Has anyone had any experience in having an M body painted black? Any problems or down side? By the way, the web site for the Japanese gentleman who paints them appears to be lost. Anyone know a better address? Thanks.

-- Dennis Couvillion (couvilaw@aol.com), October 18, 2001

Answers

I don't like fully black cameras :) I prefer to use a spray can and spray on some vibrant colors to make an Austin Powers M body. There is a wonderful example at http://www.cameraquest.com/ .

After all, totally black can be a problem. Say it is dark and you can't find it in the dark ! :) At least, if it is colorful or iridescient you can find your M very quickly.

Leica-heartedly, Alfie

-- Albert Wang (albert.wang@ibx.com), October 18, 2001.

I have an M2 and a IIIf painted black by Shintaro and they are absolutely beautiful. I have a jpeg of the IIIf if anyone is interested. My M2 had an engraving in the back so it was worth it for me to paint it and have it removed. The IIIf had the peeling chrome problem. There is no downside except for the cost. $500 per body. I think it is worth it and you will agree if you see a finished product. By the way you can choose hot pink if you want but e-mail ahead so he can order some. I have his e-mail on my office computer but there is a link on Hans Palen's site which is linked in the Leica AG home page under photographers.

-- ray tai (razerx@netvigator.com), October 18, 2001.

The Japanese gentleman would be Shintaro Yaginuma. Unfortunately, his web page on Geocities isn't there anymore. Perhaps you can Ask Tom Abrahamsson (www.rapidwinder.com). My impression from his LUG posts is that he knows Shintaro personally.

-- Bong Munoz (bong@techie.com), October 18, 2001.

I whole-heartedly agree with Ray. I had an M2 and an M4 painted by Shintaro back in the days when it was $400/body. Gorgeous! I've also had a 50 Summicron painted. Gorgeous again! Currently he has another body and lens of mine. He can be reached at . Below is an excerpt of a recent communications with him.

"Now I have three plans for paint. This price is for Leica.

1 $500US just paint on the brass. I do not paint eyelet's and flame at back door.

It is good for the camera which is mint condition or owner doesn't care about scars.

2 $600US Fix dents or dings then paint on the brass. I do not paint eyelet's and flame at back door.

It is good for the camera which has dents or dings but has good leather.

3 $700US Fix dents or dings then paint on the brass and change leather. I do paint eyelet's and flame at back door.

It is good for the camera need total service to be mint condition black repainted camera.

Nikon S,S2 Add $100US. Nikon S3,S4,SP Add $ 200US.

I don't want to paint Canon.

Rollei Hummer tone is $500US."

On the down side is the amount of time it takes to have it done. Secondly, the camera has to be sent to Japan and the declared value has to be less than $100 otherwise Japanese customs will charge duty. To ensure peace of mind, send it registered.

-- Henry Chu (heninden@yahoo.com), October 18, 2001.

Shintaro can be reached at mp-3.shintaro@nifty.com

-- Henry Chu (heninden@yahoo.com), October 18, 2001.

I can think of many better ways to spend $500+. Like maybe on film, assuming your using your cameras to take pictures.

-- Steve Wiley (wiley@accesshub.net), October 19, 2001.

It's possible that a shiny black paint Leica might inspire one to take more and better pictures. I love the way it looks, and it feels just right on the finger tips....Might be worth the money.

500 bucks isn't bad. Heck, a Black Paint LHSA is $1000.00 more than a chrome or black M6.

The best thing, is that it should wear down to a nice Jim Marshall M4 look after a while.

-- Steve Hoffman (shoffman2@socal.rr.com), October 19, 2001.

Shintaro paints your (brass) Leica black: details here.

-- Hoyin Lee (leehoyin@hutchcity.com), October 20, 2001.