Can I make my M6 Black Paint?

[RdEoSg]

So I've always wanted a black paint Leica with the brass underneath that I could make show through with use. I almost bought a black paint M4 but decided not to in the end.

I have a .85 M6 Classic style with the zinc top top and bottom. I know people get new covers for their M2 and M3's so that they can keep one original and one newly painted.

Can this be done to my M6? Yes it is complete vanity, but then I wouldn't need to buy another camera just to satisfy this desire 😛

 

[FallisPhoto]

So I've always wanted a black paint Leica with the brass underneath that I could make show through with use. I almost bought a black paint M4 but decided not to in the end.

I have a .85 M6 Classic style with the zinc top top and bottom. I know people get new covers for their M2 and M3's so that they can keep one original and one newly painted.

Can this be done to my M6? Yes it is complete vanity, but then I wouldn't need to buy another camera just to satisfy this desire 😛

You can, but I don't think it is a very good idea.

 

[RdEoSg]

Oh? Why is that?

 

[Pickett Wilson]

Just buy a well used black camera. Then you will look cool without having to shoot all those photos.

 

[RdEoSg]

But that's the thing. I want to make it worn myself by taking all of those photos! 😀 My poor little M6 doesn't do it!

 

[Al Kaplan]

No No No, the COOL thing is a beater chrome M2 with the brass showing through! It's way too easy to wear through black paint. Don't forget the dents and dings and worn strap lugs, and it'll need a folded up Tri-X box end jammed into the accessory shoe.

 

[lewis44]

Can I make my M6 Black Paint?
So I've always wanted a black paint Leica with the brass underneath that I could make show through with use. I almost bought a black paint M4 but decided not to in the end.

I have a .85 M6 Classic style with the zinc top top and bottom. I know people get new covers for their M2 and M3's so that they can keep one original and one newly painted.

Can this be done to my M6? Yes it is complete vanity, but then I wouldn't need to buy another camera just to satisfy this desire 😛

If you want it done, check with Robert J @
http://www.rangefinderrestorations.com/Welcome.html
He is doing a M2 for me now and has done quite a few for RFF Members.
He is also a member and a great person to work with.

 

[aizan]

the bottom plate is brass on the m6, always has been.

buy an m4 top plate and it repainted.

 

[ableforensics]

Aside from some special editions which had brass tops and bottom plates, the M6 has a magnesium alloy top plate. I am led to understand that the paint will not adhere to the magnesium and will simply chip off without much persuasion.

 

[FallisPhoto]

Oh? Why is that?

The only paint that sticks to magnesium is epoxy. The stuff shines like a black mirror.

 

[RdEoSg]

Yea I know. I'd have to get a new top plate that is brass.

 

[Chris101]

Googling "leica m6 alloy" brought up this page.

I was relieved. My M4-P does indeed have recessed windows, indicating that it's top plate should be brass. However in the last few months it has been showing some wear. But it was whiteish under the black finish! This article explains why the M4-P wears white even though it's brass.

Whew! 😉

 

[maddoc]

Googling "leica m6 alloy" brought up this page.

I was relieved. My M4-P does indeed have recessed windows, indicating that it's top plate should be brass. However in the last few months it has been showing some wear. But it was whiteish under the black finish! This article explains why the M4-P wears white even though it's brass.

Whew! 😉

That your early (brass) top-plate M4-P wears white makes me thinking ... It should be the color of brass. Both, my former M5 and now M7 with brass top-plate / elements show the brass color at worn places. The white you see at your M4-P indicates a different chroming process but if it is indeed a nickel under-layer it would be a bad thing for people having a nickel allergy like me ... 😱

 

[Pablito]

used M6 + cost of brass top plate + cost of paint job + all the insured shipping back and forth = used black paint MP, or close to it. Plus you end up with an MP, which has paint which is designed to wear away quickly and show the brass underneath.

Disclaimer: I don't get it, personally I think paint should be durable, not made to wear away.

 

[wjlapier]

Hey, it's your camera and you can do whatever you want. The comparison to a MP is pretty close though--mine was sub $2300.

I BPed my M3 but kept the original top and bottom in the unlikely case I had to sell it and the buyer wanted the M3 back to original condition. I chose to BP mine for the same reason I think you want to. To see the brass coming through--because I like the way it looks. Not to be cool.

Do it, or consider the MP option 😎