Passing on a black chrome M4 because what I really want is a…

[kxl]

Black Paint body. While I’m not willing to fork out the $$$$$$ for an original BP, a professional repaint for an M2 or M3 or M4 sounds like a viable option.

I’m thinking of getting a reasonably priced body and have it repainted, CLA’d and if needed, re-skinned.

Am I crazy? Any tips?

 

[Freakscene]

You want what you want. You may not be rational or reasonable, but you are not crazy.

A good existing paintjob by Kanto or restoration35 may be quicker than getting one done.

I have several original black paint Leicas, and although they are beautiful, it’s a pretty ordinary finish for a camera you want to use. A repaint or a modern MP or MA black paint camera is much more usable.

 

[kxl]

Paintjob by Kanto or restoration35

I’ll check them out. Thx.

 

[Freakscene]

I’ll check them out. Thx.

There are plenty on eBay. Just make sure you get the invoice showing that it really was done where the seller says it was done. A bad repaint is as terrible a thing as a good one is nice.

 

[WoodallP]

A Black Paint body. While I’m not willing to fork out the $$$$$$ for an original BP, a professional repaint for an M2 or M3 or M4 sounds like a viable option.

I’m thinking of getting a reasonably priced body and have it repainted, CLA’d and if needed, re-skinned.

Am I crazy? Any tips?

I suspect most people who repaint cameras seriously will insist on a reskin with an M as there are parts with paint and vulcanite. It’s possible to avoid with a barnack though.

 

[lukx]

There are plenty on eBay. Just make sure you get the invoice showing that it really was done where the seller says it was done. A bad repaint is as terrible a thing as a good one is nice.

This is very true, a bad paint job is painful to look at.

 

[Disappointed_Horse]

No personal experience with this shop, but his repaints are beautiful:

Leica Black Paint by Brass2Black | Brass2Black

 

[ellisson]

No personal experience with this shop, but his repaints are beautiful:

Leica Black Paint by Brass2Black | Brass2Black

That looks like a good option for a black paint of cameras and lenses. He shows some nice work.

 

[MISH]

I purchased a black repainted lllf black dial from restoration35 and I couldn’t be happier. I amabsolutely unable to find any fault with the job they did, it looks fantastic. Plus for me was dealing with someone located in the U.S. I purchased one he had already finished that came with a fresh CLA so it was one stop shopping 😃

 

[Rob-F]

You want what you want. You may not be rational or reasonable, but you are not crazy.

A good existing paintjob by Kanto or restoration35 may be quicker than getting one done.

I have several original black paint Leicas, and although they are beautiful, it’s a pretty ordinary finish for a camera you want to use. A repaint or a modern MP or MA black paint camera is much more usable.

This. It's exactly what I would have said. If it's what you want, and you have the money, go for it. Look closely at details. The margins around windows, for example, should be perfectly straight, should stop exactly at the edge, and shouldn't be over onto the glass.

 

[Rob-F]

I suspect most people who repaint cameras seriously will insist on a reskin with an M as there are parts with paint and vulcanite. It’s possible to avoid with a barnack though.

I'm not sure what you mean by insisting on a reskin. You mean a new cover? I would want that, if the original cover looks bad. I've been recently looking at olive green repaints on eBay. What I'm seeing is they spray the Olive green paint right over what looks like the orignal vulcanite; I don't really care for that, but it is apparently what they do. I think it would look much better to see the true color of the cover, with a new cover when needed; otherwise I might prefer the original.

 

[Rob-F]

I purchased a black repainted lllf black dial from restoration35 and I couldn’t be happier. I amabsolutely unable to find any fault with the job they did, it looks fantastic. Plus for me was dealing with someone located in the U.S. I purchased one he had already finished that came with a fresh CLA so it was one stop shopping 😃View attachment 4879345

If they wouldn't mind, I'd like to know who this is, and their address! That is a beautiful iiif, and your collapsible Summicron is the perfect lens for it!

 

[splitimageview]

restoration35.com is me. 😀

I have an M4 in progress, as well as M2s and 3s which will be available soon. The queue is rather long for new projects.

 

[NIKON KIU]

Uh oh…..
Rabbit is out of the hole.

LOL

Kiu

 

[MISH]

Here is another shot showing the beautiful white on the engraving. I usually have a Voigtlander 50mm 2.5 on this camera, the black matches quite nicely. This is a keep forever camera for me. Thanks again splitimageview

 

[dkreindler]

Anyone have experience with Enzo Patagonean? I want to get a dent repaired and also do a black paint. His work looks beautiful, but I have to send the Camera to Chile.

 

[splitimageview]

Anyone have experience with Enzo Patagonean? I want to get a dent repaired and also do a black paint. His work looks beautiful, but I have to send the Camera to Chile.

you might ask @wjlapier about his experience. He asked me re-do his IIc: Show off your Leica I/II/III/LTM Camera

 

[Jbennett68]

Anyone have experience with Enzo Patagonean? I want to get a dent repaired and also do a black paint. His work looks beautiful, but I have to send the Camera to Chile.

I’ve communicated with him on instagram. He’s very nice and responsive but I haven’t repainted a camera yet.

 

[quilts]

Anyone have experience with Enzo Patagonean? I want to get a dent repaired and also do a black paint. His work looks beautiful, but I have to send the Camera to Chile.

I sent my Leica M3 and a 50mm DR Summicron to him for repaint and had an overall good experience. I was a little worried sending the camera off to Chile, but the whole process went smoothly. It took about 6 months from shipping the camera/lens off to him and receiving it back. He was very responsive on Instagram and was always quick to provide an update whenever I asked.

 

[dkreindler]

you might ask @wjlapier about his experience. He asked me re-do his IIc: Show off your Leica I/II/III/LTM Camera

I sent you a DM on IG