Leica M2 Paint Job

[kansasray]

Just to share my recent paint job on a Leica M2.

I found it easier to paint it "old" rather than make it look like new. Can't find a local de-chroming service here in Taiwan. So I sand the chrome and Zinc layer off with a #800 paper(It's really pains-taking. trust me on that )
I ordered the paint from a local auto paint supplier. Baked it in the oven for 3 minutes and sanded it a bit on the edge to get this antique finish.

Here is the look

cheers
😉😉😉

 

[Bill58]

I had my Canon P (including covering) painted the same color recently, then changed the covering to black griptac from Cameraleather.com and I like the two-tone even better.

Nice job!

 

[Kozhe]

Did you paint directly on the brass? If so, is the paint fixed enough or is it easy to wear out? I´m not sure wether to prime or not my III...

It looks really cool btw 🙂

 

[cwatgo1970]

To my understanding, the original finish had been finely sandblasted prior to it's chrome plating at Leitz, and I would suspect a finely textured surface might make for a better bonding of the paint. There is also a good bonding agent which is offered from auto-paint suppliers that is quite good, but I can't recall the name of it. Normally I wouldn't endorse what you have done to yours, but I have to say it doesn't look bad at all. "Safari" or "Middle Eastern Millitary" comes to mind. I think you were wise in making it look "old" rather than new. You were equally as wise in not painting the knobs and advance lever which invariably involve a lot of use. The areas which you have painted should not encounter an extent of wear that might cause flaking and should last well. To me, it all blends well together quite nicely. Kudos!

 

[payasam]

Good work. Maybe too much of the Antique Effect.

 

[MickH]

I do like the colour, but sanding it back to make it look used is a bit soft in my opinion. However, if you like it then who am I to comment? 🙂

 

[kansasray]

Haven't checked this thread for quite a while.
Thank you all for the nice comments!

cwatgo1970:
Exactly! To make it look old is much easier. The outcome is way more satisfactory than with the "new look". You explained precisely why I didn't paint the knobs and the advanced lever. We're on the same page!😀

Bill58:
Great job!!I got another M2 in hand which is ready for painting. Still wondering which color to choose. Two-tone might be the choice!!🙂

Kozhe:

The paint holds up quite nicely!🙂
If you're doing it, try to find a suitable prime for the job.
I'm using a chemical that turns the bare brass into black. It acts like prime and works very well. Don't know the real name for that chemical in English. I got it from a chemical supplier here in Taiwan.🙂

 

[Al Kaplan]

Hoppe's gun bluing turns brass a matte black.