Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/08/12
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Dan Cardish wrote: > When I pulled out my Wetzlar era M6 to have a look at the DR Summicron, I > noticed some surface blemishes on the black chrome finish near the strap > lug that reminded me of how car paint looks before the rust breaks through. > There seems to be some form of corrosion in the finish. > > Has anyone else experienced this, and is there any way this can be > corrected? > > Dan C. Yes. I posted the LUG with the same question Re: my R4 top plate a couple of weeks ago, but nobody seemed to be familiar with this problem. Anyway I did some checking of my own, Leica UK were unhelpful as usual, "never come across it before" maybe I'm just unlucky in my dealings with them. Peter Grisaffi of CRR Luton tells me its caused by sweat reacting with the zinc which seems feasible, mine has actually broken through as corrosion around the viewfinder window. I handled a used R6 at a dealers yesterday (bit the bullet and bought a 28 2.8 and 135 2.8) the R6 top plate had gone the same way as mine although not quite as bad, the bubbling of the black chrome was more numerous but the blisters were smaller. The finish must be porous or something, apparently the chrome bodies don't suffer to the same extent. I suspect it maybe quite common, there is obviously some fault with the finish/base metal.. The only solution is a new top plate, in the case of the R4 that's 234 GBP from Leica UK excluding fitting and who's to say it wont end up the same. Maybe someone could strip the black chrome off and refinish it (the Japanese guy) but I doubt they would match the original finish. Anyone else seen a top plate with acne? Jason Hall Birmingham UK