Aluminum Lens/Body Caps

[lawman]

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Has anyone had experience with the aluminum lens and body caps sold on the Leica Rumors website?  In particular, do they cause any scratches etc to the lens or camera mounts (are the inserts aluminum or plastic) and do they stay on tightly once mounted? thanks for the info

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[Maarten]

I bought my aluminum m-mount lens caps from another seller for Euro 5.- a piece, available in silver and black.
They sit tighter than the plastic caps. When used properly they will not cause any scratches. Also not in the bag.
The back of the cap can cause scratches when it touches the focusing ring when changing lenses.
You need to learn how to avoid that, I did not discover major damage though.
One other thing: the caps only fit one way, that means red dot on red dot (there is a small red dot on the edge of the cap).

All in all I like them, especially because of the tight fit. Taking your lenses out of your bag by the rear lens cap is safer this way.

[farnz]

I bought mine through Etsy and I have no experience of the Rumors website ones.  I agree with everything Maarten has written.

Pete.

[darylgo]

The cheap knockoffs that I have received from various sources are metal throughout, I was careful to check they did not scratch the lens and they appear okay.  The Leica caps that are metal such as the new Thambar cap have a plastic insert, the quality and price are Leica throughout.  You can source these without the lens: 

https://leicastoremiami.com/collections/m-system-lens-accessories/products/leica-replacement-rear-lens-cap-for-thambar-m-90mm-f-2-2?variant=7334546145324

Here's the one for the 35mm Summilux Stainless Steel:

https://leicastoremiami.com/collections/m-system-lens-accessories/products/leica-rear-lens-cap-for-m-edition-60?variant=32332308086915

and here's a unique cap:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-AND-ORIGINAL-LEICA-RED-ANODISED-REAR-COVER-M-LENS-CAP-LEICA-NUMBER-97083/293427320546?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Back to the question:

I did find one that is a knockoff that has the plastic insert, and it appears to function well but after cleaning it with alcohol the metal is dull and whitish in appearance; without knowing what metal it is I am reluctant to place it on a lens for storage.  Furthermore, when separating the plastic from the metal there was an adhesive (glue) that again makes me reluctant to use it for any length of time.  Here's the link if interested, at the selling price they're cheap enough to use as a spare:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Metal-Rear-Lens-Cap-for-Leica-M-Lens-Chrome/362935916546?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

To get a definitive answer send Peter an email, he has always been kind and answered my inquiries.  

[farnz]

8 hours ago, darylgo said:

I did find one that is a knockoff that has the plastic insert, and it appears to function well but after cleaning it with alcohol the metal is dull and whitish in appearance; without knowing what metal it is I am reluctant to place it on a lens for storage.  Furthermore, when separating the plastic from the metal there was an adhesive (glue) that again makes me reluctant to use it for any length of time.  Here's the link if interested, at the selling price they're cheap enough to use as a spare:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Metal-Rear-Lens-Cap-for-Leica-M-Lens-Chrome/362935916546?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I've been using the same metal rear lens caps from Heavystar for more than a decade in silver and in black, and the deep ones as well without any any negative effects on my lenses.  

Pete.

[colint544]

About a year ago I needed an M body cap, and bought a red one from Leica Rumors. Figured the a plastic one from Leica would probably cost the same, or more. 

It's made of aluminium, nicely machined, the red paint is smooth, shiny and has proved durable, and it clicks snugly onto the camera mount. Have had no problems with it.

Edited April 20, 2020 by colint544

[mmradman]

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I bought from e**y for few quid plain aluminium lens cap to match Summaron M 35mm.

At the flat surface outer rim there is a tiny protrusion which would be catching when storing lens on a flat wooden surface.  I sanded it off, placed sheet of fine grained sand paper on the sheet of glass to achieve uniform effect and cleaned well after.  Not sure if sanding-off would work with coloured and maintain the cap pristine.