cameraleather.com Leica M series

LEICA M SERIES

Ordering a new covering for an M series camera is easy. Here is the checklist of what to look for when ordering your kit:

1) Which M? (M3, M2, MDa, M1, M4, M4-P, M4-2, MD-2, M5, M6, M7, MP, M8, M9)
2) Self timer and/or preview lever? Check your M3, M2 or M4. Some M2's and M3's don't have self timers. And some early M3's don't have lens preview levers.
3) If you have an M3, please specify which strap lug pattern you have.
4) If you have an M4-2, M4-P or MD2, you can remove the glued on ASA dial, and request a kit without the hole for the dial.
5) A very few M2 and M4 cameras have been fitted with the M3 release guard. This is the raised rim that helps prevent accidental lens release. Let us know if your M2 or M4 has it.
6) For M3, measure the length of the vulcanite on the back door. Early M3 backs have vulcanite about 76.5 mm wide, all others are about 78 mm. Make sure an "early" back has not been swapped onto your camera!
7) If you have the M5 please tell us if you have the 2-lug or the 3-lug version.

Online Ordering

Below is a sampling of leather kits available for the Leica M series. Please remember, you can have a kit cut from most any leather on the site . . not just what you see here in the Leica M section. For the full palette, see the "Leather colors & types" link at the top of this page.

Installation: You can see a demonstration here. Deciding if you want to do the job yourself comes down to the subject of vulcanite removal. (Follow the link at the top of the page.) Once the vulcanite is off, and the camera body cleaned up, putting on the new cover is very easy. We offer an installation service which includes vulcanite removal, cleaning the body, and installing the new cover. This procedure is cosmetic only and involves no disassembly.

Left: Griptac Black is probably the simplest way to renew your camera and enhance your Leica experience. This high-tack covering, with a bold "gravel" texture, will revolutionize the handling characteristics of your camera. It has a striking appearance, fabulous tactile qualities, and is ideally suited for those who shoot heavily. The fastest Leica user will shoot a little faster in the street or field with this covering, which is also available in medium grey (pictured below.)

Vulcanite can be a source of anxiety to the Leica owner. Those with pristine vulcanite will worry about keeping it so, and a minor chip can send the owner into a fret from fear of more deterioration. The hard rubber membrane has mediocre surface tension, and a cold, "clammy" feel. Those who disagree have never held a leather-clad M body. Many Leica owners fear losing their vulcanite, but they almost never miss it when it's gone.

With the M6 Leica switched to a Japanese "PVC-on-fiberglass" covering. These covers, also put on the M7, won't crumble like vulcanite. They are also easier to remove. The M6 in particular, has a covering that comes off easily.

This is Levant Black embossed leather, a genuine leather with a slightly irregular grain, similar to the factory vinyl cover on the M6 and M7. But it's completely different in handling qualities, with a positive grip, fabulous tactile sense--and a great smell! An extremely tough and luxurious treatment, and an excellent value.

A perfect covering to apply when you want to sell or trade-in . . . you may decide to keep the camera once you realize how great it looks and feels.

Left: BR Green, a pebbled calfskin. It's also available in Sequoia Green (a darker green), and Black. You can see the Sequoia Green on the next page.

A pre-cut kit for the M8 is now available. M8 kits are priced about $15 more than comparable 35mm "M" kits.

You can get your M8 recoverd now, with our recovering service. This camera has been reclad with Griptac, which provides more grip strength than any Leica shooter is likely to need.

The M5 is now supported. The camera here is shown in black lizard skin.

You can specify a kit for either the 2-lug or 3-lug version. M5 kits are now priced the same as the other 35mm M's.

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