Well I am no Shintaro but...

[laptoprob]

I like my newly black painted M2 anyway. I got this camera very cheaply recently and had to open up to get the self timer working and the viewfinder unhazed. Both those jobs are completed almost succesfully now. Complete enough for me.
Just like the IIf, dressed in the grey leather Kim most kindly sent me some time ago. That leather looks great on both and feels so perfect!
The camera was so cheap because of a serious dent near the wind lever and the issues with self timer and finder. Therefore I decided to do the repaint and redressing in a budget way. No chrome stripping first, only some filler-base primer at the dented spot. After some undenting ofcourse.

Handling these two cameras side by side I realised I will keep on using the IIf quite a bit if only for size and weight!

 

[flipflop]

cool project!

 

[Ash]

cool. that's quite nice, panda M2 🙂

 

[ChrisN]

Nice work Rob.

Off topic, but how do you find that snake-chain camera strap? I've always wondered if they are strong and reliable enough to hang a valued camera from.

 

[laptoprob]

I only once had a snake chain break but could and should have known beforehand, it already waas damaged, cracked a little. It is a continuous chain of links and should be completely similarly flexible all the way. If not, be very aware.
They are not the most comfortable, but I don't like bigger straps on these cameras. Exception is the Bessa strap, that one is OK. But, this looks way better.

 

[payasam]

The photos look good, Rob. You'll have to see how durable the finish is, and how it wears.

I have stayed away from snake chains, Chris, ever since I grew my first beard around 1969.

 

[HuubL]

Well done! Did you have experience with opening an M before? And don't those snake chains keep the neck hair line neatly trimmed?


BTW, Is dat de M2 die op Marktplaats heeft gestaan (verkoper erpe)?
Groet, Huub

 

[Rik]

hi Rob,
nice job, congrats. I'm trying to finish my own M2 project and will post the results soon. I did go for dechroming, but also used spray can automotive primer and paint. Including a internal fix of the camera and re leathering with Aki leather which is great.

 

[laptoprob]

Well Huub this M2 did come from Marktplaats, but is is another.
My neckhairs are pretty strong, but I try not to get the chain in my neck all the time. I usually carry the camera over my shoulder. And I never opened an M before. I got Heavystars Microtools flexiclamp for getting the ring under the rewind knob off. All controls have been removed and damaged before, so I didn't bother getting or making all the proper flexiclamps.
I did not do the dechroming and did no full primer. Full primer might fill the engravings too much.

Welcome Rik!