p.1 #1 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
This is subjective but I find the white-painted LEICA letters on the SL and SL2 bodies a bit too much since both cameras already have big red dots in the front. ;-)
Since the release of the SL2-S (which does not have the word "LEICA" painted white), I have been considering removing the white paint from the letters on my SL2.
For those interested, I've asked Dyfa for some tips and here is what he wrote me:
Part I: I've gotten many many pms and comments about this that I think I should make a youtube video about it haha. I have a channel after all.
It's not very hard but requires some patience. Acetone on a rag and some toothpicks will do the trick although a dull needle is preferable to get things started.
1) apply some acetone or light amounts of paint thinner on the letters (excessive amounts or rubbing can cause the black paint surface to mark especially black paint. Light dabbing is enough)
2) use a dull needle to chip the white paint starting from the corners of the letter (it's easiest to lift the paint from the corners)
3) continue chipping away with the needle if you feel comfortable and steady or switch to a sharp toothpick
4) There shouldn't be residue but to clean it up, use some q-tips with acetone and run it through the grooves
Takes about an hour.
_________________
I replied asking for more clarification on rubbing acetone and using a wooden toothpick instead. Here is his answer:
Part II: Light rubbing is totally ok. I haven't had any problems with paint thinner or acetone on Leica black paint but on a Sony I once owned, it did show faint rub marks. Perhaps the quality of paint is vastly different as well.
I actually used dull needle the whole way through but a toothpick sounds doable as well. Though to get the initial chip, a dull needle is ideal. To chip it, you wont be stabbing or scrapping. It's more like catching the edge of the white paint and gently flicking it to flake. That's how I did it at least.
p.1 #2 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
Fred Miranda wrote:
This is subjective but I find the white-painted LEICA letters on the SL and SL2 bodies a bit too much since both cameras already have big red dots in the front. ;-)
Since the release of the SL2-S (which does not have the word "LEICA" painted white), I have been considering removing the white paint from the letters on my SL2.
For those interested, I've asked Dyfa for some tips and here is what he wrote me:
Part I: I've gotten many many pms and comments about this that I think I should make a youtube video about it haha. I have a channel after all.
It's not very hard but requires some patience. Acetone on a rag and some toothpicks will do the trick although a dull needle is preferable to get things started.
1) apply some acetone or light amounts of paint thinner on the letters (excessive amounts or rubbing can cause the black paint surface to mark especially black paint. Light dabbing is enough)
2) use a dull needle to chip the white paint starting from the corners of the letter (it's easiest to lift the paint from the corners)
3) continue chipping away with the needle if you feel comfortable and steady or switch to a sharp toothpick
4) There shouldn't be residue but to clean it up, use some q-tips with acetone and run it through the grooves
Takes about an hour.
_________________
I replied asking for more clarification on rubbing acetone and using a wooden toothpick instead. Here is his answer:
Part II: Light rubbing is totally ok. I haven't had any problems with paint thinner or acetone on Leica black paint but on a Sony I once owned, it did show faint rub marks. Perhaps the quality of paint is vastly different as well.
I actually used dull needle the whole way through but a toothpick sounds doable as well. Though to get the initial chip, a dull needle is ideal. To chip it, you wont be stabbing or scrapping. It's more like catching the edge of the white paint and gently flicking it to flake. That's how I did it at least.
p.1 #4 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
I found the easiest and least harmful way to hide letters and logos on black Leica cameras is with black gaffer tape. Trick is to double-tape the area which sits on the red logo and the letters - otherwise the tape will stick to the white or red paint and strips parts off when the tape is removed. Double-taping (meaning to avoid that the adhesive touches the logo or letters) - avoids it. This way the camera remains in its original condition and doesn't affect resale value later.
This said, I like the look of the SL2 with black letters. Looks IMO better than the original!
p.1 #5 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
Why not just fill the letters with black paint? I used to engrave skis way back in the seventies and we would fill the letters with a paint stick and wipe clean. These bodies are anodized, not painted as far as I know, but I would still be afraid to put acetone or any chemicals on the finish.
p.1 #6 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
Rob L wrote:
Why not just fill the letters with black paint? I used to engrave skis way back in the seventies and we would fill the letters with a paint stick and wipe clean. These bodies are anodized, not painted as far as I know, but I would still be afraid to put acetone or any chemicals on the finish.
I've used the white fill-in paint and it's easy to use.
Just apply it generously on the engraved area (it feels like a chalk) and then just wipe out the excess with alcohol. It could be a less permanent alternative to removing the white paint with acetone.
I've used the white fill-in paint and it's easy to use.
Just apply it generously on the engraved area (it feels like a chalk) and then just wipe out the excess with alcohol. It could be a less permanent alternative to removing the white paint with acetone.
More along the lines of what my nerves could handle. While I like the blackout look very much, I’m afraid to do anything permanent. Besides, as I commented elsewhere I spend all my time on the other side of the camera so I really don’t see it anymore. Ha Ha
With that said, I attempted some street with the SL2 test and 35 FLE yesterday in a crowded environment and sure enough every time I raised the camera to my eye subjects looked directly at me. But I did get away with plenty of evidence the FLE nails pedestrian eyes on the move adapted to the SL2 👀 👀 👀 😝
I've used the white fill-in paint and it's easy to use.
Just apply it generously on the engraved area (it feels like a chalk) and then just wipe out the excess with alcohol. It could be a less permanent alternative to removing the white paint with acetone.
Be cautious when using acetone - a tiny spill on any kind of acrylic/plastic part (for example top display cover) will make it look hazy.
p.1 #11 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
I had some time today and removed the white LEICA letters from my SL2.
Not for the faint hearted but easy.
I started by dabbing the letters with pure acetone with a cotton ball. Then used a wood toothpick (to avoid any scratching) and the white paint came out very easily. There was a bit of residual paint, so I used a q-tip with acetone through the letter grooves and all the white paint came out. Looks great with no scratches or marks and definitely stealthier. I think it looks exactly like the newer SL2-S now.
p.1 #17 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
EltonTeng wrote:
I always chuckled to myself whenever I saw the big "LEICA" on the SL. It's as if the red dot is not obvious enough.
I really like the no-frills look of the M9 Monochrom in contrast.
Two personal experiences: After I got my first Leica M - the M6 - it didn't take long to get attention when I took it with me to Germany. Somebody spotted the red dot from quite a distance and shouted out loud "Look, he uses a Leica!". Turns out he was a friendly guy and simply interested also in photography, but this of course was not an attention I wanted. Since then I use tape on both dot and white name.
Since then I was never approached or spotted again when using Leica gear. Only once a guy came to me and said "Aren't these Fuji mirrorless cameras great?". I simply said yes and moved on. Blending in with a common MLC brand is just fine.
p.1 #18 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
I totally agree most of the other cameras do the large EVF logo thing--but then again, Leica received the Leica customer message with the SL2S. I also prefer the IMO classier looking SL2S EVF logo compared to the SL2 White EVF logo.
As far as street stealth goes I think its much more about approach than camera size. Albeit the larger the camera potentially larger the reaction with random pedestrians and strangers! But I think I could probably use the SL2 to defend myself properly if I had too. ha ha Yes, I did try Street with the SL2 and the M 50 lux asph in heavy foot traffic. Let's just say I could see very well in post editing just how sharp and capable this kit to capture the human iris since they were ALL looking right at the camera! ha ha. But I was far enough away I could have made a run for it...if needed
Nothing stealthy about holding any camera at eye level to front facing pedestrians or strangers that can see it or notice it. I'll never forget the photographer who used the tiny, all black Fujifilm camera for aggressive street behavior:
p.1 #19 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
LBJ2 wrote:
I totally agree most of the other cameras do the large EVF logo thing--but then again, Leica received the Leica customer message with the SL2S. I also prefer the IMO classier looking SL2S EVF logo compared to the SL2 White EVF logo.
As far as street stealth goes I think its much more about approach than camera size. Albeit the larger the camera potentially larger the reaction with random pedestrians and strangers! But I think I could probably use the SL2 to defend myself properly if I had too. ha ha Yes, I did try Street with the SL2 and the M 50 lux asph in heavy foot traffic. Let's just say I could see very well in post editing just how sharp and capable this kit to capture the human iris since they were ALL looking right at the camera! ha ha. But I was far enough away I could have made a run for it...if needed
Nothing stealthy about holding any camera at eye level to front facing pedestrians or strangers that can see it or notice it. I'll never forget the photographer who used the tiny, all black Fujifilm camera for aggressive street behavior:
p.1 #20 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
retrofocus wrote:
Two personal experiences: After I got my first Leica M - the M6 - it didn't take long to get attention when I took it with me to Germany. Somebody spotted the red dot from quite a distance and shouted out loud "Look, he uses a Leica!". Turns out he was a friendly guy and simply interested also in photography, but this of course was not an attention I wanted. Since then I use tape on both dot and white name.
Since then I was never approached or spotted again when using Leica gear. Only once a guy came to me and said "Aren't these Fuji mirrorless cameras great?". I simply said yes and moved on. Blending in with a common MLC brand is just fine. ...Show more →
Very soon after getting my M6ttl (a good while ago) I turned the red dot into a black dot with enamel paint. No desire to attract attention when I'm taking photos!
Now Im using the Xpro-2 Ive had a comment 'that looks a very old fashioned camera'
