Scratches on Leica IIIg

[AKR1971]

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Hello Leica Community!

does somebody know how to get scratches off the camera body or at least a bit reduced?

There might be many dudes that like used Leica cameras with scratches or white brass look. I do not belong to this group and therefore like more clean cameras.

Is sandpaper with 3200 or higher helpful or are there any other possibilities (if there are any)?

Thanks for your response.

Regards, Andreas

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[Anbaric]

There is nothing you can do that will not make things worse.

If you want a pristine camera, you will need to buy one in that condition (or find another top plate). I don't think any Leica technician offers replating (you might get a plating shop to do it on a removed top plate, but I doubt they could match the original satin chrome finish). The only other option is a repaint in the colour of your choice.

[qqphot]

Any sanding sufficient to remove the scratches will also remove the texture of the original surface, and it will look far worse than the scratches. 

[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello Andreas,

Welcome to the Forum.

The surface of this 66 year old camera from 1958 is thinly plated & was textured during the manufacturing process. This type of surface is reasonably durable under many circumstances. But, not under all circumstances.

When this type of surface becomes abraded it is sometimes difficult to return it to its original condition. The same as a watch face under a cover glass. Or a front surfaced mirror in a Single Lens Reflex camera.

All 3 are usually better left as they are because, as the Posts above mentioned: These types of surfaces are difficult to bring back to their original condition & very often end up in worse condition after someone tries to return them to their original condition.

These marks are not perfect. They are not terrible either. A IIIg is a nice camera by modern standards. It has a 0.7X magnification viewfinder. Pretty much the same as a current "M" with a 0.72X or 0.73X. No discernable difference there.

It has frame lines for 50mm & 90mm lenses in the viewfinder.

And it is smaller & lighter than a modern "M" camera.

There are a number of regular issue screw mount lenses that will provide images of contemporary quality. Such as a rigid screw mount 50mm f2 Summicron. A 3 element 90mm f4 Elmar & a 135mm f4 Elmar. The last 1 requires an additional viewfinder for accurate framing. This fits in the accessory shoe on the top of the camera.

You can also use it with a screw mount Visoflex II or IIa which will allow you to use the lens heads from the 90mm f4 Elmar & 135mm f4 Elmar for everything from Infinity to close up as a single lens reflex camera. You can use the 50mm f2 Summicron for close ups.

You can also use it with a screw mount Visoflex I. At all ranges with the 135mm f4 Elmar.

Do you already have an appropriate light meter?

Best Regards,

Michael

Edited November 1, 2024 by Michael Geschlecht

[jc_braconi]

I will seek for an another one in pristine condition, if you find one, next,  you can sell this one, or find some artist able to paint this one in black.

[Thumper]

Just leave it alone and use the camera. Enjoy it.

[bobtodrick]

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21 hours ago, Thumper said:

Just leave it alone and use the camera. Enjoy it.

Imagine that...purchasing a camera to make photographs instead of 'admiring' it 😂