M9 paint flaking off engraving. Options?

[scottwallick]

After a day shy of two weeks with the M9, I'm really pleased with this camera. Although, I must admit I'm slightly stumped by the learning curve associated with digital post-processing. That is another thread.

And perhaps I will have some time to just play with my photos on my computer, as I'm considering sending my M9 back to Leica. See attached image.

The paint has started to flake off the 'M9'. While my M9 has performed fine, exposures are as I take them, rangefinder is spot on, buttons respond, etc., I'm a bit disappointed that after just two weeks I have paint wear.

This is, after all, my 'first Leica', and I'd at least like to have it look new while it is new. It's one of those things that will just bug me if I let is slide. Or maybe I should. Haven't made up my mind.

Thoughts?

 

[Pickett Wilson]

Well, it will soon be "stealth" without your even trying. 😉

Sure shouldn't be happening, but I don't know that I would give it up for the time it will take Leica to get it back to you over flaking paint. Could effect resale value, though.

 

[bidnez]

New camera?!

New camera?!

I´d try the route via the dealer you bought it from and let them take the trouble with Leica. Talk them into giving you an other camera with the paint intact. It seems silly - at that price - to be without a camera for weeks!

At least - get a loaner!

 

[justins7]

Just use a bit of white nail polish, wipe it off of the surrounding black areas. I've done it before.

 

[sojournerphoto]

Contact dealer and ask for a loan body if they want to send it away

Mike

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Less expensive Leicas don't do this, and your shouldn't be doing it either. Show it to the dealer or store from which you purchased the camera; they should do something about it.

 

[Nikon Bob]

That is a mighty small quibble with the M9 but for the price you pay you have ever right to expect this not to happen so soon after purchase. See what the dealer you bought it from will do for you first. Either an exchange for another new one or a loaner while they send yours to Leica for repair.

Bob

 

[Steve Ash]

Actually I know some including myself who like it more without the paint and remove it. I did so after mine started to come off at very hot day and long time of shooting. I suppose that sweaty fingers peeled it off.

Regards
Steve

 

[Benjamin]

I voted "live with it" because everything else is spot-on with the camera. I tape over my logos. Not because Hank Bresson did, but mainly to avoid the "weenie factor" of friendly strangers pointing at my camera and hollering, "Is that a Pentax? My brother-in-law shoots Nikon!". I also am averse to advertising for others unless I am PAID to do so. So I tape over the logos of Canon, Holga, Voigtlander, Zeiss Ikon, GE (kitchen appliances) and so on. I also don't wear clothing with logos or sayings. I let a black waterproof marker seep into the bright white threads of the annoying "THE NORTH FACE" logo on my jacket and biking gloves. (Are you getting the picture?)

.

 

[Roger Hicks]

That is a mighty small quibble with the M9 but for the price you pay you have ever right to expect this not to happen so soon after purchase. See what the dealer you bought it from will do for you first. Either an exchange for another new one or a loaner while they send yours to Leica for repair.

Bob

Absolutely. I think Leica might be interested in why it's coming off, too.

Cheers,

R.

 

[ferider]

If it works mechanically and optically, I would keep it. You never know what the replacement will be like.

 

[250swb]

Just use a bit of white nail polish, wipe it off of the surrounding black areas. I've done it before.

Have you done that before on a black paint body, or on black chrome?

I'd have thought the acetone in the nail polish would also stand a good chance of removing the black paint. Perhaps its better to use some Humbrol white hobby paint, which is spirit based and not at all likely to attack the black lacquer if any needs wiping off.

Steve

 

[scottwallick]

Thanks for the feedback, all. I sent my dealer an email—they are really stand up guys—so after they get back to me, I'll follow up with what I decide.

If the engravings showed wear after six or even three months of use, I would let it go and enjoy the developing character of the body.

But this early on and as a principle of good consumerism, I think I'm going to see it corrected even if it's only a cosmetic issue.

Maybe without an M9 in my hands, I will find the time to share my thoughts in a post here. 😉

 

[kknox]

M9

M9

Have them give you a 30% credit, I would keep it if they do. Sorry that sucks it should not do that for 7k. Take it back to the dealer.

 

[Jamie123]

Yeah, send it back. Some people here will surely tell you all about how a camera is used for taking pictures and that cosmetics don't matter, etc. etc..
But the fact remains that, should you ever decide to sell, the flaking will shave at least $100 off the asking price compared to an immaculate one.

 

[Al Kaplan]

Why is it that a generation that pays hrough the nose for jeans that have been sandpapered, beaten on rocks 'til they're , bleached, torn, and ripped, wants a pristine new looking camera? When you were a little tot we all wanted to look like we'd survived a war or two, crawled through the Vietnamese jungle or Kuwaiti sand on our bellies, knife clenched in our teeth, Leicas being dragged along behind us. What's next for the properly attired Leica shooter? A make-up mirror on the back flap? Please excuse my rant.

And if you ever do use that camera to make a few bucks that $100 won't matter at all. Don't even get me started on half cases (sorry, Luigi) and how many missed shots they'll cause, or how careful you'll need to be not to scuff the elegant leather finish.

 

[splitimageview]

Let the paint flake off and have a stealth M9. Take off the red dot and put on a black one, or tape over it.

Before you sell it, spent $2 on a white paint stick from Micro Tools and fill it with white.

😉

 

[sahe69]

Just do what feels best to you.

 

[scottwallick]

Please excuse my rant.

What was at issue was whether or not the loss of paint soon after receipt qualified as a defect.

Apologies to all for inciting righteous indignation.

 

[Pickett Wilson]

It's a defect. Paint shouldn't flake off a $7,000 camera within days.