M9 paint flaking off engraving. Options?

[emraphoto]

geez Scott, tough one. truthfully i would be loathe to send anything away to Leica as my experience with that hasn't been very good. taking it up with the dealer seems prudent. perhaps they will replace it or give you a loaner.

sending it off to Leica? if the camera is functioning and the rangefinder is on i would take the advice of others and tape it over and have at it vs having it vanish into the Leica repair vortex for 2 months (or more).

 

[Tom Diaz]

After a day shy of two weeks with the M9, I'm really pleased with this camera. Although, I must admit I'm slightly stumped by the learning curve associated with digital post-processing. That is another thread.

And perhaps I will have some time to just play with my photos on my computer, as I'm considering sending my M9 back to Leica. See attached image.

The paint has started to flake off the 'M9'. While my M9 has performed fine, exposures are as I take them, rangefinder is spot on, buttons respond, etc., I'm a bit disappointed that after just two weeks I have paint wear.

This is, after all, my 'first Leica', and I'd at least like to have it look new while it is new. It's one of those things that will just bug me if I let is slide. Or maybe I should. Haven't made up my mind.

Thoughts?

I had the same problem a few years ago with my brand-new M6TTL. The only difference was that the paint was black and the finish was (is) titanium plating.

I called Leica USA service, and they advised me to just get some black Testers paint at the hobby shop and "poke it in there with a toothpick or something." The person telling me this said, "that's basically what we'll do if you send it to us." I fixed that one myself and the fix is still there.

Then, more recently, when I got an M8, I had the same problem with the M (on a silver-type finish). I didn't bother fixing this.

I figured it was only a matter of time till it happens to my M9, which like yours is black with white lettering.

Leica should do something different to apply the lettering--something more permanent. Till they do, though, I suggest saving the time you will spend waiting for the camera to go there and back. Fix it yourself or else live with it.

Good luck trying to talk a dealer into a swap. Might work depending on the dealer, but with the cameras in such short supply that is not going to be a no-brainer. It would be Leica, not the dealer, who would properly be replacing the camera for a serious defect.

Tom

 

[rondo]

Actually your misfortune just made me realize: upgrading from m8 to m9 is a toothpick away!

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I vote to throw an even bigger tantrum and make a sign, fly over to Solms, and protest until somebody finally pays attention.

 

[scottwallick]

This response is why I post questions on RFF

This response is why I post questions on RFF

Just buy a paint stick, that way you will be able to fix it forever, as well as fix whatever else you could use the paint stick for. You could also start a side business charging other people to fix the crappy engraving filling on the M9 since you have the paint stick. $50 bucks a pop will get you another M9 in no time!

Best. Suggestion. Yet.

Thanks, Patrick. That is, actually, a really great suggestion.

 

[eleskin]

This Is Bull @$&t Give Me Real Chrome!

This Is Bull @$&t Give Me Real Chrome!

I knew it! I will not buy an M9 until they offer real chrome like a Leica is supposed to be. The shame of it! This item is not cheap! I own a used E class Mercedes and the paint is like new even though the car has been outside alot! There is NO excuse for this AT ALL! Leica should go back to the basics and really think about what made the M3 so good! It was a revolutionary design, durable , and beautiful to look at! I know photo
taking is more important than the camera, but come on people, we are talking about $7 big ones here, not hundreds.

 

[.JL.]

I wouldn't bother, unless you want to sell it soon. It doesn't matter after a few months' use. So why should it matter now?

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

There is a fly on my soup!

Pistols at dawn, Monsieur Chef!

 

[SolaresLarrave]

What it really comes down to- is it worth your time and effort to do anything about it? I would say no. Just buy a paint stick, that way you will be able to fix it forever, as well as fix whatever else you could use the paint stick for. You could also start a side business charging other people to fix the crappy engraving filling on the M9 since you have the paint stick. $50 bucks a pop will get you another M9 in no time!

I got the stick, and used it to revitalize the engravings in my M4-2 (yes, I did "unstealth" a Leica body!! ). How about I rent it to Patrick for this business venture? Of course, I'd like a percentage of the profits.

 

[coelacanth]

I, too, vote for live with it. In fact, I'll take the paint off completely.

 

[clicker]

Micro tools paint stick

Micro tools paint stick

Take a look at MicroTools website. They sell an enamel white paint stick that you rub over the engraving and wipe the excess off with a cloth.I have tried it and it works well.

 

[arseniii]

To put myself at your place, I would never ever ever send the camera back. I would not bother at all if the camera works. IT WORKS - BE HAPPY!!! It's just a small peace of paint, so what? You can paint it back yourself for the price of a nail polish and an art brush. But still, I wouldn't bother... The smartest thing in your situation would be to keep using it until warranty period is about to expire, your M9 might develop other problems(I sincirely hope it won't) then you will fix things altogether. It's such a minor thing, you cannot imagine in how much trouble you can get with shipping(unexpected delays, losses, taxes e.t.c.)...

 

[Ronald M]

Should not happen, but stuff happens when it is shipped around.

Put some liquid mask ( art supply store) or car wax around the letters being careful not to get any inside the groves. Repaint.

There are 10,000 different whites so you will have to do the job complete.

000 size brush.

There is probably oil under the paint that prevents sticking, so remove all the white with a WOODEN tooth pick and clean with a touch of alcohol.

I would probably paint freehand, but I do not know your skills.

 

[250swb]

The smartest thing in your situation would be to keep using it until warranty period is about to expire, your M9 might develop other problems(I sincirely hope it won't) then you will fix things altogether. quote]

A fine piece of common sense. Have any work done towards the end of the warranty period, but importantly don't fiddle with it or you will void the warranty for that part.Steve

 

[Olsen]

The smartest thing in your situation would be to keep using it until warranty period is about to expire, your M9 might develop other problems(I sincirely hope it won't) then you will fix things altogether. quote]

A fine piece of common sense. Have any work done towards the end of the warranty period, but importantly don't fiddle with it or you will void the warranty for that part.Steve

I agree. I think that this is a good advice.

Also....

I would, if I were you, also investigate 'how could this happen?. I have not experienced that the white letter paint come off that easy. How could that be? Acid, petrol or other chemicals on your fingers that might have started this process?

 

[jonmanjiro]

Huh? A $7000 camera that has paint peeling off it within two weeks? WTF???

The only thing I can conclude is that it must be a FAKE!!!

Ok ok, seriously as suggested above I think I'd hang onto it until toward the end of the warranty period, and then send it in.

 

[splitimageview]

I have sent Ms to Leica with altered paint infill. It doesn't affect warranty coverage.

 

[_mark__]

If you want to replace it there is on on the bay for 7500 currently.

Considering yours has a bit of paint missing I'll so you a favour and take it off your hands for 4 ;-)

 

[TomN]

personally i hate the m7 engraving on the front of mine, and i covered it up. not for for any other reason other than i think the camera look better without it. my mp looks cleaner.

 

[Kevin]

Another small aspect to consider, if you replace the camera with a new one, are all the duplicate filenames you will have to contend with. Maybe it's possible to set the new camera to start numbering where you left off?