M8 Base Plate

[Philinflash]

Is there some sort of plastic film on the bottom of the removable base plate?

Can it/should it be removed?

The first time I attached the M8 (black) to a tripod, the tripod head left a sort of distortion on this film, if that's what it is. The effect is as if the plastic film is partially unsticking itself from the paint layer on the plate.

If anyone is interested in seeing this, I can post a photo of it. I'll use my new Leica contortionist lens to achieve that.

Phil

[Richard Marks]

Phil
Dont remove this. Its to stop the base plate getting scratched when its put down.
The sticky film will eventually peal off a bit but you can get replacements.
Regards
Richard

[Philinflash]

Richard,

I don't know if I should take advice from anyone who drives a Morgan. I'll bet you've got a folio of all your old MOTs somewhere.

However, in this case, I might listen to you because doing nothing is almost always better than doing something.

Philip

[boilerdoc2]

Funny! It's there to protect it during manufacture and shipping I suspect. Won't hurt to take it off but then the small amount of protection is gone. Don't worry about it either eay. Get 'er out and shoot it!
Steve

[jaapv]

A Leica should aquire patina (like Morgans, but less rusty :D) The more dented, the better. We are aiming for that "war correspondent" look. A stained khaki photovest, preferably with a bullet-hole in it is also required.

[kbg32]

It's there for protection. You can remove it or leave it on.

[Philinflash]

I am not a collector but a user. Although I am not a war correspondant, I won't mind a ding or two. It seems the worst case is that I (or my estate) would have to buy a replacement base plate to have it find a new home. And, as a Leica part, what could that cost? USD 1,000? USD 2,000??

[rvaubel]

Leaving the crummy plastic on the baseplate is like putting cheap clear vinyl seatcovers on leather seats in your Porshe. Very tacky.

The only purpose for the plastic was to protect the camera while it is being demoded at the camera store. The finish on the baseplate is really quite beautiful (and tough!) but you can't see it very well thru torn and abraded plastic. Plus, as others have said, a Leica is meant to achieve a cetain patina of a well used instrument. A little brassing and a discrete scratch or two goes a long way in proving your credentials as a serious photographer, not just another doctor or dentist parading around with his "man" jewelry.

Rex

[Richard Marks]

Hi Phil!
The replacement base plate sticky actualy costs about £5.00 to replace, Hmmm dread to think about the cost of a new base plate.
Personally Ive put the 1/2 leather protector on mine and this ads a bit of grip as well.
I like the war torn look of film M series but somehow im a bit more protective of my M8, although have waded into the middle of a stream with it and I can tell you the rocks felt a lot slippier than with my old Rolleiflex.

Now if we are talking Morgans, they must be used and not kept in a garage for brief summer outings! Mine goes to work every day, and oh its not cool to put the soft top on, it ruins the air conditioning.

Love your M8 go out and shoot its a blast!

Richard

[StuartR]

I took mine off. I don't think it really matters in the long run, but I think if it is on there for a long long time, it will start to degrade and get sticky and gross. Better to remove it right away so that the base plate can get some nice usage marks.

[Philinflash]

Morgans don't rust; they rot! There is a lot of the stuff underneath you guys in NL use for making boats - Wood!

Whilst it is nice to see the diversity of opinions on the subject I mooted, you guys have only fueled my ambivalence. I need stronger direction, please!

The next question is: what is the best way to remove the sticky stuff? Do razorblade scratch marks qualify as patina? I don't think so.

[Andy Aitken]

NOOOO! Don't take the plastic off; that would void the warranty :eek::D:eek::D;).

Perhaps we could have a joint ripping off of the plastic - I've been dying to do it for weeks but I need moral support.

[Philinflash]

You suppose it is like using duct tape to remove your chest hair?

[JohanV]

My God, what a bunch of sissies you are: Morgans and Leicas are for using, not pampering or preserving for posterity.
Let's enjoy our stuff, and keep preservation for the next generations, just like we like to preserve the things those who came before us USED.
From an avid Morgan and Leica user.

[Philinflash]

OK, it seems to boil down to macho or wuzz; single malt whiskey or white wine spritzer; hair shirt or silk; and diaphram or condom. Thanks for the input.

[Gabriel M.A.]

Interesting to see the logic on all sides. It also explains why many leave the toilet seat up (or others don't ever bother): "it's meant to be used, dear!"

I use, and enjoy. I also like to enjoy a very long time. A very long time. Burning like kerosene usually isn't the best strategy.

But whatever floats your boat!

[Davor]

I would just like to confess that this thread made me remove my plastic.

I FEEL SO NAKED!!

[Richard Marks]

[quote=Philinflash]Morgans don't rust; they rot! There is a lot of the stuff underneath you guys in NL use for making boats - Wood!


Excuse me. Morgans have a good dose of Cuprimol if made after 1984 and they really do not rot. Our last Morgan we had for 17 years and after 40000 miles of fun including Monte carlo and back we got 1/2 of our money back against our next one. Only changed because with 2 kids we needed a 4 seater! But yes life is for living and our Moggy is very much a part of our life. Not sure a Leica is that much like a Morgan though!

Have a good weekend good light base plate cover or not condoms or not etc


Richard

[Philinflash]

I was just kidding about the rot. I'm glad you're such a good sport about it! Sorry to rag you; couldn't resist. It is like a Leica in the sense that high prices and long buyer queues create value for the owners.

[Philinflash]

Davor, how did you skin your plate?

[Richard Marks]

Hi Phil
Highly amusing thread and not a troll in site!
Well its horrible looking weather here in Sheffield and I suspect both the Morgan and M8 could be in the garage. Maybe ill put a bit more Cuprinol on those wooden beams!
Take care
Richard

[lushd]

I've just put the plastic protectors on my M6 and M3 but only because they came with a new skin from Aki. He also sends top plate protectors and two bits of skin for the back door. He's obvioulsy encouraging us to practice safe photography...

[Philinflash]

Hi Phil
Highly amusing thread and not a troll in site!
Well its horrible looking weather here in Sheffield and I suspect both the Morgan and M8 could be in the garage. Maybe ill put a bit more Cuprinol on those wooden beams!
Take care
Richard

Don't worry, the weather here in NY is even worse. I was tempted last night to go out into Central Park to take some snow-scapes with my new M8 but it was not even a pretty snow. And, as it was still coming down and liberally salted with sleet and frozen rain, I popped a DVD into the player and put my feet up.

I used to drive a car that had even less metal in it than your Morgan: a Lotus Europa S2. At least the plastic didn't rot. Ran it for 6 years; my favourite car of all times. Obviously, I have no digital images with which to bore you. Maybe one day I'll scan some of those old 'chromes.

Philip

[usccharles]

i removed my sticky. already have a few knicks and brass wear. gives my camera character, i say. besides the sticky makes my camera look ugly and makes me look cheap, like people who wrap their remote controls with saran wrap, yuk!

but i do have to say leica makes them stickys damn hard to remove. it so dang sticky. its like they Didn't want you to remove it...

:)

[Philinflash]

like people who wrap their remote controls with saran wrap, yuk!

:)

You mean I can wrap my remote in saran wrap without voiding the warranty?

[usccharles]

wrap it in saran wrap and you will even outlast the warranty :)

[Iron Flatline]

I tried to remove the sticky, but couldn't get my nail underneath it. Then I got too lazy. Once it starts peeling naturally I'll take it off.

[grduprey]

I have not removed the plastic. Butuntilthis thread showed up, I had frogotten all about it. I remember when I removed the plastice from my M6TTL, it took almost an hour to get rid of the sticky adhesive. Leica really found a good adhesive for this.