Miracle Black Touch-Up Fluid for R-D1

[Plasmat]

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=4941

As the owner of several R-D1's, the numerous tiny wear spots on the black paint finish was starting to annoy me. The black paint comes off easily (like on the bottom and edges), exposing the white metal beneath.

This stuff, called Aluminum Black, is used by gunsmiths, and was also recommended for black chrome finish products.

I ordered a bottle and tried it on my R-D1. PERFECT. The bare metal disappears and blends perfectly with the R-D1 finish.

I apply very sparingly with a Q-Tip. When it dries (in a few minutes), I clean off the area with a little alcohol on a tissue.

Nice, black cameras again.

(works great on black chrome Leicas too. Just ordered a spare bottle)

 

[Gray Fox]

Miracle Black on My, Too?

Miracle Black on My, Too?

The gunsmith supply company, Birchwood Casey, makes another similar product, Brass Black, that should work on the M7. Apply it in the same careful manner. I have used it to turn brass muzzleloader hardware black and it is very durable.

 

[BillBingham2]

Might be just the trick for M5 users to, no? B2 (;->

 

[Plasmat]

It appears to bond or actually alter the surface of the metal and does not wear off like painting it with a Sharpie. It's good stuff.

I'll have to try some of that "Brass Black" too.

 

[d_e]

Hey very nice tip here. thanks for the info

 

[Bryce]

Both Aluminum and Brass blackening chemically change the surface of the metal. I've used aluminum black with mixed results- the "black" varies from a dull brown to light grey to truly black depending on the alloy in question, and I haven't found it to be very durable at all... It rubs off on passing pieces of clothing in a matter of days. Maybe this depends on the alloy too?

 

[Bob Parsons]

Both Aluminum and Brass blackening chemically change the surface of the metal. I've used aluminum black with mixed results- the "black" varies from a dull brown to light grey to truly black depending on the alloy in question, and I haven't found it to be very durable at all... It rubs off on passing pieces of clothing in a matter of days. Maybe this depends on the alloy too?

May I offer a word of caution here?

I've used the Birchwood products (both brass and aluminum) with reservation. They may work well on pure metals but as has been said it's a different story with alloys. The finish and color is variable and not very durable. What is worrying is with alloys there appears to be a differential etching process that produces very deep microscopic pits or holes in the metal surface. Not something you'd want on a camera body.

Bob.

 

[Bryce]

Well, that adds up. Of course virtually nothing made of aluminum is from pure aluminum. For strength, workability, and hardenability purposes copper, magnesium, and zinc are added to nearly all aluminum products.
Die casting alloys usually contain a lot of zinc...