Which to black paint: M2 or M3?

[Paul T.]

SHintaro is worth it - in that if he paints your camera, you'll likely get your money back. I did.

But as for getting your camera back... did jaapv ever get his?

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

Robert's site rangefinderrestorations.com is gone. Last time I heard, I thought he was working on a redesign of the site. Does anyone know if he's still in business??

Curse the super weak USD. I have no JPY bank account... 🙁

The site was moved over to http://restoration35.com/
last time I spoke with Robert he was not accepting new cameras to paint. I'm still waiting on a part from him.

CCR Luton offers to repaint cameras. I've seen a few around here that he's worked on.

 

[sepiareverb]

M2. The film counter on my MP3 is really a nice touch.

This isn't mine, but gives a good look at one.

 

[coelacanth]

The site was moved over to http://restoration35.com/
last time I spoke with Robert he was not accepting new cameras to paint. I'm still waiting on a part from him.

CCR Luton offers to repaint cameras. I've seen a few around here that he's worked on.

Thanks Darren. Maybe he's not accepting new orders now, but I'm glad he's still in business. I've been thinking of BP M2 for a long time...

 

[Mister E]

Well which camera can you do without for 3 years while Shintaro paints it? I've not seen his actual paint jobs, but they look VERY nice, but still not as good as an original would look. I had crackhead Masa paint two cameras for me and they both came out looking bad enough that I wished I never had them painted. I know Shintaro is awesome, but as much as I love black cameras I'd rather just keep my cameras chrome than deal with all that stress again.

Maddoc has a Shintaro painted SP, how's it look compared to the authentic 2005 SP Jon has?

 

[semilog]

I would not want to mess with the Queen of all Leica cameras. The M2 can be painted black ...

Bingo. And the frame counter dial will look badass.

I've got a pal who shoots bike frames professionally, and I've thought from time to time of having him do an M2 for me in Imron. Maybe midnight blue with black Griptac...?

 

[jonmanjiro]

Well which camera can you do without for 3 years while Shintaro paints it? I've not seen his actual paint jobs, but they look VERY nice, but still not as good as an original would look. I had crackhead Masa paint two cameras for me and they both came out looking bad enough that I wished I never had them painted. I know Shintaro is awesome, but as much as I love black cameras I'd rather just keep my cameras chrome than deal with all that stress again.

Maddoc has a Shintaro painted SP, how's it look compared to the authentic 2005 SP Jon has?

Gabor's repainted SP is a little more glossy than my SP 2005. It's pretty close to an original black paint SP, and looks waaaaaaay better than that S2 Masa painted for you. Chalk and cheese.

I think Shintaro works best under pressure. Just tell him you're dropping by to pick the camera up on (insert date) and he'll get it done by then.

 

[Mister E]

Gabor's repainted SP is a little more glossy than my SP 2005. It's pretty close to an original black paint SP, and looks waaaaaaay better than that S2 Masa painted for you. Chalk and cheese.

I think Shintaro works best under pressure. Just tell him you're dropping by to pick the camera up on (insert date) and he'll get it done by then.

I have an S2 and an SP that I'd love to have painted but only if they come out looking as good as when they went in.

 

[flip]

Re: cost. I enter the process knowing that anything I invest in the job will not be a lost cost. Shintaro jobs - be it because of the reputation of quality or waiting period - tend to fetch a pretty penny, especially in Japan. I don't plan to sell it, but it's always good to have an eye on the door. After all, I didn't expect to part with my P, but with the M2 en route, P's days may be numbered -- if only to keep me from envying how good Tom's looks in black.

Jon - will keep that advice in mind.

 

[jonmanjiro]

I have an S2 and an SP that I'd love to have painted but only if they come out looking as good as when they went in.

Nate, FYI earlier tonight I compared my SP 2005 with Shintaro's repainted SP and S. The paint on his SP (same as Gabor's SP) is not as glossy as I remember and looks almost identical to my SP 2005, but his S is a little more glossy (intentionally so because it suits the earlier camera better).

 

[Paul T.]

I don't think you can compare Shintaro and any of the other people mentioned. Even Peter at CRR, who is a genius, doesn't get as close to a period feel - altho I admittedly haven't seen his repaints from the last couple of years. SHintaro's just looks glossier, but not too glossy, and harder.

I had him do my M4, then when I got a tax bill and downsized to a ratty M3, I got back all the money I put into it, here on RFF; I still get people occasionally email me regretting they didn't buy it. That said, I didn't use the camera as much as I should have, partly because such a nice-looking machine is a bit inhibiting.

(Is anyone sle having a problem with photobucket??? All img tags are present and correct...)

 

[umcelinho]

M3, the details around the windows make it look more interesting imho.

 

[wallace]

Sorry, I don't understand. What is the sense of painting a Leica?
Wish I had an M2....

 

[flip]

80% M2. 19% M3. !% confused.

 

[dacookieman]

Definitely a M2, all you'll ever need. 🙂

 

[LeicaTom]

After the IIIC K Grey..........................the BP 1956/7 MP and the M3 BP (Swedish Army/Black Film Counter) cameras are the BEST looking painted Leica's ever made 🙂

*Note I didn't mention the Black painted IIIC ~ while with less than 200 Leitz Eigenturm BP cameras made, they don't count, while there's maybe 40 or less still around.....but the 1946/7 "Flat Top" IIIC looks really good when painted Black too 😀*

Tom

 

[Kim Coxon]

M2 or M3? I will leave that up to you.

As to CRR, this is one of Roberts

Kim

 

[Kim Coxon]

Roberts paint finish on mine was slightly matt rather than high gloss but that was to match the M6.

Kim

 

[JayGannon]

Would I be terrible to ask how much the M3 painting cost you? And what was the turnaround like?

 

[Kim Coxon]

The full story is here. It was a while ago. 😉

Kim

Would I be terrible to ask how much the M3 painting cost you? And what was the turnaround like?