Do you guys use camera protection skins?
Is it worth using one?
How hard is to apply it and take off if needed?
Would it damage actual body, or leave some glue etc?
I installed Alphagvrd skins on both of my A1’s. I was initially intimidated by the process, but it was easier than I expected - taking an hour and fifteen minutes per camera. I used the skins that match the camera, so the cameras do not look skinned. I couldn’t be happier and highly recommend installing them.
I have also skinned all of my lenses (12). In fact, it is the first thing I do after verifying sharpness/centering when acquiring new lenses.
I use skins and screen protectors on all my cameras - it gives me great peace of mind to just get on with using the camera without worrying about wear and tear.
I used the JJC/Kiwifotos one on the A7c and the bottom half is very good but the top half (or rather than top section that is silver on the silver variant) is terrible - huge gaps, so I wouldn't recommend it. I used the JJC/Kiwifotos one on the A7iv and A7iii/A7riii as well and they're OK - they do the job.
I used an Alphagvrd/Life+Guard one on my A7Riv and it was far higher quality - the fit/cut was far better and a thinner (but still strong) material that fits into nooks and crannies better.
The all use 3M material and it comes off in seconds leaving little to no residue. If it does lose reside you can easily take it off with a lens cleaner/cloth.
Here’s most of my line up…needless to say, I watched a lot of YouTube during the hours of applying all of them over a couple of weekends. It wasn’t difficult to install. Just time consuming. Camera was a little tedious. Lenses are really easy honestly. Again, just takes time. The camera, and especially when shooting with the 400 is a huuuge talking ice breaker. So if you don’t want people to comment and talk to you, don’t do it.
At the motogp races is Austin few weeks ago, I was probably stopped every 10-15 minutes to talk about it from people.
InFocus2014 wrote:
I used the skins that match the camera, so the cameras do not look skinned.
I used to do the same until last summer when my A1 started overheating under direct sunlight. Now I use the “Arctic White” pattern which is slightly brighter than the 400&600 GM color. It really helps here in TN. The skin doesn’t look seamless anymore, but I don’t care as long as the camera runs cooler. I also re-skinned all my long “outdoor” lenses, so now the focus ring is the only part that’s getting warm.
007Boarder wrote:
Here’s most of my line up…needless to say, I watched a lot of YouTube during the hours of applying all of them over a couple of weekends. It wasn’t difficult to install. Just time consuming. Camera was a little tedious. Lenses are really easy honestly. Again, just takes time. The camera, and especially when shooting with the 400 is a huuuge talking ice breaker. So if you don’t want people to comment and talk to you, don’t do it.
At the motogp races is Austin few weeks ago, I was probably stopped every 10-15 minutes to talk about it from people. ...Show more →
InFocus2014 wrote:
I installed Alphagvrd skins on both of my A1’s. I was initially intimidated by the process, but it was easier than I expected - taking an hour and fifteen minutes per camera. I used the skins that match the camera, so the cameras do not look skinned. I couldn’t be happier and highly recommend installing them.
I have also skinned all of my lenses (12). In fact, it is the first thing I do after verifying sharpness/centering when acquiring new lenses.
I'm curious if the skin leaves a residue if you ever would want to sell the camera.
I use the Alphagvrd on my Leica M11 to keep the camera finish perfect since that affects the resale value so much. Provides great protection, no residue when removed, and was easy to apply.
Any way for water or salt making their way under the skins between seams? That would be my main concern…salt has a way of getting into tiny places causing havoc.
I have Alphagvrd skin on my two A1s, the 200-600, and just received one for my 600GM, haven't had time to put it on the 600 yet as I will need to use the lens tomorrow. Not hard to put them on but need to be careful in placing different pieces on the right places.
+1 for Alphagvard. If you do a search for Alphagvard coupons, you can usually find one for 15-20% off.
They are quite forgiving. If you make a mistake, you can peel them off and re-do them. If you do that more than once the skin stretches. Just hitting it with a hair dryer for a second or two shrinks it back to shape.
I used the "obsidian black" on my A1 and smaller lenses, and the "urban camo" on my 200-600. However, after seeing the colorful collection on lenses above it is tempting to go that route...
chez wrote:
Any way for water or salt making their way under the skins between seams? That would be my main concern…salt has a way of getting into tiny places causing havoc.
Although the seams don't appear to be weather proof, or have perfect seals, the skins themselves probably won't allow moisture between them and the body. They are just as waterproof in this way as a class protector on a rear screen. I have never seen that kind of problem with them.
chez wrote:
Any way for water or salt making their way under the skins between seams? That would be my main concern…salt has a way of getting into tiny places causing havoc.
negative. I have the combo under heavy rain many times and nothing go under.
NonDecaf wrote:
I'm curious if the skin leaves a residue if you ever would want to sell the camera.
No residue, whatsoever. It is the same 3M brand material that is used in vehicle wraps. I have re-wrapped three of my lenses due to a material design preference and tactile feel of the materials, with no residue when the original wrap was peeled-off. Aside from the Camo designs of my larger lenses, all my other lenses are either wrapped in Shadow Black or Carbon Black (sample shown, below). I like the tactile feel and look of these particular materials.
I do not have the courage to use the 'Sticker Bomb' design that 007Boarder uses.
