p.3 #1 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
stgrove wrote:
The Leica Miami SL3 video suggests it is different. Must revisit the video to remember what it is now and what is was in the SL2.
Now 100% magnesium?
Apparently it's magnesium, yes.
I want to black out the lettering on my SL3. I'm actually thinking about using one of those peelable paints to mask off the rest of the camera and just spray it. It's 100% removable.
p.3 #4 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
As long as the SL3 has an anodized viewfinder housing you'll be OK using acetone or paint thinner. However, DO NOT use sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or any caustic solution similar to. Strong bases will remove anodizing. Anodizing is an oxide (anodic oxide) and very resistant to many chemicals. So you won't hurt it if it's anodized and you use acetone.
p.3 #5 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
If what people are saying about the SL3 is true (magnesium and not aluminum) it could be coated in various ways (and could also be anodized). If it's not anodized, I would be very careful about using solvents on it. I would check first with Leica.
p.3 #6 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
I think Fred’s SL looks great with the quieter lettering. Even the red dot is in the perfect place far as I’m concerned. Wouldn’t touch it, that colourscheme is a classic design. I’d be tempted to do the same if I had one.
But honestly, this peculiar-to-Leica-forums trope that people on the street would notice a camera aimed at them less because a logo is covered up is wishful thinking. Out there in the world almost nobody knows or cares about Leicas. What they notice is people aiming their attention and camera straight at them.
To be less noticable, grab any camera that can be used facing down with a tilted viewfinder, that’s going to work a lot better.
p.3 #10 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
Fred Miranda wrote:
Actually, with the Sony, you don't need to remove the white paint from the logo. Simply paint over it with black. Here’s how it looks:
Yes! Exactly what I did. I also manage to remove the Alpha badge and paint the others letterings on the buttons. Much better!
p.3 #11 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
bract_twins.0o wrote:
Yes! Exactly what I did. I also manage to remove the Alpha badge and paint the others letterings on the buttons. Much better!
I used the black paint stick from Markal, which is a durable paint that won't come off with alcohol and requires acetone for removal. It's easy to apply, and any excess can be wiped off with a cloth, leaving no residue outside the engraved area. 5-minute job!
p.3 #14 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
Fred Miranda wrote:
Is it possible to get those in São Paulo? I lived there for 20 years.
That's cool! Send me a message if you come by sometime, we can have a cachaça.
Well, I was searching for it after I read your message… I found a similar one on Leroy Merlin, but of a different brand. It looks the same, I'm going to buy it and try.
p.3 #15 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
I DID IT!
Followed Fred's instruction and I removed all traces of the white filled letters on the prism of my new SL2! Very daunting but in the end not that big of a deal, just went slowly and carefully. Instead of a Q-tip I used a very fine pointed artists brush to apply the acetone. The acetone seems not to affect the black around and under the letters.
Looks sooo much better, IMHO!
If it was just a studio or event camera I might have left it on but I do mostly street photography so I wanted a little less obvious branding.
Thank you Fred Miranda!!
p.3 #16 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
PaulPotash wrote:
I DID IT!
Followed Fred's instruction and I removed all traces of the white filled letters on the prism of my new SL2! Very daunting but in the end not that big of a deal, just went slowly and carefully. Instead of a Q-tip I used a very fine pointed artists brush to apply the acetone. The acetone seems not to affect the black around and under the letters.
Looks sooo much better, IMHO!
If it was just a studio or event camera I might have left it on but I do mostly street photography so I wanted a little less obvious branding.
Thank you Fred Miranda!!...Show more →
Congrats, Paul. It can be scary, but in the end, it’s rewarding. I think it looks much better without the prominent LEICA branding.
p.3 #20 · Leica SL and SL2 (LEICA white paint removal)
It won't let me directly quote your last message, Fred, but I think the SL3 is anodized magnesium instead of aluminum. But I wouldn't think that would impact how the acetone works.
Someone on Reddit said they tried this on their SL3 with alcohol (not acetone) and it seemed to affect the black finish around the lettering. Is there any reason why alcohol would do this, and not acetone?
