black electrical tape.

<p>I have been thinking of covering the top on my chrome m6 with black electrical tape to protect it from scratches and wear marks. The bottom part is protected by a leather case. Does any one know of any negative effects of using this tape? The tape will be on there for a long, long time. The leather case is in two parts but I don't like having the top part of the case on. Any info on this? Thanks. Gus.</p>

<p>I have a Canon Rebel X (a great, practically free camera) that's had electrical tape on it for many years with no problems.</p>

<p>In hot weather the tape adhesive can sometimes soften and leave a gooey mess. I exaggerate a bit, as I have put small tape sections on parts of the top and sides of one of my Leicas for several years. Covering the top completely is not usually necessary and the corner edges and any contact points of the strap, unprotected by the half case, are usually sufficient. Whenever you remove the tape you may need to softly rub the metal surface to remove adhesive deposits or in extreme cases, carefully apply a solvent.</p>

<p>Not easy to find, but I prefer the matte finish electrical tape rather than the shiny type which is that usually available. There are no doubt different qualities of electrical tape but I haven't otherwise bothered to investigate that.</p>

<p>I believe the silver finish on a Leica is lacquer, not chrome plating. If so, I suspect it would sustain damage from long-term contact with the adhesive in tape.</p>

<p>My M2 was purchased in 1964 and used daily for many years, never with a case, much less black tape. The silver finish is nearly perfect, but the vulcanite is crumbling.</p>

<p>I suspect your real reason is to avoid attracting attention to an expensive camera. I'm not sure camouflage is going to help. A little situational awareness and caution will serve you better in this regard. If you think there's going to be trouble, don't go there. If you must go there, take a friend. If it's a real dustup in the making, take the whole platoon, with rifles.</p>

<p>In ordinary circumstances, a Leica is not very intimidating nor noteworthy to non-believers. The photographer's demeanor either draws attention or not. If you conduct yourself with quiet confidence, you remain invisible. If you are furtive, trying to sneak shots, you draw attention to yourself. The only camera I use that draws unwanted attention is an all black Nikon with a big, black zoom lens.</p>

<p>That British repair guy - Lutton? - Blogged tape might have impact on silkscreened inscriptions. Thats all I am recalling. But I like the "innocence" of a chrome Leica TBH.<br>

No clue about protection isn't there transparent stuff for that purpose too? - I am too unlikely to resell my beaters to bother.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>That British repair guy - Lutton? - Blogged tape might have impact on silkscreened inscriptions. Thats all I am recalling.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/page3.html</p>

<p>He also says:</p>

<p>"If you have ever seen a chrome M camera that has had tape on for a number of years you will find that the glue in the tape will actually stain the chrome . It is impossible to remove these marks, so that whatever is done there will always be a tell-tail stain where the tape was. And that is on chrome !"<br>

<br />Personally I wouldn't, but if you must, try gaffer tape, which is designed not to leave a residue, at least for short term use.</p>

<p>I suggest using black gaffer tape or black artist's tape. The artist's tape is pH neutral and though low tack should hold well enough; the black gaffer tape holds well and doesn't leave a residue. I use black gaffer tape on my cameras from time to time and it's worked well. I've seen electrical tape get really messy and would not consider using it.</p>

<p>Perhaps just handling the camera like an egg? I do this and have old cameras as far back as the 1950's-60's that have sustained almost no dings or scratches. Also, black electrical tape (and masking tape too) gets notoriously gooey after a while, even in moderately warm climates. It is likely that tape (except as noted above) is going to cause more issues than it helps. Then you have tape residue that needs to be cleaned away with harsh solvents or Goo-Gone and that just adds more potential to infiltrate liquids into the camera through seams and control shaft holes. Just My Two Cents.</p>

<p>Okay...maybe I need my morning coffee.<br>

Lenny Kravitz special edition M-P are selling for $20000+, with carefully 'applied' wear.<br>

And others worry about the least scratch......<br>

It's a camera, meant to take photos, not a piece of art.<br>

I guess I'm just crabby today.</p>

 

<p>If a camera is handled carefully it does not get scarred. Accidents happen, but I think it's a bit much to go covering up the things with protective tape. If cameras, why not equally loved bicycles and motor cars?</p>

<p>A great thing about this forum is that one always learns something(s). Other than a well use M3 I once owned and which required little protection other than normal, I have not had chrome Leicas and realize there is a difference between the lacquered chrome and matte black type finishes. So, Gus, please put an X through my suggestions relate more to black Leicas, except that which relates to the obvious wear points (edges, understrap contact).</p>

<p>Over thirty years I had three silver M cameras and had no reason to think that they were not covered in hard chrome. I have not encountered the word "lacquer" in connection with M cameras other than black ones.</p>

<p>Gaffer tape is useful in many situations (I always have a supply), but if left attached too long it will always leave a residue. The residue can be cleaned off with a common household oil like 3-in-1, but you don't want to use that anywhere near a camera.</p>

<p>Most tape residues will be removed by naphtha (lighter fluid). Of course, put the naphtha on a rag, never directly on the camera itself.<br>

I had gray tape over the name on a silver Nikkormat for years, came off and cleaned up just fine. </p>

 

<p>I have the experience that chrome/black chrome bodies are slightly slippery, given also the soap-shape of our beloved M cameras. The best grip is provided by laquer, or (black) paint, at least for my little sticky fingers. I did put some gaffer in a thumbs-up like position on M3 and M2 and gained a little handling security. </p>

<p>I have a titanium-plated M6 classic that was previously owned by a famous photojournalist. Despite it's ornamental exterior, this person had no reservations about adding some dents and numerous scratches to the body in the 15 or so years it was in his possession. This is the reason it was priced the way it was and kept it in a price range I could afford. I say don't worry about the tape and give that Leica the well-worn user look it deserves. Just my opinion of course! :)

<p>I have an M6 with spot of electrical tape patching a whole in the shutter. Been that way for 10 years, still works and not a scratch on that hole!</p>

<p>I have never worried about Leica chrome. It rewarded reasonable care with durability.<br>

The M9 silver grey paint, however was so soft that brassing was beginning 3 weeks after purchase. I have used a silver gaffer tape; looks awful, but cleaned up OK when I have re-done the job. I tell myself the tape absorbs a bit of impact damage.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>"Strong PVC based film - the wrap does not have any sticky residue when peeled off" <em><strong>Ebay seller </strong></em><strong>'mgrpro'</strong></p>

</blockquote>

<p><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leica-M6-classic-camera-body-Protective-wrap-film-scratch-free-/181698247317?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a4e0f3a95">This kit</a> offers more than just the top-plate, it's a full wrap of the camera metal portions (Hard to see, but it's there).</p>

<blockquote>

<p>"If you have ever seen a chrome M camera that has had tape on for a number of years you will find that the glue in the tape will actually stain the chrome . It is impossible to remove these marks, so that whatever is done there will always be a tell-tail stain where the tape was. And that is on chrome !"</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I agree this is likely to happen. It happened on my Leicaflex SL. I would have been better to have just had the bright marks from the strap rubbing.</p>

<p>The problem is we don't know from one tape to another what adhesives have been used. Rubber based adhesives go through a lot of chemical changes as they deteriorate, while acrylic adhesives can change very little. </p>

<p>I have used 3M Photographic Tape with good results. It's crepe paper with a rubber backing that does not leave the goo found in black electrical tape.<br>

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Adhesives/Tapes/Products/~/3M-Photographic-Tape-235?N=5473971+3294276169+3294276170&rt=rud</p>