDbaLL]

I bought mine as a factory demo a year ago, and I actually noticed that the covering was relatively easy to lift in the corner because the glue was still quite "gummy" but I didn't fiddle with it any more and its hardened since then.
Cameraleather sells the covers and has pics of a recovered M7 so it can be done.

 

[edodo]

I would think twice because removing it with difficulties means it is made to stay well for a long time. If a third party easy to install leather was applied it would surely not resist a decade.

 

[dandp]

I believe Leica now offers this service as a sidebar to the Ala Carte program. Expect to pay from $250 onwards for choices though.