Chrome polish

[johncox]

<p>I recently picked up an M2 for about 380 US. The chrome could use some polish, and, side from replacing the leatherette it was a great deal. I've tried 99% alcohol and an eraser. Is there anything else that could shine up the chrome on this bargain? <br>

Thanks in advance<br>

John</p>

[mukul_dube]

<p>You might try putting a couple of drops of oil on a damp rag. I never felt the need to do anything more than clean the surfaces well.</p>

[john_shriver]

<p>You just want to clean it, nothing more. Rubbing alcohol and Q-tips will work fine.<br>

Any polish will change the satin sheen of the chrome plating on the brass shell. Or wear through the chrome.</p>

[steve_bellayr]

<p>I use (camera) lens cleaner and a lens cleaning cloth or cotton cloth. Works fine for me.</p>

[james_elwing]

<p>Microcrystalline wax eg Renaissence Wax after cleaning. Rub on- rub off. It will also fill in any micro cracks in the chrome and resist corrosion. Don't get it in the engraving as it tends to leave a white deposit.</p>

[Gus Lazzari]

<blockquote>

<p>"chrome could use some polish" <em><strong>john c.</strong></em></p>

</blockquote>

<p>I've never applied any polishing agents to the <strong>satin</strong> chrome finish of M top & base plates.<br /> It looses original finish and looks like a DIY'r messed with it. Polishing means that you turn the <strong>satin</strong> into <strong>shiny</strong>...</p>

[Ed_Ingold]

<p>Flitz is a non-abrasive cleaner/polish used on metals. It's great for dressing up stainless steel firearms for display, but I would be reluctant to use it on Leica chrome. Chromium is very hard, as hard as quartz (8 Mohs). Marks in the chrome probably affect the brass substrate, and won't polish out. Think of the damage as battle ribbons.</p>

<p>I also use Renaissance Wax on metal, wood and leather surfaces. Rub it on with a finger, not a cloth, in a very thin layer, then buff it with a soft cloth. It dries hard, and won't transfer to other surfaces. I have never been tempted to use it on a camera, however.</p>

[james_elwing]

<p>Becketts Microcrystalline wax from Western Australia is good as a wipe on/ wipe off wax which leaves little visible residue. A number of museums use it. I find Renaissance wax leaves a white residue very easily in crevices and as build-up</p>

[robbiebedell]

<p>Flitz will take the chrome luster right off and make it shiny...I know. I learned the hard way on an M3.</p>