Leica M4 vulcanite replacement?

[david_craig2]

<p>The vulcanite on my otherwise mint Leica M4 is slowly coming adrift and I'm thinking of replacing it with something less friable. Has anyone had this done by Leica and, if so, what options are there? What looks and feels best?<br /><br />Many thanks, David</p>

[SCL]

<p>I had DAG replace the vulcanite on the back door of mine about 10 yrs ago...looked and worked fine. I suggest you take a look at www.cameraleather.com for some photos and descriptions of alternatives. Last time I checked, Leica won't install Cameraleather skins, but if you are afraid to do it yourself, Cameraleather will do it, I think DAG will do it too. I've not done my M4, but I have used the Cameraleather skins to reskin about 4 other bodies, it is really pretty simple and looks great. BTW I have no relationship with them.</p>

[david_craig2]

<p>Thanks Stephen. I live in the UK so I am particularly keen to learn what Solms has to offer.<br>

David</p>

[mukul_dube]

<p>DAG put Griptac from Cameraleather on my M3 some years ago. A fine surface. The only re-covering I have done is of three screw Leicas, on all of which I used Aki-Asahi skins. David, in the UK there's CRR in Luton. Also Malcolm Taylor.</p>

[Richard Williams]

<p>In the UK there's also this option, from a well respected Leica-trained technician [Edit: CRR, as Mukul mentions]:</p>

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

<p>This looks like the closest you'll get to the original, though it's more expensive than Cameraleather etc.</p>

[john_robison3]

<p>I've ordered 2 camera coverings from Aki-asahi in Japan. They both shipped quick, fit well, looked nice and were not expensive. They are where I'm going to order for my M4-2 as the original vulcanite is now chipping off.</p>

[JDMvW]

<p>Another vote for Cameraleather.com ( http://www.cameraleather.com/leica_m/preview.htm ).</p>

[john_boyle3]

<p>I replaced the vulcanite on the back door of my M4 with black vinyl from Cameraleather several years ago. The fit was perfect and it was an easy job. Highly recommended.</p>

[Alex_Es]

<p>Cameraleather also has my vote. Be aware that Mr. Sparks is very busy and you'll have to wait your turn. The wait is well worth it.</p>

[jon_shumpert2]

<p>I have used both cameraleather and aki-asahi. aki-asahi has become my favorite. He ships fast, the covers I got were easier to instal, looked good and were much cheaper. On my last order for a contax 139, he sent 2 covers for the price of one. I just bought another 139 to use it on.</p>

[mukul_dube]

<p>Jon, clearly it was no accident that I received two Leica IIIa coverings from Mr. Asahi in place of one. Pity that no one gave me a spare camera on which to use the thing.</p>

[astral]

<p>In the UK contact CRR in Luton for first class work.<br>

<a href="http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/">http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/</a></p>