[Leica] Re: White Stuff for the Numbers on Lenses

[Andrew Nemeth <azn@nemeng.com>]

> [White numbers on lens worn off.  How to repaint/ technique?]

I have had to refresh these numbers for most of the 2nd hand R 
lenses I've bought - so I've got a bit of experience in doing this.

The paint - white gloss enamel.  You buy a tiny pot of it 
(not much bigger than your thumb!) from a hobby store.  While
you are there, also grab some yellow/orange paint for the
'feet' distance markings, and some red for the red alignment
dot on the stainless steel lens bayonet ring.

Before painting, scrape out any existing loose paint from the 
engraved numbers using a wooden toothpick.

To paint.  Use another tooth pick - it is easier to control
than a brush.  Dab tiny amounts of paint into the numbers, trying 
not to spill too much onto the surrounding area.  When you've filled 
the engraved pit with paint, gently dab away any excess with a cotton 
Q-tip.  It will still leave a thin white smear of paint film around 
the number(s) on the lens barel, but don't worry about this.

Put lens in the sun and leave it to dry for at least a couple of hours.

Now rub off the excess film *with either your fingernail or clean
skin of your thumb*.  Essential you note this.  Don't use a cloth,
don't use a spatuala, but either a fingernail or the skin of your
thumb.  Have found out the hard way that anything else will either
scratch the black lens barel finish or else tarnish the newly painted 
number (meaning you'll have to paint again!).

BTW, you can also touch up the black finish on the lenses to 
cut down on the amount of nicks etc.  Tetenal make a special
paint to do this (Kameralack - Varnish Black, Glossy, 0.1L,
Art #. 100904), but I have had good results with a standard
black felt-tip pen (an Artline 19 Industrial Marker).

Result - with a bit of retouching work, you'll be surprised just how 
new your lenses will look!  My 15 year old 100mm APO R looks like it 
just came out of the box.


Regds,

Andrew Nemeth
nemeng.com