how to repaint your camera?

[anorphirith]

Hello I recently bought an M6 TTL I'm not happy with the condition of the paint and don't want to pay 500$ (50% of the price of the camera) to have it repainted, anybody did it themselves successsfully?
I'm also looking to replace the leather.
the camera is in ok condition I'm just really picky
it also has a big white spot in the viewfinder, it doesn't affect but the seller didn't disclose

 

[wontonny]

Some M6 TTL's can't be repainted due to some being made out of zinc. Only brass Leicas can be painted, for reasons that are unknown to me. I hear late production models were switched back to brass top plates. You'd have to figure out through your serial number if you have one.

 

[anorphirith]

serial is 25515**, do you have a link ?

 

[coelacanth]

Here is what I found.

http://www.nemeng.com/leica/002ba.shtml

See middle of page "Brass-body M6 TTL"

Looks like those with brass top/bottom covers have special serial numbers.

 

[Al Kaplan]

Really picky people should buy new, with a warranty.

Cameraleather sells replacements in a variety of colors, both real leather and synthetics. They're pre-cut for a perfect fit.

 

[Andy Kibber]

I'd add to Al's comment that really picky people definitely shouldn't do DIY paint jobs on cameras! 🙂

 

[wjlapier]

The undisclosed white spot in the finder might be enough to send it back. Next time look for a better condition camera--unless you're like me...seeking a beater M6 for a frankenleica project 😎

 

[Fraser]

Hope you got it a good price I've never seen an M6ttl that bad it needs repainted.
Frase.

 

[Rob-F]

Hello I recently bought an M6 TTL I'm not happy with the condition of the paint and don't want to pay 500$ (50% of the price of the camera) to have it repainted, anybody did it themselves successsfully?
I'm also looking to replace the leather.
the camera is in ok condition I'm just really picky
it also has a big white spot in the viewfinder, it doesn't affect but the seller didn't disclose

OK let us take this one step at a time. You said you were not happy with the condition of the "paint". Is it really paint? That's the first step. I imagine it is probably black chrome--or at least what leica calls black chrome.

So: if it has a kind of satiny or slightly shiny patina, then maybe it really it is paint. But if it looks dull, flat black, like my M6TTls--then it is really black chrome. That's what I expect it is.

That's the first point to clear up. We can go on from there.

 

[anorphirith]

I got it for 1200 with an M motor and the original plate
there a picture of the camera here

I am processing macro picture of the condition of the camera I'll post soon

 

[anorphirith]

the paint looks weird here

 

[anorphirith]

pictures taken with a 5D mkII and a reversed 50mm f/1.4

 

[hans voralberg]

Can't tell what that white thing in the VF is, but your weird paint is the M6 bubble I fairly sure, read here for more details.

But in all honesty, IMO you're nit-picking way too much, aside from the finder.

 

[anorphirith]

Can't tell what that white thing in the VF is, but your weird paint is the M6 bubble I fairly sure, read here for more details.

But in all honesty, IMO you're nit-picking way too much, aside from the finder.

ok thanks
are the "water" like spots normal ?

 

[Spyderman]

I just don't understand people like you. You are worried about some minor use marks on the paint as much as with the white spot in the viewfinder...

 

[hans voralberg]

I don't think the water like spots are normal, should have it checked up just to be sure.

 

[LeicaTom]

It`s impossible to get a better than factory paintjob anyplace without paying crazy money and waiting a year or longer for it to come back, the camera really looks ok though.....maybe the camera got wet/damp before the water spots are NOT a good sign, I`d have it checked up.

That VC Nokton f1.2/35 looks really out of place on the camera though..............how would you like to sell it to me?????? lol!!!!!!!! 😀

Happy Shooting

Tom

 

[Fraser]

I always think its a relief when you get the first dent/scratch on a new camera because after that you can relax and use it.
Frase.

 

[Rogrund]

Like others have said in this thread: don't worry about the marks, they're just normal wear. If you're going to use the camera, you'll soon have more of them.

 

[coelacanth]

As many others said, the marks on the body are so minor, I actually find your M6 to be very very clean.

I remember I spent hours searching online to touch up the paint on my brand new bicycle when it got the first paint chip. But after the second one, I stopped thinking about it and was much much happier actually riding it. Same thing goes with first scratch on iPhone, digital camera, laptop, and so on. Be happy you have some sign of use as Frase said.

The spots on viewfinder, on the other hand, better have checked out. I would ask question about this way way before I even think about the paint loss on body.