Touching up the finish on a black Bessa

[pvdhaar]

The paint (well, if that's what it is anyway) on my black Bessa-T is flaking away at some of the edges to reveal a ghoulish sort of grey. Now, I've got nothing against some pretty looking brassing, but it sure isn't brass what's under there.. and moreover, it's not looking pretty at all.

Does anyone have an idea what material is under that black finish, and what kind of paint/primer/coating I could best use?

 

[Al Kaplan]

Plastic. Get used to the look of "plasticked" edges on a well worn black Bessa. It's the "pro" look of the 21st century! I doubt that any ordinary paint will stick well.

 

[pesphoto]

mine is worn as well, doesnt worry me. Just shows youre using it, unless your planning to resell and want it to look new I guess.

 

[ZeissFan]

I think it's plastic. You could use some automotive paint to touch up the chips. Just make sure you give it enough time to cure.

 

[pvdhaar]

Plastic. Get used to the look of "plasticked" edges on a well worn black Bessa. It's the "pro" look of the 21st century! I doubt that any ordinary paint will stick well.

Never thought about it that way.. but I'd rather have it look a bit 'healthier' than ghoulish grey.

Isn't it a zinc-plated steel, or a magnesium alloy?
Try using a black Sharpie marker; I use that on all my black cameras.

The top feels warm to the touch, so probably isn't metal? The finish is thicker than I could manage with a marker..

mine is worn as well, doesnt worry me. Just shows youre using it, unless your planning to resell and want it to look new I guess.

No, it's intended more as a prop when someone doesn't know what to do with their hands (stop 'm fumbling, that is..).

I think it's plastic. You could use some automotive paint to touch up the chips. Just make sure you give it enough time to cure.

Mmm.. that may do the trick. There's an auto parts store nearby, they sell these sticks to cover paint that's chipped from gravel hitting the car. Now I've only got to find the correct colour.. I doubt that they've got Voigtlander listed somewhere between Volkswagen and Volvo..😛