DIY M2 repaint

[sanmich]

Hi all

tempted by all the black beautifull cameras around and by the ugly scuffs on my M2 (Nothing to lose on the cosmetics) I am fiddling withthe idea of painting ONLY the top and baseplate of my M2 (one has to know his limits).🙄

I am now thinking about the following worstream:

dismatle the camera
bring to a shop for a chrome and nickel strip
repaint
assemble back

For now, I am wandering how to open the headless screw on the right of the counter dial. any idea here?

Also, I would be very happy if you could share your experience with paints (BLACK).
I want it to be quite tough and to allow filling the lettering in white paint.

Thanks!🙂

 

[sanmich]

Follow up:
I have found that Jiong Zhou is selling the right tool for it, so this is done.
OTOH I sudenly realized that I will need to separate the windows from the top plate.
Any idea how to do that?

 

[Fuchs]

I sudenly realized that I will need to separate the windows from the top plate.

Not a simple task. Been there, done that.

There are counterframes on the inside holding the glass windows in place. You have to soak the top plate in hot water repeatedly and work the counterframes and glasses out as the adhesive comes loose.

The main tool will be patience.

 

[Fuchs]

I forgot to add, I opted for a hammertone light blue-gray paint from Krylon, sounds ugly, but looks great on the camera, and it is a tough finish that will cover most surface defects. I am unsure now as if going for a 'normal' black body covering, or to try something crazier to replace the damaged vulcanite.

 

[kevin m]

If you're going to all the trouble of stripping the camera down and removing the chrome, then nothing from a spray can is going to satisfy you.

A friend of mine does top-notch paint work on motorcycles and he uses a catalyzed epoxy primer for "chassis black" parts that would look great and provide a very tough, durable camera finish. I've been meaning to ask him if it's possible to apply it with an airbrush.... 😀

 

[sanmich]

If you're going to all the trouble of stripping the camera down and removing the chrome, then nothing from a spray can is going to satisfy you.

A friend of mine does top-notch paint work on motorcycles and he uses a catalyzed epoxy primer for "chassis black" parts that would look great and provide a very tough, durable camera finish. I've been meaning to ask him if it's possible to apply it with an airbrush.... 😀

Thanks
As a matter of fact, I am concerned about durability. Not only because I want to avoid brassing, but because brassing on such a black/chrome camera wil add a third color.
So, I am after the tougher paint possible.

 

[sanmich]

Not a simple task. Been there, done that.

There are counterframes on the inside holding the glass windows in place. You have to soak the top plate in hot water repeatedly and work the counterframes and glasses out as the adhesive comes loose.

The main tool will be patience.

Thanks a lot for the tips.

Did you repaint all the little tips or only the plates?

 

[Fuchs]

I left them chrome... It doesn't look bad on a light grey metallic paint finish.