Remove MC MeterScuff marks

[kennekam]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

My M3 has a few scuff marks where the MC meter was fitted. They are not scratches,but rather shiny marks.

 

I also collect watches and often use a fine sandpaper or an abrasive dish washing pad to restore the brushed look to straps and cases. Will the same work on the M3 or will it damage it?

[andybarton]

It's part of the charm and character. Leave it be, is my advice.

 

If you wanted to keep it mint (if it was mint...), then you'd have been best advised not to put anything near the accessory shoe.

[jc_braconi]

My M3 has a few scuff marks where the MC meter was fitted. They are not scratches,but rather shiny marks.

 

I also collect watches and often use a fine sandpaper or an abrasive dish washing pad to restore the brushed look to straps and cases. Will the same work on the M3 or will it damage it?

 

This is the way to make more damage not restoring...

this will remove the few chrome plating leaving on and will shine the brass top.

The little rough aspect on the camera is due to this special chrome plating called "hard chrome".

As on all like "fine sanded" surfaces, just a friction on, can cause marks, more than on a fine lapped surface.

all leicameter can be adjusted easily for clearance with the four set screw on the shoe.

[lars_bergquist]

Your M3 has a history. Just as when you restore old paintings or furniture or buildings, this history should be respected. A vintage camera should be in full working order, and allowed to do some work occasionally, but it should wear its scars as proudly as I wear mine.

 

The old man from the Age of the M3

[kennekam]

Thanks for all the comments. I guess I should leave well alone. Strange thing is that buyers never share the view when you try to sell things.

[andybarton]

I don't know. Most people who buy a 40+ year old camera expect it to have lived a little.

 

Unless it's being bought for a collection, these small marks make no difference to the price.

[earleygallery]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I'd be surprised NOT to see the marks, pretty much every M2/M3 I've looked at (including my own) has them. Obviously the M meter was a very popular accessory.

 

Mint condition Leica equipment has to be exactly that, Mint as in no apparent sign of use at all. Most people who use the term are really talking about a carefully used camera and should describe it as EXC.

 

If you have bought the camera to use then you're better off with one that isn't mint (as it will cost less) and should accept that it will pick up a few other marks along the way.

[gyoung]

I'd be surprised NOT to see the marks, pretty much every M2/M3 I've looked at (including my own) has them. Obviously the M meter was a very popular accessory.

 

Mint condition Leica equipment has to be exactly that, Mint as in no apparent sign of use at all. Most people who use the term are really talking about a carefully used camera and should describe it as EXC.

 

If you have bought the camera to use then you're better off with one that isn't mint (as it will cost less) and should accept that it will pick up a few other marks along the way.

 

Usual trick is to put tape or (in my case) small white paper price labels on the base of the meter to stop it marking the top. My M3 has had a meter on it pretty well all its life, MC, MR and now Voigtlander, and no marks.

I also put some silver tape round the ends when I bought it (new, in 1968) to stop the leather neck strap rubbing the chrome above the lugs, its still there 40 years later!

 

Gerry