Painting a camera black

6 years 3 months ago #558506 by 909Randy
I bought a box of old film camera from an estate sale.  Most of these have bodies that are beat up and faded paint. 

I'm pretty handy and enjoy taking apart things and rebuilding.  I've rebuilt a camera before, however up to the challenge. 

Just curious on what paint is used on camera bodies?   


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6 years 3 months ago #558512 by Bryston3bsst
I don't know if I'd paint it.

The wear on the old film bodies are like badges of honor. I loved it when mine wore through to the brass.

But if you want to, I imagine any quality automotive black would be good.


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6 years 3 months ago #558524 by garyrhook
Assuming the body is clean, the marks of use are for more interesting than shiny paint. Why would you do that? Leave old cameras alone.

IMO, of course.


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6 years 3 months ago #558557 by effron
I have some old used looking filmers, and I love the "beat half to death" look....they all still work perfectly too.....

Why so serious?
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6 years 3 months ago #558668 by Sandy Smith Photos
Which is why you can buy Leica's that have a distressed look to them as new.  I'd keep them looking as they are.  That gives nice character.  Just as others have said, this is my opinion.  


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6 years 3 months ago #558675 by Sandy Smith Photos
Here's a video if you really want to go this path



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6 years 3 months ago #560685 by Chris Yates
If you haven't already...

I wouldn't risk painting it. Don't know much about rebuilding cameras, but it just seems like an unnecessary risk to me


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6 years 3 months ago #560839 by Kenta
LOL my friend tried painting her camera.  She is very handy, had the camera broken down.  Painted correctly.  However the paint didn't last long as she didn't use the right base coat or something.  Now the camera looks horrible.  


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