Re: [Leica]warning about plastic on base plate

["Philip S. Kronenberg" <philkvt@vt.edu>]

Duane,

The day my new M6 arrived from Don Chatterton last month, I called him to
discuss a lens and in the course of our conversation, I asked him if it made
sense to leave the protective plastic film on the baseplate--since I was
going to put a Really Right Stuff QR plate on it. He said to leave it on,
that it would protect the metal from scratches and could do no harm. 

After I saw you question on our LUG list, I checked back through the cards
and booklets that came with my M6. There was absolutely nothing from Leica
that cautioned about the need to remove the protective film from the baseplate. 

That fact, added to my trust in Don Chatterton, leads me to conclude that
I'll leave the plastic film on the baseplate.

        -Phil kronenberg, Reston, Virginia

>------------------------------
>
>From: "BIRKEY, DUANE" <dbirkey@hcjb.org.ec>
>Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 9:00:14 -0500
>Subject: [Leica] warning about plastic on base plate
>
>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
>
>>