"Aluminiuming" : Worn down M11/ M11M/ M11-P/ M11-D

[SnapJimmy]

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I’ve always admired the way black-painted Leicas brass beautifully over time, a feature cherished by many collectors. However, I’ve been curious about how aluminum-bodied Leicas wear down—a process we might call "aluminuming"—as the silver metal begins to show. I recently found a photo online, but I’d love to see more examples of worn M11, M11 Monochrom, M11-P, or even M11-D cameras.

** I am still contemplating whether to get M11-D.

 

Edited December 29, 2024 by SnapJimmy

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[elgenper]

Exactly where my own M11-P (black paint, bought July 16th) shows the same kind of wear. Nowhere else even a shiny spot...

I use it daily, no protector or half case, plain Harry Benz strap.  Resides in a Billingham Digital when off duty, in no way "babied" whenever its services are required...☹️

Not worried; it was bought to use, not to display or sell.  And the 14 y o M9 it replaced was really brassed!

Edited December 29, 2024 by elgenper

[UliWer]

One should avoid pressing the shutter button.

[DadDadDaddyo]

Reminds me of the old tongue twister...

 

She asks: "Are you copper-plating those pipes?"

He replies: "No, Mum, I'm Aluminuming 'em, Mum...."

 

At a radio station I worked at, we used to hand that to announcer applicants to see if they could get through it cold. 

[Almizilero]

No wear at all on my M11-P so far, after 9 month.

[jgeenen]

Wow - this looks soooo gooood. If my M11 would exhibit a similar pattern of wear, I'd be delighted! Unfortunately, mine is just getting scratches and dents after two years of use 😞 - so sad.

Comparing the release collar material with the main body material, I assume different materials or at least treatment, which might explain why the Reddit poster experiences early wear on the release collar but about nowhere else (except the edges of the hot shoe).