I've always wondered why these types of threads always spiral or digress and become unnecessarily divisive. The red dot or taping it up or changing it to a screw is a personal thing and I never understood why people questioned the logic of it. Everyone dresses differently and the same goes for messing about with one's gear - adding soft releases (sometimes in garish colours), changing straps, adding cases. To me covering the red dot or changing it to a black Leica logo (the latter looks very sexy to me) is just another form of accessorising. I don't see why people need to rationalise it or justify it and why other people need to be sceptical as to any of the reasons (though admittedly I do sound like I'm rationalising it...though I don't shoot Leica any more).
I used to tape up my Leicas or cover the red dots because I like an all black camera (I didn't do so for my Zf because I feel taping or colouring the Nikon wording takes away from the look of the camera - nothing to do with value). I wear black t shirts all the time with no logos or wording and that's how I prefer my cameras. I taped up the Leica script on my M10D before. Maybe it also has to do with keeping the camera more discrete and understated because that's part of why I wear black all the time, and I can't speak for others. But this said, in dodgy areas I'd rather the red dot be covered up than not. People questioning the logic of taping a red dot cause theieves or robbers steal cameras whatever the brand may not see the utility of being more discrete if possible (even though the red dot is already small), though the safest way to avoid being targeted apart from getting insurance or using a cheaper camera is to be street smart and be understated and pretend to know what you're doing in an unfamiliar place.
Also, street photography and photographing daily life and other people does have a psychological barrier to it in the sense you don't want your subjects to be self conscious when you raise your camera and point it at them (and you don't want to be self conscious either when doing so). It may not make much of a difference in reality but if taping up a camera allows ones to get a shot because one thinks the camera is more understated, then I'd encourage taping or covering up the dot because one of the worst feelings in photography is walking away having missed a shot.
It's a flat top slab of a camera, which would assist in identifying the target by that alone, in contrast to the small hump and curbed grip and shutter release placement of the mainstream mirrorless cameras.
But the red dot does have a kind of visual magnetism when the camera is held in its orthodox position. I went looking to see how conspicuous it actually was, and blow me down, the first video was from a guy with this black screw fitting, 3:44 into this YT one - Gaston Shutters:
Desmolicious wrote:
I see lots of old bald men use them to attract much younger women.
What other use is there for a cabriolet with automatic transmission?
I agree on the cabriolet. Too heavy, and too flexible for any kind of speed work. Plus the coupe models are as good at getting women as the cabriolet.
However, the current Porsche competition versions of the automatic Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmissions are as good or better than any race driver could do. Lap times prove that, plus no more bent valves from missing shifts.
I like the way the screw on the P series look. It's simple and elegant. Hopefully the supply.als site will have a silver version. $70 for one is bid much. There is something pure about an all black or all silver body.
I wrapped my Q3, and I really dig the all black shadow look. Not trying to hide anything. I have brass Leica thumb grip which probably stands out more than the red logo.
I have been carrying Leicas for 50 years including my M11, Q3, and SL3 now. I travel all over the world with my cameras. Thieves don't target red dots. Most thieves have no idea what a red dot means. Thieves target tech in general and particularly mobile phones (watched 3 snatched in one piazza in Italy because people set them down in highly trafficked locations). Never got the whole tape-over-the-red-dot craze.
If you have an aesthetic problem with the Leica dot, great. Tape away. But it's not saving your camera from a theft attempt. Urban legend.
thanks Fred for posting the tutorial on how to remove the dot. I ordered one and received it today. In Switzerland I never felt unsafe with expensive camera gear. Hiding the Red dot to me is just an aesthetic preference. I think the Leica logo does look good on the silver bodies though. I personally never liked red on black. My Q3 just became that much prettier to me, which was well worth the 70$ expense. My wife spends that amount per month on make-up and I don't think it makes that much of a difference (don't tell her that I said that though , she's beautiful either way).
I'm not in the business of promoting or advertising cameras and cover all branding regardless of manufacturer, including those to whom I've supplied images.
Well, ordered one a few weeks back, supposedly shipped on the 15th, no tracking number, here I am on the 21st and still not received. Only way to contact is via Instagram apparently so I had to get an account for that just to be able to reach out and ask about my order (total pain). it's not starting off too well. Hopefully I hear back from them soon, if not I will start a PayPal process to reclaim my $...
edit: just arrived after over a week in transit, looks nice
KLaban wrote:
I'm not in the business of promoting or advertising cameras and cover all branding regardless of manufacturer, including those to whom I've supplied images.
leolab wrote:
Well, ordered one a few weeks back, supposedly shipped on the 15th, no tracking number, here I am on the 21st and still not received. Only way to contact is via Instagram apparently so I had to get an account for that just to be able to reach out and ask about my order (total pain). it's not starting off too well. Hopefully I hear back from them soon, if not I will start a PayPal process to reclaim my $...
edit: just arrived after over a week in transit, looks nice
Not a good business practice, no contact info and no tracking # provided are bad !
Before posting this thread, I verified the legitimacy of the product and purchased both black and silver dots. I received a purchase confirmation, and the dots arrived within four days. I was impressed with the craftsmanship...the dots look and feel like the original Leica ones and are thin enough to sit flush with the body. The painting process looks solid. In the past, I've painted a couple of red dots to black myself using several coats of paint, but they didn't last long.
I haven't tried any cheaper alternatives, but I highly recommend these. I should mention that I didn't consider contact methods initially, as my subsequent conversations with the seller were through Instagram. He responded very quickly.
1bwana1 wrote:
I agree on the cabriolet. Too heavy, and too flexible for any kind of speed work. Plus the coupe models are as good at getting women as the cabriolet.
However, the current Porsche competition versions of the automatic Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmissions are as good or better than any race driver could do. Lap times prove that, plus no more bent valves from missing shifts.
I have a GT3 Touring with a manual. No missed shifts if you pay attention. But I use that car for fun on back roads, not racing. PDK is definintely better on track.
, she's beautiful either way).