Leica M2 with Scratched Top Plate from MR Meter

[mickjazz]

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I have a button rewind M2 with scratched top from installing/removing MR meter.

 

Anybody found a way to improve the look of the scratched top surface?

 

Thanks M

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[david strachan]

You wont be able to remove the scratches, but you could clean the dirt out of them.

 

I'd use a solvent, perhaps turpentine, on a cotton bud, being carefull to keep it away from the script.

 

All best...

[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello Mick,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

There have been a number of Threads that can be accessed thru the "Search" function at the top of this page: About how to adjust various Leica Meters so that scratching like the scratching in the photo does not occur. Or, does not get worse.

 

This type of brushed chrome surface is hard to duplicate with home made remedies.

 

If it bothers you too much: You might try various silver markers ON A SEPARATE PIECE OF METAL until you find 1 that is reasonably close. If you have to choose between 2 close versions of silver: It is GENERALLY better to choose the DARKER 1.

 

This may have to be touched up once a year or so. So: Keep the marker that is the correct 1 in a safe place. Even if you have to buy a new 1 because the older 1 is dry.

 

If you try a more aggressive type of touch up: You may find that the surface looks worse after you are done & then, sometimes, there is no way back to what you started with.

 

Results worse than the original damage: Happens on a regular basis to some people who try to repair their clock faces or their watch faces.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael

Edited December 14, 2017 by Michael Geschlecht

[TomB_tx]

The used M3 & M2 I picked up also have rub marks from the meters. So I refurbished a couple of MR meters and leave them installed (adjusted so they won't rub) - and the marks are covered! I find the meters useful too...

[mickjazz]

I thought about using the meter as a cover, Tom, but if I were inclined to use a meter it would be a VC.

 

Mike I am aware of what can happen attempting to pretty up something. I cleaned a small spot on the vulcanite of a Leica ii and ended up with a full on brown vulcanite.

 

I'm surprised that the folks in Wetzler - after discovering how the meter could mar the top of their cameras - did not mod the meter design with a lower plastic rub strip or something to eliminate metal on metal.

[mikemgb]

I thought about using the meter as a cover, Tom, but if I were inclined to use a meter it would be a VC.

 

Mike I am aware of what can happen attempting to pretty up something. I cleaned a small spot on the vulcanite of a Leica ii and ended up with a full on brown vulcanite.

 

I'm surprised that the folks in Wetzler - after discovering how the meter could mar the top of their cameras - did not mod the meter design with a lower plastic rub strip or something to eliminate metal on metal.

 

The bottom of my MR is all plastic, were there different versions?

[TomB_tx]

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I believe the previous Leica meter M had a metal base.

[derleicaman]

Most of the Leica meters had a plastic base. It doesn't matter. Once grit gets between the meter bottom and the top plate, this is the result. There is an adjustment to the meter to make it more evenly spaced above the camera, but this is seldom done. I have seen many creative solutions over the years, from the end of a film box to tape.

 

Years ago, I had a long discussion with Tom A about the possibility of restoring Leica satin chrome top covers through shot blasting. Fine shot blasting equipment does exist, sort of like an airbrush on steroids. We discussed what kind of medium would work best. Silica sand would be too course, we thought. Perhaps baking soda? We were speculating on offering a refinishing service for Leica users with meter and strap rub issues on their top covers. We never followed through on this discussion though.

[mickjazz]

I put an MR-4 on the camera this afternoon. I've hardly ever used meters on meterless M's (the meter on my M5 never worked) and perhaps I never appreciated how well the top mounted meter works. It's quite a cool design and works well.

 

The downside for me is that it adds weight to the camera which is one reason I prefer an M2 to M3. No goggles or finder for 35mm. I have a right hand that doesn't like holding heavy cameras.

[Tragg]

1. Learn to love your M2 as it is. The marks are part of its history.

 

2. If you really don't like a scuffed camera sell your M2 and look for one that is cleaner.

 

3. From my experience attempts to reverse ageing usually end up looking worse than evidence of use. Same goes for people!