My fasionable Spotmatic

Sluggo · 04-20-2010, 07:28 AM

Posted in response to keyser's thread: if that is porn, I'd like to think this is fashion -- considering the difference in the lighting, and the clothes.

(flickr)

Last edited by Sluggo; 04-20-2010 at 07:37 AM. Reason: misbehaving link -- too bad I can't fix the typo in the thread title :(

Nesster · 04-20-2010, 07:49 AM

Sluggo, what a pretty lizard, green's the new black this year

Me, I go for the black lizard skin mini dresses and long legs...

hangu · 04-20-2010, 08:05 AM

Where did you get this done?

Sluggo · 04-20-2010, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by hangu

Where did you get this done?

The camera came to me in nearly perfect cosmetic shape (except for the corrosion/pitting you see on the self-timer screw, which I'll find a replacement for at some point), but in need of mechanical and electrical work, which I farmed off to Eric Hendrickson. He did a great job with it.

After a test roll confirmed everything was working properly, I ordered a custom skin kit from Aki Asahi in Japan, and applied it myself. They aren't expensive, and they are not all that difficult to work with if you are careful and take your time.

geauxpez · 04-20-2010, 10:12 AM

I emailed Aki Asahi a month or so ago to see if I could get photos of the different skins that they offer, but I never got a reply. They only show a few on the website.

séamuis · 04-20-2010, 10:25 AM

she's a real beauty mate!

woof · 04-20-2010, 10:58 AM

Most reliable source for material such as this is here: CameraLeather.com Custom camera leather and leatherette

For Pentax see this page: Cameraleather - leather kits for Pentax SLR's

The are not the only materials that they have, just suggestions. For the full listing for Pentax see: Cameraleather Materials & Colors This is helpful too: cameraleather.com Online Ordering Page

I have a nice old Spotmatic with a split prism. It came with a horrible DIY job, so I replaced the leather with VH Black Pebbled Vinyl which is close to the original. Came out great. It is pretty easy to do. Requires patience, a steady hand, and an ability to follow instructions. It took me about an hour of concentrated effort taken in two steps. 1. removal of old material and drying; 2. application of new material.

Removal of the old material and adhesive is the worst part. Let me recommend lighter fluid for removing the adhesive. Also, follow the instructions this company gives re: using Purell for application of the new skin. Works perfecly.

I'm dying to do my H3 in this: Cameraleather - Colors and materials

woof!

JeffJS · 04-20-2010, 11:04 AM

Originally posted by woof

Most reliable source for material such as this is here: CameraLeather.com Custom camera leather and leatherette

For Pentax see this page: Cameraleather - leather kits for Pentax SLR's

The are not the only materials that they have, just suggestions. For the full listing for Pentax see: Cameraleather Materials & Colors This is helpful too: cameraleather.com Online Ordering Page

I have a nice old Spotmatic with a split prism. It came with a horrible DIY job, so I replaced the leather with VH Black Pebbled Vinyl which is close to the original. Came out great. It is pretty easy to do. Requires patience, a steady hand, and an ability to follow instructions. It took me about an hour of concentrated effort taken in two steps. 1. removal of old material and drying; 2. application of new material.

Removal of the old material and adhesive is the worst part. Let me recommend lighter fluid for removing the adhesive. Also, follow the instructions this company gives re: using Purell for application of the new skin. Works perfecly.

I'm dying to do my H3 in this: Cameraleather - Colors and materials

woof!

+10 for Cameraleather.com. I've done a few Rolleiflexes, to restore original appearance (both for hire and for my personal cameras), and the fit is Spot on. They may ask you to send photo of your camera so they can send you the exact proper kit. In the case of Rolleiflex (TLR) cameras, there are sometimes subtle differences, even in the same production model.

Sluggo · 04-20-2010, 02:31 PM

Originally posted by woof

Most reliable source for material such as this is here: CameraLeather.com Custom camera leather and leatherette

I've also used cameraleather, and received two good covers, but also one where I eventually settled for something I don't much like, because the process of communicating and trying to clear up a problem took a long time and wore me out. I can't say he treated me unfairly: just so very, very s-l-o-w-l-y that I eventually gave up. That's one of the best documented ways of dealing with a difficult customer, right?

So I decided to do the next one through Aki. This cover arrived faster (from Japan, mind you) than any I ever got from cameraleather, cost less, looks better to me and feels better to the touch. As far as I'm concerned there is no comparison between the two: unless there turns out to be a durability issue, I'll keep going back to Aki for covering the camera models he supports.

Unfortunately, Aki supports just a few Pentaxes. :-/

woof · 04-20-2010, 03:43 PM

Originally posted by Sluggo

I've also used cameraleather... the process of communicating and trying to clear up a problem took a long time and wore me out. So I decided to do the next one through Aki.

Sorry to hear you had a negative experience.

In any event, let me say that that is one beautiful Spotmatic. Congratulations. A very unique and personal statement.

woof!

stevebrot · 04-20-2010, 04:41 PM

Yes, a very beautiful Spotmatic. Now if I could only get that material for my Yashica Lynx 1000.

Steve

(Really liking the green cameras lately...)

Sluggo · 04-20-2010, 04:43 PM

Originally posted by woof

Sorry to hear you had a negative experience.

Well, YMMV as always. I wasn't going to air that stuff, but felt it was called for after the first mention of Aki-Asahi brought these responses that made it sound like anybody who orders them must never have heard of cameraleather. I recognize many people have positive experiences with cameraleather, as indeed I have too. And I might try to order from him again sometime, although the way the last transaction ended he might not be eager to deal with me anymore either.

Originally posted by woof

In any event, let me say that that is one beautiful Spotmatic. Congratulations. A very unique and personal statement.

Thanks, yeah I'm happy with it. Besides being a good shooter, it's proven a fine conversation starter a couple of times when I've had it out in the world. Sometimes I like that.

woof · 04-20-2010, 05:52 PM

Originally posted by Sluggo

Well, YMMV as always. I wasn't going to air that stuff, but felt it was called for after the first mention of Aki-Asahi brought these responses that made it sound like anybody who orders them must never have heard of cameraleather.

Sorry. My doing. And not fair either. I have bought from both. One skin each. This is probably not enough to form such an opinion, and I recognize that.

I had a harder time with the Aki-Asahi transaction, as I asked a bunch of questions at first and got no response. I finally ordered somewhat blindly I was not 100% happy with what I got.

Anyway, the reason I was not happy had nothing to do with quality. The fit and finish was beautiful. Cost for cost, Aki-Asahi material may well be of a higher grade.

With Aki for 13.00 you tend to get cowhide or goatskin leather that is embossed to look like lizard, etc. With Camera Leather the cowhide and goatskin are significantly more, running 34.00 to 44.00

Anyway, FWIW, the Aki-Asahi site is here: http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/sp/index.php

The materials page is here: http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/material-list/001_e.htm

I am tempted to do something like this: http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/uncut-leather/PinkLizard_01.jpg

Pretty sure that would start a conversation or two. Heh.

Sluggo · 04-20-2010, 06:34 PM

Originally posted by woof

...One skin each. This is probably not enough to form such an opinion, and I recognize that. ...

Well, it's human nature to generalize based on a pretty small number of personal experiences. Obviously I'm doing it now. Anyway I don't see any new colorful camera skins in my immediate future, unless maybe I decide to send Eric the broken KX I picked up last week, and then get all obsessive with that one too. Heh.

Originally posted by woof

...I am tempted to do something like this: http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/uncut-leather/PinkLizard_01.jpg

...

Umm ...

keyser · 04-21-2010, 08:25 AM

We should start a petition to get the spotmatic officially named as the most photogenic camera!

04-20-2010, 07:28 AM	#1
Sluggo Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ames, Iowa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 774	My fasionable Spotmatic Posted in response to keyser's thread: if that is porn, I'd like to think this is fashion -- considering the difference in the lighting, and the clothes. (flickr) Last edited by Sluggo; 04-20-2010 at 07:37 AM. Reason: misbehaving link -- too bad I can't fix the typo in the thread title :(

04-20-2010, 02:31 PM	#9
Sluggo Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ames, Iowa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 774 Original Poster	Originally posted by woof Most reliable source for material such as this is here: CameraLeather.com Custom camera leather and leatherette I've also used cameraleather, and received two good covers, but also one where I eventually settled for something I don't much like, because the process of communicating and trying to clear up a problem took a long time and wore me out. I can't say he treated me unfairly: just so very, very s-l-o-w-l-y that I eventually gave up. That's one of the best documented ways of dealing with a difficult customer, right? So I decided to do the next one through Aki. This cover arrived faster (from Japan, mind you) than any I ever got from cameraleather, cost less, looks better to me and feels better to the touch. As far as I'm concerned there is no comparison between the two: unless there turns out to be a durability issue, I'll keep going back to Aki for covering the camera models he supports. Unfortunately, Aki supports just a few Pentaxes. :-/ Last edited by Sluggo; 04-20-2010 at 02:54 PM. Reason: there's ALWAYS one more typo

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04-20-2010, 07:49 AM	#2
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	Sluggo, what a pretty lizard, green's the new black this year Me, I go for the black lizard skin mini dresses and long legs...

04-20-2010, 08:05 AM	#3
hangu Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NYC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,071	Where did you get this done?

04-20-2010, 08:30 AM	#4
Sluggo Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ames, Iowa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 774 Original Poster	Originally posted by hangu Where did you get this done? The camera came to me in nearly perfect cosmetic shape (except for the corrosion/pitting you see on the self-timer screw, which I'll find a replacement for at some point), but in need of mechanical and electrical work, which I farmed off to Eric Hendrickson. He did a great job with it. After a test roll confirmed everything was working properly, I ordered a custom skin kit from Aki Asahi in Japan, and applied it myself. They aren't expensive, and they are not all that difficult to work with if you are careful and take your time.

04-20-2010, 10:12 AM	#5
geauxpez Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Atlanta Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,196	I emailed Aki Asahi a month or so ago to see if I could get photos of the different skins that they offer, but I never got a reply. They only show a few on the website.

04-20-2010, 10:25 AM	#6
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	she's a real beauty mate!

04-20-2010, 10:58 AM	#7
woof Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: In the present Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,870	Most reliable source for material such as this is here: CameraLeather.com Custom camera leather and leatherette For Pentax see this page: Cameraleather - leather kits for Pentax SLR's The are not the only materials that they have, just suggestions. For the full listing for Pentax see: Cameraleather Materials & Colors This is helpful too: cameraleather.com Online Ordering Page I have a nice old Spotmatic with a split prism. It came with a horrible DIY job, so I replaced the leather with VH Black Pebbled Vinyl which is close to the original. Came out great. It is pretty easy to do. Requires patience, a steady hand, and an ability to follow instructions. It took me about an hour of concentrated effort taken in two steps. 1. removal of old material and drying; 2. application of new material. Removal of the old material and adhesive is the worst part. Let me recommend lighter fluid for removing the adhesive. Also, follow the instructions this company gives re: using Purell for application of the new skin. Works perfecly. I'm dying to do my H3 in this: Cameraleather - Colors and materials woof!

04-20-2010, 11:04 AM	#8
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by woof Most reliable source for material such as this is here: CameraLeather.com Custom camera leather and leatherette For Pentax see this page: Cameraleather - leather kits for Pentax SLR's The are not the only materials that they have, just suggestions. For the full listing for Pentax see: Cameraleather Materials & Colors This is helpful too: cameraleather.com Online Ordering Page I have a nice old Spotmatic with a split prism. It came with a horrible DIY job, so I replaced the leather with VH Black Pebbled Vinyl which is close to the original. Came out great. It is pretty easy to do. Requires patience, a steady hand, and an ability to follow instructions. It took me about an hour of concentrated effort taken in two steps. 1. removal of old material and drying; 2. application of new material. Removal of the old material and adhesive is the worst part. Let me recommend lighter fluid for removing the adhesive. Also, follow the instructions this company gives re: using Purell for application of the new skin. Works perfecly. I'm dying to do my H3 in this: Cameraleather - Colors and materials woof! +10 for Cameraleather.com. I've done a few Rolleiflexes, to restore original appearance (both for hire and for my personal cameras), and the fit is Spot on. They may ask you to send photo of your camera so they can send you the exact proper kit. In the case of Rolleiflex (TLR) cameras, there are sometimes subtle differences, even in the same production model.

04-20-2010, 03:43 PM	#10
woof Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: In the present Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,870	Originally posted by Sluggo I've also used cameraleather... the process of communicating and trying to clear up a problem took a long time and wore me out. So I decided to do the next one through Aki. Sorry to hear you had a negative experience. In any event, let me say that that is one beautiful Spotmatic. Congratulations. A very unique and personal statement. woof!

04-20-2010, 04:41 PM	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Yes, a very beautiful Spotmatic. Now if I could only get that material for my Yashica Lynx 1000. Steve (Really liking the green cameras lately...)

04-20-2010, 04:43 PM	#12
Sluggo Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ames, Iowa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 774 Original Poster	Originally posted by woof Sorry to hear you had a negative experience. Well, YMMV as always. I wasn't going to air that stuff, but felt it was called for after the first mention of Aki-Asahi brought these responses that made it sound like anybody who orders them must never have heard of cameraleather. I recognize many people have positive experiences with cameraleather, as indeed I have too. And I might try to order from him again sometime, although the way the last transaction ended he might not be eager to deal with me anymore either. Originally posted by woof In any event, let me say that that is one beautiful Spotmatic. Congratulations. A very unique and personal statement. Thanks, yeah I'm happy with it. Besides being a good shooter, it's proven a fine conversation starter a couple of times when I've had it out in the world. Sometimes I like that.

04-20-2010, 05:52 PM	#13
woof Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: In the present Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,870	Originally posted by Sluggo Well, YMMV as always. I wasn't going to air that stuff, but felt it was called for after the first mention of Aki-Asahi brought these responses that made it sound like anybody who orders them must never have heard of cameraleather. Sorry. My doing. And not fair either. I have bought from both. One skin each. This is probably not enough to form such an opinion, and I recognize that. I had a harder time with the Aki-Asahi transaction, as I asked a bunch of questions at first and got no response. I finally ordered somewhat blindly I was not 100% happy with what I got. Anyway, the reason I was not happy had nothing to do with quality. The fit and finish was beautiful. Cost for cost, Aki-Asahi material may well be of a higher grade. With Aki for 13.00 you tend to get cowhide or goatskin leather that is embossed to look like lizard, etc. With Camera Leather the cowhide and goatskin are significantly more, running 34.00 to 44.00 Anyway, FWIW, the Aki-Asahi site is here: http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/sp/index.php The materials page is here: http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/material-list/001_e.htm I am tempted to do something like this: http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/uncut-leather/PinkLizard_01.jpg Pretty sure that would start a conversation or two. Heh.

04-20-2010, 06:34 PM	#14
Sluggo Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ames, Iowa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 774 Original Poster	Originally posted by woof ...One skin each. This is probably not enough to form such an opinion, and I recognize that. ... Well, it's human nature to generalize based on a pretty small number of personal experiences. Obviously I'm doing it now. Anyway I don't see any new colorful camera skins in my immediate future, unless maybe I decide to send Eric the broken KX I picked up last week, and then get all obsessive with that one too. Heh. Originally posted by woof ...I am tempted to do something like this: http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/uncut-leather/PinkLizard_01.jpg ... Umm ...

04-21-2010, 08:25 AM	#15
keyser Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tsawwassen, BC Posts: 376	We should start a petition to get the spotmatic officially named as the most photogenic camera!