Removal paint!

[Banky]

I have a Question. Have anyone try to take the original paint off leicas? What type of acid, or things that can remove the paint without hurting the brass? Also do you know any website that selling the tools to open leica? I already know the micro-tool.com, can anyone suggest another supplier?

Thanks

 

[Ken Ford]

What model? I assume that since you're posting in the Leica M forum, it's an M.

Older painted M bodies are usually quite valuable, and I wouldn't mess with them.

Most newer black M bodies are black chromed, not painted. They're not easy to strip, and require either reverse electroplating or acid baths to strip. Depending on the model, the top plate is either formed brass, die-cast zinc or machined brass.

I'm in the process of acquiring an unused M4-P brass top that I'm going to finish in black enamel and install on my M6. It's just something I want to do. The eBay seller has a bunch of these for a fair price.

Micro-tools is the best source I know of for tools.

 

[Harry Lime]

Depends on the model.

The M2/M3/M4/M5/M4-2, some M4-P cameras, the various black paint M6/M6ttl editions and the MP, M7 are made from brass. The brass is plated with a very tough layer of nickel (sometimes used to line the interior of gun barrels). On top of that there is a layer of silver or black chrome. You can have these cameras stripped down to the brass, by disassembling them and sending them to a shop like www.acmeplating.com. It's a fairly toxic process that you don't want to try at home.

The M6/M6ttl and various special editions, with the exception of the black paint models, and some examples of the M4-P are made from a zinc alloy. You do NOT want to strip these, as exposing the zinc to oxygen will case it to oxidize and disintegrate. The zinc is protected by a layer of nickel and on top of that is the silver or black chrome finish.

The situation is similar with the R cameras. The Leicaflex, SL, SL2 and maybe the R3 are made from brass and coated with nickel and chrome.

I believe the R4,R5,R6,R7,R8,R9 are made from zinc alloy (nickel and chrome plated).