Re: [Leica] black paint

[Jerry Lehrer <jerryleh@pacbell.net>]

Feli

It's been a loooong time since I saw an original black M2, and
I have never seen a new MP.  You aren't making a counterfeit,
so I suggest semi-gloss epoxy.  After it cures, you can bake it
at 125 degrees F.  I have been inside the large curing ovens, at
temperature, to evaluate aircraft part damage and repair. 150
degrees is not much fun. (but it's a dry heat :-)

I have seen Shintaros website for years, and I know that his
finish does not last for a working camera.

I have had several black chrome Leicas, and they look like
shit after a few years, but they are just tools, so WTF?

Jerry

Feli di Giorgio wrote:

> Felice
>
>  >Isn't it pretty late in the game to be asking those questions?
>
> Yes and no.
>
>  >Speaking as an expert on industrial finishes, I would say that
>  >a semi-gloss epoxy enamel is the finish to use.  Prep before
>  >finish would be a light dust blast, followed by a fog coat of
>  >epoxy primer in a dark gray color.
>
> Hmmm, it doesn't look like the original M cameras have a primer layer.
> That may explain why the paint wasn't very tough.
>
>  >If you use a Urethane enamel, procedure is slightly different.
>
> What would you recommend that would come closest to the original or
> current MP finish? Sintaro in Japan bakes his camera parts, before
> assembly.
>
>  >Whatever you use, you want to avoid a thick buildup as it
>  >WILL chip if you do.  Also re-assembly will be a bitch!
>  >Make sure that all threaded parts are masked.
>
> Disassembly was a bitch. I got only so far and then had a local Leica
> repair guy do the rest, since I lacked many of the proper tools.
>
> I have a good amount of experience painting. I built miniatures and
> models for a good 15 years. I was only going to paint the heads on the
> screws. I did some research and tracked down many photos of the
> original cameras and it appears that Leica sometimes left the screws
> chrome plated and simply painted over them, following the philosophy
> that it's a tool, not a piece of jewelry.
>
> Once the parts are painted I'm going to ship everything to Sherry or
> DAG for reassembly and a calibration check.
>
> Thanks,
>
> feli
>
>  >Jerry
>
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