NeoAnalogLab Inc. has begun trials toward a film camera repainting business. We are starting with used cameras from our own stock, working through everything from repainting the exterior to replacing the leatherette so we can check the finish and refine the process. Based on the results, we aim to sell repainted cameras and to offer a service that repaints customers’ own cameras.
A Second Finish for Worn Cameras
Most film cameras were made decades ago. After years of use, it is common to find paint worn through to the bare metal, and leatherette that has hardened, shrunk or started to peel. On some cameras, the paint has faded from the engravings, making the lettering and scales hard to read.
Some cameras still take pictures perfectly well yet get passed over because their exterior looks worn. With a refinished exterior, those cameras can find their next owners. We also want to help people who would like a camera of their own in a color the manufacturer never offered.
Four Kinds of Work Under Test
The trials cover four kinds of work.
- Exterior repainting: We remove exterior parts such as the top cover and bottom plate, strip the old paint, and repaint them. We are trying black repaints as well as finishes that recreate the original color.
- Custom colors: We are testing colors the manufacturer never offered. In the future, we also plan to finish cameras in colors chosen by customers.
- Engraving refills: We refill the paint in engravings, such as the lettering on the top cover and the scales on the dials.
- Leatherette replacement: We replace leatherette that has hardened or peeled with new covering.
For each kind of work, we check not only how the finish looks but also whether it holds up to everyday use, and whether the camera works properly once its exterior parts are back in place.
A Repaint Is Always Sold as a Repaint
On the used camera market, whether a camera still has the finish it left the factory with can make a big difference to how it is valued. Whenever we sell a camera we have repainted, we will clearly state that it has been repainted. We will never sell a repainted camera as having its original finish.
What’s Next
For now, we will keep testing on our own cameras. Once the quality and process are settled, we plan to start selling repainted cameras and accepting repaint requests for customers’ cameras. We will announce the eligible models, prices and start date in the news section of this website once they are decided.
For questions or requests about repainting, please use our contact form.