Re: [Leica] Anodized finish BUBBLING up

[TTAbrahams@aol.com]

Justin, what is happening is that your lenses and M6 body are turning into 
galvanic elements! There has probably been some microscopic pinholes in the 
plating and working in tropical or salt-laden environments, the zinc of the 
top-plate or the alloy in the lenses has started to react with the chemicals 
in the air. There was a batch of Leica SLR, s that had that problem some 
years ago. Leica Germany is aware of the problem and if Leica USA cannot or 
will not do anything about it, contact Leica Solms. There is no need to worry 
that you will destroy the top or barrel, the reaction is quite slow and as 
the zinc oxidises underneath, it protects itself. It is fairly common on zinc 
diecast top-plates on cameras (not only Leica but on other cameras), once the 
plating has been worn or scratched through the protective plating layer 
(usually black chrome, nickel and acid copper) the zinc reacts with the air. 
If we could tap the energy from that, the camera would never need a battery, 
it would become a zinc/air battery in itself! You could try to stop the 
effect by applying a sealer to the spots, at least the ones that have become 
'open" sores. A black paint layer should seal it off, at least temporary.
Tom A