How to reapply Leica white logo letters from front of blacked out SL?

[photoray]

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I am looking at buying a used SL where the owner blacked out the original white LEICA letters on the camera front.

What method can I use to reapply the white lettering, and what materials are recommended, hopefully not making it worse.

 

Thanks

[rogxwhit]

We don't know what they used, so first I'd try and see if it's easily removable.  Try an old toothbrush, maybe - damp it with warm water and scrub gently.  Anything happening? Then keep at it with warm water & a teeny bit of detergent. 

Next, I'd try alcohol (methylated spirits, or lens cleaning fluid).  No good?  Next, and with caution because it's rather penetrating and neither do we want to prejudice the surrounding surfaces, I might try petrol ...

If the black seems to be immovable, then I'd clean off any residues and dab some silver paint into the lettering as a blinder coat.  Wipe off the surround immediately.  When dry (overnight), follow up with white.  I'm thinking enamel (eg Humbrol in UK - the sort of stuff you get from model shops).  But maybe water-based acrylic would do it. 

This is all experimental!  Don't sue me!

 

[photoray]

Thanks so much for your thoughts and worry not, I am not litigious, just a fan of John Mortimer and Rumpole

I will see if the SL owner can tell me what he attacked the lettering with.  

Much appreciated!

 

Edited August 3, 2024 by photoray

[Jeff S]

Another option besides DIY is to have DAG or another third party repair person do it.  With benign hand tremors, that’s what I would do. Actually, I would only buy used from a reputable Leica dealer, like Leica Miami, which would ensure original condition and excellent working order before sale (typically sending item to DAG or Leica first; then applying warranty). 

Jeff

[photoray]

Thanks Jeff, Don might be a good solution.

Appreciate your thoughts.

 

[jaapv]

12 hours ago, photoray said:

Thanks so much for your thoughts and worry not, I am not litigious, just a fan of John Mortimer and Rumpole

I will see if the SL owner can tell me what he attacked the lettering with.  

Much appreciated!

 

I hate those fugly logos, any brand,  and always black them out with a permanent marker (Sharpie to our USA friends). Be glad that somebody did it for you 🤩. Should anybody wish to restore the original (to me el-cheapo) look, just clean the lettering out by a wooden toothpick dipped in white spirit and fill the engraving with matte white paint and wipe off. 

[photoray]

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Thanks Al, your work is beautiful. Suggestions much appreciated!

[photoray]

Thanks jaapv for the thoughts.

 

 

[dg4mgr]

vor 13 Stunden schrieb Al Brown:

Here are some of my repaints.

Looks fantastic! An "M10 swedish army" - where does it come from?

[Dazzajl]

You might even like the look when you get it. If it’s been done well that is. The white lettering isn’t particularly classy and stealthy Leicas are simply more cool. 
 

You know, “if you know, you know”