[Leica] warning about plastic on base plate

["BIRKEY, DUANE" <dbirkey@hcjb.org.ec>]

Leica USA has informed me that the plastic should be removed from base as 
it can cause static buildup which could in turn leave static discharge 
marks on your film.  Particularly if the camera is used in cold or dry 
climates.

I commented that it seems kind of silly to put it on in the first place.  
But apparently Leica Marketing has insisted that Solms put the plastic on 
so that baseplates will recieve less wear while dealers show the cameras 
to potential customers.   They feel that the collector market likes to 
have it on as well as it can maintain the value of the camera better.

There is supposed to be a written notice included with the cards that 
warns users to remove the plastic sticker especially if the camera is to 
be used in cold or dry climates.  I don't remember seeing that piece of 
paper with my camera.

Anybody else see that????

Duane