jwcane.enw Posted May 2, 2009 Share #1 Posted May 2, 2009 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) The outer back of the DMR has a number of white labels. On the left are button labels: Play, Delete, Protect, Info. In about three years of DMR use I managed to obliterate most of these four labels. I suspect it is caused by oils (maybe acids?) or other secretions from the skin of my fingers (mainly, thumb). Now that the entire back plate has been replaced by a new one, I want to avoid the trouble described above. I propose regular cleanings. Please advise the acceptable fluid to use in cleaning. Edited May 2, 2009 by jwcane.enw Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandokan Posted May 2, 2009 Share #2 Posted May 2, 2009 Vodka (without the tomato) . Or an isopropyl alcohol, but these may also anhance the removal of the paint. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
graeme_clarke Posted May 2, 2009 Share #3 Posted May 2, 2009 On the other hand... Mine too are wearing off so does anyone have any knowledge of how they can easily be replaced? A fine brush, a steady hand and tippex perhaps? Graeme Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robsteve Posted May 4, 2009 Share #4 Posted May 4, 2009 My labels are not that legible now too. I had thought about repainting them, but when I looked closer the engraving is only slight and the paint seemed to be put on pretty thick, almost like it was stenciled on. In my case, it was sunscreen on my nose that got on the labels and when I wiped it off the most of the white label paint came with it. Robert Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted May 4, 2009 Share #5 Posted May 4, 2009 (edited) I'm not familiar with DMR backs but have replaced worn paint in engraved lettering with a Sharpie pen ... Staedtler permanent marker pens with fine tips also work ... and any excess can be quickly wiped away using a tissue dampened with iso propyl alcohol . Sharpies and Staedtler pens are available with white ink. Ten years ago I also used a fine black Staedtler pen to fill in the white S/N and shutter speed numerals on my M6 Titanium because I could not see the numbers in strong light. I wiped off the excess with iso propyl alcohol and the numerals now look as if they are original. Cheers dunk Edited May 4, 2009 by dkpeterborough Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhsimmonds Posted May 5, 2009 Share #6 Posted May 5, 2009 My labels are not that legible now too. I had thought about repainting them, but when I looked closer the engraving is only slight and the paint seemed to be put on pretty thick, almost like it was stenciled on. In my case, it was sunscreen on my nose that got on the labels and when I wiped it off the most of the white label paint came with it. Robert The labels on my DMR back were also nearly gone but mine was due to using 100% Deet insect repellant and some obviously got onto my fingers. Another photographer on the same trip lost virtually all the black paint from his Canon DSLR! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eoin Posted May 5, 2009 Share #7 Posted May 5, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) If the "labels" were engravings filled with paint and depending on the base material of the camera back you could try using Tippex typewriter correction fluid to flood the engraving. Then before it has completely set use your fingernail to scrape away the surface tippex to leave the engravings filled. I would usually use a model builders enamel paint for something like this but not knowing what material the DMR is and the possible scraping of the camera back, tippex is soft enough to work with. It may however discolour over time when it may absorb dirt and oils. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted May 5, 2009 Share #8 Posted May 5, 2009 I had the same problem. When my camera came into Solms for minor repairs they restored the lettering free of charge. It is the skin oils and sweat that do it. Fairly inevitable. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted May 5, 2009 Share #9 Posted May 5, 2009 Just a thought, maybe a light coat of varnish (clear nail varnish even?) would protect them? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
masjah Posted May 5, 2009 Share #10 Posted May 5, 2009 Just a thought, maybe a light coat of varnish (clear nail varnish even?) would protect them? ...just so long as the varnish solvent doesn't take the lettering off first! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted May 5, 2009 Share #11 Posted May 5, 2009 Maybe the missing paint spoils the look of the camera for some people ... but to others it is good honest WABI indicative of fair wear and tear ... and all the wonderful photos created with it. If this was a camera owned by a famous or well known photographer the missing paint would enhance its provenance and desirability. Cheers dunk Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.