johonew

I did a search here on UHH and was unable to find any info from past posts (of course, that could be due to my search terms). I was thinking of buying a camera skin (I have seen ones made by 3M) for my SONY A7Riv, as I like to keep my gear for awhile and I'd like to keep it as nice as possible. Has anyone done this for their camera? Just wondering how long the skin stays on, how quickly it starts to peel (if it does) and if the skin really offers some protection, or is it just a gimmick? Considering what the kit cost me, a few dollars to cover it seems to be a smart thing to do. I'd appreciate your thoughts!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I've had four cameras since 1972 and simply took care of them.
I never had a problem with the body getting buggered.
I won't get one.
(My guess, gimmick.)

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

John,

Consider a half Leather case and it should give you all the protection you need for $30 from amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Bottom-Opening-Version-Protective-Leather/dp/B07Z64D7VF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=sony+A7R+IV&qid=1599264375&s=photo&sr=1-4

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

When I first stated with my first "valuable" DSLR, I got a fitted neoprene cover. It was just a hassle more than a protective device. Nowadays, I don't believe in purposefully abusing your camera, but trying to keep it pristine is not a good use of a camera. They should be used, always handy and ready for use, and trying to keep it pristine and looking unused is the wrong approach to photography. I have found an L-plate takes much of the abuse that would otherwise befall the camera. An L-plate works with quick release clamps on your tripod / monopod.

Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

Back --in the late '90's/early '00's-- when I did camera restorations/refurbs/customizations, I re-skinned lots and lots of cameras. While one of the 'usual' processes was to completely remove, restore, and re-glue the original skin, I likewise did plenty of complete re-skins, using 3rd party leathers of many types. At this point, I only have a handful of 'customizations' I'd done, and attached are a few examples of those (they're old photos, so please don't take them as anything other than what they are... I still have a few of the ones I'd refurbished, and I doubt that there'd be any use in posting better, more recent, shots, ).

I have no knowledge of what 'skin' is presently on your SONY, how it might be attached, or what processes it would take to properly remove, prepare the camera body, or re-attach some sort of aftermarket 're-skin'. Generally speaking, 3M products tend to be very good --adhesive-wise-- but the 'skin' itself might be fairly generic, and would be no more scuff or damage resistant than the skin that came on your camera. A 'customization', on the other hand, would be an entirely different matter. The rangefinder Kiev shown in image #2 is still pristine, and I DID use the camera extensively for a number of years.

Ultimately, for the purpose you stated, there is no reason to re-skin your camera. If, on the other hand, you wanted to make your Sony a 'one of a kind' sort of beauty, then sure, go for it.

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Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

I believe this is what you you are looking at. I first saw it at news-phot-tog guy shooting 5D4 wit 24-70 red body cover and red shade protector. Looks awkward to me but you may know me. I am the guy that body tapes everything and camos with sharpie pen!

https://www.easycover.eu/

I hope this helps with out bias.

J. R.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Thanks for that J.R., I try to look after my equipment but recently I've been out a bit more and I can see a use for the rim protectors at least.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

I can bang my sun shades pretty good.

J. R.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

All of my larger lenses have camo skins but I don't use skins on the bodies. I tried it once but it was more of a pain than a useful protective covering. The body I tried a skin on needed to be cleaned more often and it was harder to clean it so, no body skins for me.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

The 3M products stick on. Hence I would steer clean of them, they would leave a residue on the camera if left on for any period of time.
https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Scratch-Camera-Cover-Protector-A7RIII/dp/B07ZYYMDBK/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1AU5MCOSHRASR&dchild=1&keywords=camera+body+skin&qid=1599308704&sprefix=camera+body+skin%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-4

There are many other SKINS that do not stick on. Here are a few. BUT, as many others have stated, these tend to get in the way. I have owned over 80 camera bodies and have not needed ONE body cover.
IMHO, I would not bother with them.
But, here they are in no particular order.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=camera+body+skins&crid=1AU5MCOSHRASR&sprefix=camera+body+skin%2Caps%2C164&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_16

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

I used one for 2 or 3 years and took it off. It keeps the camera body clean and lightly protects it but you pay for it in the feel and use. The camera body buttons are covered with little rubber buttons and feel much different from the real camera feel and it is like wearing gloves all the time. Be sure you know the camera well before putting it on because you can't read the buttons well and it can slow you down greatly.

superdadplano Loc: Dallas, TX

I've used 3M camera skin products on my Sony compact and Fuji mirrorless cameras to improve the grip and protect the body from scuffs and scratches.  If you install it correctly, it will stay on and IMO, improved the look of the camera.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I tried them a couple years ago. I wasn't impressed. I suppose if you are bringing your camera into a hostile environment, a cover would keep it from getting scratched.

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas