Leica M3 Rechroming

[angeloks]

Hi,

I know that a lot of people repaint their M's and IMHO the result never lasts. What about rechroming ? There are many companies that offers dechroming/rechroming services. Some also offer black chrome. Anyone body ever tried this ? A black chrome M3 would sure look sexy...

Thanks,

 

[normclarke]

Hi,
I think you will find it difficult to replicate the satin chrome finish that Leica applied in the fifties and sixties. Black chrome is easy if you use a good finisher, I had an M4-2 base done here in the U.K. a few years ago very successfully. It cost me £65 and included the closing catch. It was difficult to tell from the original. I should think it would be possible that platers in the US would be able to carry out this task.

Best,

normclarke.

 

[nobbylon]

It's my understanding and certainly what I found when I de-chromed my M2 that the original brass surface is actually very finely sandblasted. This not only helps with adhesion but also the satin look of the final chrome. Anyone else got any thoughts on this?

 

[joncapozzi]

The M2 I have has been rechromed. I didn't have it done, and neither did the person I bought it from, but it looks alright. The chrome doesn't fair as well as the original but it doesn't look bad. If anything, I'd like to have it painted black.