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Archive 2023 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

crf59
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p.1 #1 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

I know this is a very odd, useless post, but I couldn't help myself.

Over the decades I have noticed the occasional comment about gaffer's tape to cover up Leica red dots and other brand names on cameras to be "more inconspicuous and avoid theft".

I find that very interesting and frankly funny. If a person is savvy enough to know what a Leica is they will know the look of one just based on shape. Human's have a very good ability to detect visible patterns (many of you, like me, can tell the make and model of a car at long distances on the highway). You can see a fighter jet in the sky tell what model it is.

Covering a red dot does nothing to hide the camera. I've even been in NYC and overheard some possible, young, would-be thieves commenting on a guy who was carrying a Leica with the dot covered (yes, I warned the guy after hearing it). He and I discussed the whole tape thing and had a laugh together (he had a 0.95 Noctilux I drooled over - thought about stealing the camera myself...

).

I then observed a gentleman in Japan with pink camouflage tape covering his red dot and model logo. Yes pink. I could see it a mile away.

It's become somewhat of a fad in my opinion. The only useful application of gaffers' tape I've seen on Leicas is covering the audio ports on the original Leica Q to keep dust out. Being an engineer and dealing with materials all the time, I'd worry about the adhesive damaging the finish much more than covering a brand name or logo.

But tape on young stallions!

(and please take this in the lighthearted way it's intended)

Nov 03, 2023 at 07:44 AM

bjhurley
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p.1 #2 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

The two reasons I tape over logos on my cameras:

1. The manufacturers aren't paying me to advertise for them; why should I advertise on their behalf for free? Same reason I cut off logos from clothing when possible (it's no longer possible for many brands).
2. Seeing a camera's brand can bias your subjects' opinions of you as a photographer when taking photos of people, especially if they know anything about cameras. I'd rather keep it a mystery. Of course with a Leica there's no mystery; no other camera looks like that, but I mainly use Sony and put electrician's tape over the logos on those cameras. My Leica doesn't have a red dot (it's an M2R) so I don't tape over anything on that camera.

Nov 03, 2023 at 07:57 AM

Robin Smith
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p.1 #3 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

No one cares about your camera. What biases do you have against non-Sony users or do you think they have for you as a Sony user? Any keen photographer can see what your camera is anyway tape or not. I naturally rip off all the badges of my car because I can't bear to advertise for the company that made it.

Nov 03, 2023 at 09:19 AM

TENOG
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p.1 #4 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

Just to add to the mix, my Fuji X100V and X-E4 are often thought to be Leicas by curious people who ask me. They also frequently ask me if they are film cameras, which I find interesting.

Nov 03, 2023 at 12:13 PM

RoamingScott
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p.1 #5 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

It's a form of virtue signaling. In practical terms, it does nothing for the safety of the camera and only tells you about the photographer

Nov 03, 2023 at 12:17 PM

rscheffler
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p.1 #6 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

TENOG wrote:
Just to add to the mix, my Fuji X100V and X-E4 are often thought to be Leicas by curious people who ask me. They also frequently ask me if they are film cameras, which I find interesting.

I've typically experienced the opposite, where those inquiring thought the Leica was a Fuji. These were usually younger people who would be more familiar with recent Fujifilm cameras, such as the X100, than Leica.

Nov 03, 2023 at 12:29 PM

bjhurley
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p.1 #7 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

TENOG wrote:
They also frequently ask me if they are film cameras, which I find interesting.

That often happens to me as well, even with my Sony, as I'm usually using vintage lenses on it. Film is so fashionable now that people invariably lose interest and walk away when I tell them it's a digital camera.

Nov 03, 2023 at 12:34 PM

flash
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p.1 #8 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

I cover the red dot on my M's as I don't like the look of the red dot. All my M's are black. I suppose I could wait for the *P* version but it's me.....

I don't cover my SL's, Q's or other Leca dots. Just the M.

As for what they think I'm shooting with? Mostly if I get asked if it's a "cool old film camera". Weirdly, I'm not some bearded, flannel wearing hipster so I don't get how that's the conclusion. More people seem to know it's a Leica than think it's a Fujifilm. Mind you with the current prices for a X100V, I had to settle for an M11.

I don't think thieves care. You're an easy mark or you're not, regardless of the gear. I'm an aware traveller. I do stay vigilant naturally. Luck that way.

Gordon

Nov 03, 2023 at 01:36 PM

flash
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p.1 #9 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

Robin Smith wrote:
I naturally rip off all the badges of my car because I can't bear to advertise for the company that made it.

Point taken but I do insist that there's no dealer stickers etc on any car I drive. Hate those cheap licence plate surrounds. I refused delivery of my Defender because they didn't follow instructions and they whisked the car away for removal and a clean... And my Polestar is very stealth. I like it has only a body coloured logo and no branding.

Gordon

Nov 03, 2023 at 01:39 PM

johnvanr
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p.1 #10 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

I cover the brand if I think it may help prevent theft. Any brand.

I figure criminals are risk-averse, so they go for the easiest target. Anything I can put in their way (doubt about value, an extra lock, etc.) will likely make them move onto the next target, i.e. the guy with the expensive camera clearly exposed.

It�s not about being faster than the bear, it�s about being faster than the other guy the bear is chasing.

Nov 03, 2023 at 02:20 PM

AndereObjektiv
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p.1 #11 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

To be honest, don't be in high crime areas with any camera, taped logo or not. If a camera theft does occur, good luck with getting help from police or the district attorney, if one is lucky, and it is not a "Robbery gone wrong".

Nov 03, 2023 at 02:44 PM

RustyBug
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p.1 #12 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

I haven't "gaffed", my Red Dots, but I do prefer the black dot screw on my M-P (since sold) and M246. So, I'd be more inclined to replace the RED DOT, with a black dot ... even though it costs a bit more than a piece of tape. And yet, I haven't done that either.

Imo, the whole tape thing is a different way of showing that you're trying to hide something. OTOH, if you are trying to "protect" the RED DOT from getting blemished ... well, that's different.

As to thieves and value ... does it matter if it is a Sony, Leica, Nikon, Canon or Fuji? Thieves will steal a $2000 item just as well as they'll steal a $5,000 item. Kinda like catching a 2lb bass, a 5lb bass or a a few bluegill ... you're just gonna eat more from one than the other. But, either way, it puts food on the table (etc.).

Sure, increased value may incur increased risk taking, but in general ... opportunity is what catches the thief's attention. Red dot, black dot or gaffer's tape isn't their first consideration. Basic value threshold (i.e. camera / lens) combined with opportunity ... increased value above that is gravy. Or ... just leave your i-Phone laying around and see what happens.

Nov 03, 2023 at 09:21 PM

d.s.
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p.1 #13 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

crf59 wrote:
The only useful application of gaffers' tape I've seen on Leicas is covering the audio ports on the original Leica Q to keep dust out. Being an engineer and dealing with materials all the time, I'd worry about the adhesive damaging the finish much more than covering a brand name or logo.

Gaffers tape doesn�t damage the finish, at least in any perceptible way. To the contrary, taping above the eyelets eliminates the possibilityof some strap rub marks you�ll see on Ms.

Nov 03, 2023 at 09:52 PM

RexGig0
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p.1 #14 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

I have yet to gaff-tape a logo. Much of the time, if carrying a Leica M camera, it is a 246 Monochrom, which has no red logo to cover, anyway.

Here in Texas, I am not sure many thieves would know a Leica from any other brand. A Nikon, Canon, or Sony might be more tempting, due to greater brand recognition.

Edited on Nov 04, 2023 at 06:02 AM · View previous versions

Nov 03, 2023 at 10:43 PM

ftllens
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p.1 #15 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

I just do it cause it looks cool lol

Nov 03, 2023 at 11:10 PM

1bwana1
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p.1 #16 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

Any thief that steals cameras will know a Leica M by its shape alone. Just as any car thief will know a Porsche 911 by its shape no matter how you paint it.

They both have iconic shapes. Badges mean nothing.

Nov 03, 2023 at 11:14 PM

jakelindsay
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p.1 #17 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

I read/heard that some Sony shooters would use it because when they showed up to a gig if they didn't have a Canon or a Nikon they would be out of a job. Not sure how real or often that was.

Nov 04, 2023 at 01:35 AM

panos.v
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p.1 #18 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

Do thieves go out looking for high value camera equipment? I doubt an opportunist thief cares what camera brand your camera is. Are they going to list your Leica on a ebay and wait for a month for it to sell? Nope, they'll drop it off at whatever place takes them just like they do with that 15 year Canon 350D.

Nov 04, 2023 at 04:32 AM

RustyBug
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p.1 #19 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

gunmetal wrote:
I read/heard that some Sony shooters would use it because when they showed up to a gig if they didn't have a Canon or a Nikon they would be out of a job. Not sure how real or often that was.

There was definitely a time when this was TRUE. It wasn't just "any" Canon / Nikon, but there were some inherent differences in the files (going back a bit, now) that editors / AD's required, and they also had requirements for a certain level of camera within the Canon / Nikon camp that you had to meet (i.e. 1D series, not Rebel series ... 5D series was "iffy" for some).

I'm remiss to recall the technical factors that this was around. BUT, I figure that is now a bit of yesterday's news, as Sony has continued to raise their bar. But, yes Canon / Nikon professional series files were a requirement in some realms.

Nov 04, 2023 at 06:05 AM

RustyBug
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p.1 #20 · To Gaff or not to Gaff

RexGig0 wrote:
I have yet to gaff-tape a logo. Much of the time, if carrying a Leica M camera, it is a 246 Monochrom, which has no red logo to cover, anyway.

Here in Texas, I am not sure many thieves would know a Leica from any other brand. A Nikon, Canon, or Sony might be more tempting, due to greater brand recognition.

I'd think that if a thief didn't know that the value of an M was such as it is ... they'd mistake it for some old film camera, and it would be BELOW their threshold of value / risk.

I once had a guy approach me in the '80s with a case of camera gear. Turns out it was Hassy gear. He had inherited it, wanted to know what is was worth. Didn't figure it to be much. I priced it out for him, and it came in around $8,000. $8K in the 80's was a chunk of change (still is, but even more so back then).

Well, the next day he filed a report that it had been stolen, and valued it at $8K. I got called in to court to testify, as it got challenged as a fraudulent theft report.

Point being ... sometimes folks know what the value of things are. Other times, they don't. Do I think he would have filed a theft report, if they had come in around $500 (which was his initial estimate of value) ... likely not.

And, yes ... it was a fraudulent theft report that had been filed.

I always thought, things would have turned out better if I'd offered him $500 for it, instead of telling him what he had. But, then I'd have been exploiting his ignorance ... and I just wanted to help him appreciate what he had. Turns out, he had no appreciation for the Hassy, only saw an opportunity for $$$.

Again, thieves are opportunists ... and come in all manner of shapes, styles, approaches and strategies to liberate you from things of value. More personal stories about thieves (successful and unsuccessful), but the common thread among all of mine ... opportunity availed itself to the thief. Value, ranged from camera gear to diaper bags ... but, opportunity was perceived by the thief, so they took it.

The red dot may make a thief "perk up" and pay attention as he's looking for an easy mark. But, if you aren't an easy mark ... he'll move on to find one that is in most cases (imo). "Steal me stickers" (car audio) were something I avoided. Yet, I still got my stuff stolen on a smash and grab while at school. Thief knew I'd be in class (i.e opportunity). My stuff wasn't the top shelf gear, but ... small value is more than no value ... perceived value (even if unknown to how small / large) + opportunity = attempt.

Nov 04, 2023 at 06:15 AM

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