Got the blues?

[marke]

How about an M3 in cobalt blue?


What can I say, the original vulcanite was old and crusty. I had seen a chrome Zeis Ikon on RFF awhile back, covered in cobalt blue goatskin from camera leather, and thought if I ever get a chrome M, I would try it myself.

BTW, I have a test for any of the in-the-know Mexperts out there: What do you see that has been changed in this M3, other than the obvious Hollywood clothing it now sports? (hint: it's missing something).

 

[Riccis]

I'm no expert but have been shooting my M3 a lot lately and I'll guess that you are missing the screws in the vulcanite... What do I get if I'm correct? 😀

 

[kshapero]

sweet and noticeable

 

[marke]

I'm no expert but have been shooting my M3 a lot lately and I'll guess that you are missing the screws in the vulcanite... What do I get if I'm correct? 😀

You are correct! Sorry, but the only thing I can offer for the winning prize is the satisfaction of knowing that you are the FASTEST Mexpert. 😛

After I decided on cobalt blue, I realized I had a decision to make about the screws. With black covering, it's no big deal. But I wanted a cleaner look, so I consulted with Don Goldberg (DAG). He said that I should be able to countersink the screw holes a bit, so the heads would drop just enough below the body surface. He also suggested I could lightly file the tops of the screw heads, since they are slightly dome-shaped. That would allow a flatter surface for the leather to sit onto.

Well, I remember reading recently how Leica has used a filler material in the back of the body casting, to smooth out a couple areas that I believe are a result of the casting process. Well, I did the same with the screw holes, smoothing out the very slight voids that would still be there. And by not filing the screw heads, I've maintained their original finish and shape, in case I ever want to restore the camera to it's original look.

Anyway, now I have a stealthy black paint MP for those days I want to remain invisible, and a flashy "Hollywood-M" for those days I REALLY want to be noticed! 😀

 

[back alley]

is this what you were referring to?

 

[marke]

is this what you were referring to?

Yes, back alley. It's all your fault! Gees, now I have to get a blue softie! Arrgh!!! :bang:

Seriously, the chrome/cobalt combo is absolutely striking! Thanks for your original post. You've changed my life forever. 😀

 

[matt335]

thats a standout leather job !

 

[mmk60]

marke

absolutely dead gorgeous!!! Really like the color combo.

I am getting my M3 delivered in a few days and thinking about re-covering it with some different color.

How hard was it to remove the original covering?

Enjoy the new toy!

cheers

 

[payasam]

I wouldn't be seen dead with a thing like that. If you want to try me, MarkE, I shall give you the address to which you should send the parcel.

 

[Chris101]

That is really slick looking Mark! I once had a thing for brightly colored cameras:

 

[Kevin]

That's a good-looking camera!

 

[marke]

marke

absolutely dead gorgeous!!! Really like the color combo.

I am getting my M3 delivered in a few days and thinking about re-covering it with some different color.

How hard was it to remove the original covering?

Enjoy the new toy!

cheers

mmk60, most of the original vulcanite on my 1958 M3 was easy to remove. Some flaked off easily, but most came off almost as easy with a small utility knife. Be careful about cutting yourself or gouging a camera part. There are methods of removing that require you to use a gel that disolves the material. I think these are paint removers. But I would rather not make it as messy as that if possible. I think it's probably easier to remove the covering on these older cameras because everything has become brittle, including the original adhesive.

If you decide to recover your M3, let me know if you have any other questions. I'm certainly not an expert, but I might possibly be of some help.

 

[marke]

I wouldn't be seen dead with a thing like that. If you want to try me, MarkE, I shall give you the address to which you should send the parcel.

LOL

payasam, this one is going to be very hard to peel from my hands...even when dead. 😉

 

[marke]

Not bad, Chris. So did you ever get over this phase, or are still in possession of this beauty?

That is really slick looking Mark! I once had a thing for brightly colored cameras:

 

[marke]

Among the couple of Leicaphiles I know personally (neither of them here on RFF) that "reinterpretation" would be considered heresy, but I like it! Then again, I've got a Kiev with bright red leather.

Yeah, that flaming Kiev of yours makes my Leica look like a burning ember!

 

[back alley]

 

[marke]

LOL Shocking, back alley! 😱

Too bad we can't get a group shot to promote Kodachrome.

 

[Chris101]

Not bad, Chris. So did you ever get over this phase, or are still in possession of this beauty?

I found that camera in some junk they were gonna throw out at school, carefully painted the leather with purple ink, and then gave it away to a forum-mate who needed a rangefinder camera.

 

[back alley]

i can't find my pic of the m3 in red snake skin...

 

[back alley]

found it!

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=25662&d=1146014010