paul_ozzello Posted October 29, 2004 Share Posted October 29, 2004 I just noticed what appear to be tiny bubbles under the silver finish of my M6 near the cocking lever. Has this happened to anyone before? Can the finish be 'redone'? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m_. Posted October 29, 2004 Share Posted October 29, 2004 I have lots for some time now and never bothered by them. my all black m6 still works even after a few minor drops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m_. Posted October 29, 2004 Share Posted October 29, 2004 i should add that the only time i hold my cameras is to take pictures. i am not one of us that "play" with the camera. no sarcasm intended here. i am a lousy camera care taker so to speak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_rybolt Posted October 29, 2004 Share Posted October 29, 2004 this is the zinc alloy salts beginning to break down. it will never reach the point of creating a problem with the mechanics of the camera. Silver cameras, because they are brass, don't have this problem. Nor do black paint cameras. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy e Posted October 29, 2004 Share Posted October 29, 2004 Yeah, actually mine almost looks like it has a skin condition, but its working fine. I say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terry_rory Posted October 29, 2004 Share Posted October 29, 2004 I'm 45 years old soon and I've had all kinds of stuff impairing my 'finish'. I still work OK. (Not had bubbles yet though.) I guess it depends on whether you intend on selling soon. If so then the bubbles might be a problem. Cosmetic perfection is so (disproportionately) important nowadays compared to results. Same problem with cameras. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald_moravec1 Posted October 29, 2004 Share Posted October 29, 2004 When these cameras were introduced, Leica knew of the potential problem and said it was from impurities in the alloy, which it is, and they took great pains to have zink alloys free from impurities and this would not be a problem. They lied. Since chrome is porous microscopically, sealing it with chrome polish may prevent acid from your hands from prenetrating the chrome and starting the reaction. Turtle wax makes a chrome polish for autos. A proper plating process to seal the zink would have been to first nickel then copper plate, then chrome on top. I guess this costs too much for a $2000 camera. Since people report worn corners becoming zink and no intermittent plating ,I suggest this was not done. Black chrome should receive the same protection. Borrowing from auto technology, I have kept the laquered brass on my view camera looking new with Nu Finish ment for laquered cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john15 Posted October 29, 2004 Share Posted October 29, 2004 Why did they stop using brass top plates? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_kaplan1 Posted October 29, 2004 Share Posted October 29, 2004 I had a Leica R4S (SLR) that I bought new in the early 80's, and with the Florida humidity and my sweaty fingers it was covered with those "bubbles" after about a year. My 50's and 60's vintage M2 and M3 chrome bodies still look fine except for a bit of brassing, but no corrosion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huw_finney Posted October 30, 2004 Share Posted October 30, 2004 copper then nickel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorge Posted October 31, 2004 Share Posted October 31, 2004 John, <br><br> <i>>>Why did they stop using brass top plates?<<</i> <br><br> Easier manufacturing; die casting, I believe. Happened during the cost cutting years of Canadian manufacturing and carried on to Solms. Now they're back to using brass thanks to computer controlled machining. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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