Chris_Jenks Posted March 3, 2024 Share #1 Posted March 3, 2024 Advertisement (gone after registration) My M11 is 6 months old and I added a handgrip a week after purchase. I carry my camera around my neck on a Peak Design strap (I which I prefer to the Leica strap due to the quick release function) and often rest my hand on the camera / grip especially on the street. To my dismay I recently noticed signs of wear in the (vulcanite?) covering immediately adjacent to the handgrip, I’m guessing caused by chafe from my hand / fingertips. Has anyone else experienced this and does anyone have any solutions. I’ve bought a leather half case with a vestigial handgrip, but am not very happy with it. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/390279-wear-in-vulcanite-body-covering/?do=findComment&comment=5068510'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 3, 2024 Posted March 3, 2024 Hi Chris_Jenks, Take a look here Wear in vulcanite / body covering. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
hjddd Posted March 3, 2024 Share #2 Posted March 3, 2024 The new covering that Leica use from the M240 generation is very thin and of poor quality, just like a black piece of paper(I know this because I changed it before), it is very easy to be left damaged .^ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted March 4, 2024 Share #3 Posted March 4, 2024 Vulcanite was last used over half a century ago... 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted March 4, 2024 Share #4 Posted March 4, 2024 I've not experienced it myself but I have seen similar wear on M240 onwards cameras and ones that don't use a grip, so I don't think it is grip specific. I wonder if it is wear as such but rather a reaction with other things on the skin, like suntan lotion, aftershave, etc. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Jenks Posted March 4, 2024 Author Share #5 Posted March 4, 2024 2 hours ago, jaapv said: Vulcanite was last used over half a century ago...OK, thanks, what is the current name then? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobW0 Posted March 4, 2024 Share #6 Posted March 4, 2024 @Chris_Jenks My guess it that your finger nails are digging into the covering because of the grip. The grip can puts the tips of your fingers (finger nails) in contact with the leather, when holding the camera, more so than without the grip on the camera. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted March 4, 2024 Share #7 Posted March 4, 2024 Advertisement (gone after registration) 21 minutes ago, Chris_Jenks said: 3 hours ago, jaapv said: Vulcanite was last used over half a century ago...OK, thanks, what is the current name then? Leatherette. I would just recover the camera in real leather of my choice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted March 4, 2024 Share #8 Posted March 4, 2024 My chrome M240 is nine years old and hasn't suffered any covering damage. But my finger nails are very short and I don't use a grip. Some of the black painted parts are starting to look a bit "used", but not the covering. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Jenks Posted March 4, 2024 Author Share #9 Posted March 4, 2024 3 hours ago, RobW0 said: @Chris_Jenks My guess it that your finger nails are digging into the covering because of the grip. The grip can puts the tips of your fingers (finger nails) in contact with the leather, when holding the camera, more so than without the grip on the camera. Yes, I think that's it. A bit disappointing though in such a premium bit of gear, especially as I won't be using my handgrip until I can find (another) suitable half cover. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted March 4, 2024 Share #10 Posted March 4, 2024 Maybe a temporary solution? Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 2 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/390279-wear-in-vulcanite-body-covering/?do=findComment&comment=5071285'>More sharing options...
jaapv Posted March 4, 2024 Share #11 Posted March 4, 2024 I was serious about replacing the leatherette by real leather. There are a number of suppliers providing replacement leather for DIY and some services can do it as well I have Leica a-la-carte leather on my M cameras but the wait might be a bit long nowadays. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photoworks Posted March 5, 2024 Share #12 Posted March 5, 2024 6 hours ago, jaapv said: Maybe a temporary solution? Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! which firger should this remove? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indeepthought Posted March 5, 2024 Share #13 Posted March 5, 2024 17 minutes ago, Photoworks said: which firger should this remove? Another clip joint 🫣 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colint544 Posted March 5, 2024 Share #14 Posted March 5, 2024 It can get a whole lot worse.. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/390279-wear-in-vulcanite-body-covering/?do=findComment&comment=5072921'>More sharing options...
hjddd Posted March 5, 2024 Share #15 Posted March 5, 2024 1 hour ago, colint544 said: It can get a whole lot worse.. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! yes……it is as thin as a piece of paper， far less intact as the covering of the M8 series Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colint544 Posted March 5, 2024 Share #16 Posted March 5, 2024 28 minutes ago, hjddd said: yes……it is as thin as a piece of paper， far less intact as the covering of the M8 series Surprising. The leatherette on my 2012 M9M shows no such wear, yet the top and bottom brass covers show a fair bit of silvering along the edges. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted March 5, 2024 Share #17 Posted March 5, 2024 I find it rather shocking that a supposedly quality product uses low-grade plastified paper as fake leather covering. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted March 5, 2024 Share #18 Posted March 5, 2024 (edited) In 2 years use, i got no more problems with my leatherette for M11 than for M8.2 and M240. They were plastic made on the latters so i guess it is the same on the M11. For those interested, Leica provides certified full cowhide leathers for 220 EUR, VAT included (link). Edited March 5, 2024 by lct Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMF Posted March 5, 2024 Share #19 Posted March 5, 2024 Arte di Mano has some beautiful replacement leather as well: https://artedimano.com/Leicaskin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocalHero1953 Posted March 5, 2024 Share #20 Posted March 5, 2024 (edited) I never had any problems with the M240 (I’ve owned no later M). Similar problems have been reported, though, with the SL2 and its integral grip. People have different physiologies that can cause this problem. My nails, trimmed, are well short of the end of my finger. My in-house masseuse has trimmed nails that extend beyond the soft finger tips. She has neither a M11 nor a SL2, but it still causes problems in certain circumstances………. Edited March 5, 2024 by LocalHero1953 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now