Nikon F2 base plate repair

[garpet]

My F2 recently fell and the corner of the base plate was dented just enough to pin the film door closed. I would just get a replacement base plate but the issue is A: I dont know if it bent part of the door or the latch and B: The only replacement I can find is in chrome and the rest of the body is black. How difficult would it be to repaint the chrome base plate with new enamel such that it matched the rest of the body, and would it make more sense to just bring it in to be repaired. Does anyone have experience repairing F2s? Side note: some maniac is trying to sell a base plate for $200 because they put "RARE" in the title. Reminds me of all the cameras that have their price doubled because "FROM JAPAN" is in the listing lol

 

[skahde]

Wonders can be done in bringing a brass-part back into shape. How bad is it? Any ruptures or just bend?

 

[mshchem]

Agreed I'd try and gently tap the brass back in form. Painting a chromed base would require some prep work, sanding etc. The plates are both the same brass underneath.

 

[garpet]

Wonders can be done in bringing a brass-part back into shape. How bad is it? Any ruptures or just bend?

Just bent, but fairly substantially bent. The edge curls up slightly and the bottom surface buckled slightly, causing it to bow out just by the left screw. I'll post photos later if I get the chance

 

[skahde]

If you have anyone around working on brass instruments, trumpet, saxophon aso. it would be daily business to him.

 

[250swb]

I would try some panel beating, not using the actual hammer on the brass but via a 'dolly' which is a hard lump of metal or wood to even out the taps of the hammer. Painting chrome is impossible because paint doesn't stick to chrome for very long, the chrome needs removing down to the brass.

 

[GregY]

My F2 recently fell and the corner of the base plate was dented just enough to pin the film door closed. I would just get a replacement base plate but the issue is A: I dont know if it bent part of the door or the latch and B: The only replacement I can find is in chrome and the rest of the body is black. How difficult would it be to repaint the chrome base plate with new enamel such that it matched the rest of the body, and would it make more sense to just bring it in to be repaired. Does anyone have experience repairing F2s? Side note: some maniac is trying to sell a base plate for $200 because they put "RARE" in the title. Reminds me of all the cameras that have their price doubled because "FROM JAPAN" is in the listing lol

the sad fact is that parts cost money....& NOS parts are scarce.

 

[garpet]

Update: the body took a bit of damage so repairs are going to be more involved :/