Leica LTM Sharkskin orientation

[02Pilot]

Quick and simple poll to see how common (or not) the horizontal orientation of the sharkskin body covering is. If you've got a sharkskin-covered camera, please join in.

 

[HuubL]

I've got a 1949 IIIc with horizontal sharkskin. I believe horizontal is (much) less common. I think it has to do with how the sheets of the body covering were cut from large sheets of vulcanite. Horizontals were the leftovers.

 

[02Pilot]

Yep, there's an ongoing discussion over in the other thread. This is really just to see if we can figure out (admittedly unscientifically) whether the 7-10% figure inferred from the referenced articles is accurate.

 

[HuubL]

Here's my IIIc

 

[Luddite Frank]

Here's a few quick snaps of mine... according to the LTM serial list at Camera Quest and elsewhere, this camera started-out as a II-c in 1948-'49, and was sent-back for an upgrade to III-f BD ST.

The lens is a Summitar, s/n 6267xx, from 1946. ( It is wearing a Tiffen series VI filter adapter in the 3rd image. )

 

[peterm1]

This thread prompted an odd thought for me. In addition to photography I practice iaido (Japanese swordsmanship). The stuff they use to cover the handle of a samurai sword (beofre also wrapping it in silk braid) is real shark skin (actually ray skin which is similar and just as tough). It comes in two variants - dried (which is as tough as some kinds of modern composite materials and very difficult to work) and tanned (which is more flexible and easier to work being able to be cut with strong shears). The stuff is covered all over with tiny denticles (effectively tiny teeth) although these are smoothed somewhat in processing - in their natural state the Japanese craftsmen used it as we would use glass paper. The idea struck me that it would make an interesting project to cover a camera in real rayskin of this sort (the tanned variety) You can see it here:

http://static.tmkdj.com/project77.o.../design-your-own-classical-tanto-handle-6.jpg

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14-X-4-5-TO...201430?hash=item4b132c0dd6:g:glwAAOSwBahVTJkn

It is also possible to buy it ready stained / lacquered in black or other colors.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14-X-4-1-4-TOP-GRADE-GENUINE-BLACK-STINGRAY-SKIN-RAY-SKIN-KATANA-SWORD-TSUKA/321568116537?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D40130%26meid%3D5a0a50aae2a54b97a4bf70829f9a2afb%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26mehot%3Dag%26sd%3D322444201430

 

[ray*j*gun]

I have a iiic from 1948 I believe with vertical sharkskin. Its my favorite covering.

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

Well dang!
Now I want something that I didn't know about already.

This thread prompted an odd thought for me. In addition to photography I practice iaido (Japanese swordsmanship). The stuff they use to cover the handle of a samurai sword (beofre also wrapping it in silk braid) is real shark skin (actually ray skin which is similar and just as tough).

 

[raydm6]

I was never aware of this (orientation)!

I always thought sharkskin Barnacks were cool. I may have to get one