dave_gurtcheff1 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 I have a vintage Leicaflex SL in black chrome finish. It is in near mint condition but the white markings are yellowing with age. Can anyone recommend a method and materials to restore the whites? By restoring, would I lessen it's "collector" value? I recently purchased it; I normally shoot digital, but am going to start shooting B&W film again. The camera is in such pristine condition, that I spent $14 on ebay to buy a used case to use the camera. (I never use cases with my modern equipment, but this is too nice to ruin the finish with a traditional strap). I don't "collect" cameras, I use them, but in this case, it's too nice to beat up. Thanks in advance Dave G in NJ www.modernpictorials.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony_senzaorbi Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 I seem to recall there's something called a Paint Stick that the camera repair guys and dealers use to "detail" those markings. I'm not sure where you'd get one but probably a good old google search would turn up a source. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich B NYC Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Dave, Go to www.micro-tools.com I believe they still sell the paint you need. I don't recall if it's a stick or a liquid that's "injected" into the engravings but you should be able to find it on their site. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_gurtcheff1 Posted March 9, 2006 Author Share Posted March 9, 2006 Thanks both to Rich & Tony.RegardsDave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald_moravec1 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Take a wood toothpick and dig out all the old paint. Rub the stick over the engraving and then wipe off the excess. Some white film will appear, but this can be cleaned off after 24 hours. The process is just like grouting tile. The wait step is important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee hamiel Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Offbeat response here - take a Q-Tip & dip it in some Oxy solution - will clean the crud & oxidation out & use more Q-Tips to clean out & dry. If you do decide to use a paint stick make sure the dirt/film is gone or it will not adhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erin.e Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Before you "dig" out the old paint, get an old toothbrush and put a little tooth paste on it with a little water, gently scrub the white lettering. You will probably be surprised to see the yellow oxidisation dissappear and the lettering restored to its crisp white orginality! I have done this with several cameras tha I have brought of the internet and it works a traet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erin.e Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Oh dyslexic me, that should be treat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimsimmons Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 I know it's a sacrilege, but since I think if feet and not meters, I put black paint in the metric markings. But once, when I sent my camera in to Leica New Jersey for a repair, they removed all the black paint for me. No charge. Grrrrr..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_gurtcheff1 Posted March 10, 2006 Author Share Posted March 10, 2006 Thanks all. I like the toothpaste idea. I will try this first. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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