Zeiss Ikon Nettar paint loss. How serious?

[WinnipegTLRFan]

So I recently acquired A Zeiss Ikon Nettar and in almost all respects it is nearly in mint condition. But like my other one which is not currently functional it seems to be suffering from paint loss in the film chamber. I am wondering how big of a problem this actually will be for shooting with it. Anyone have any thoughts? Should I break out the Testor model paint before the film?

 

[WinnipegTLRFan]

Thanks for the advice. I will see if I have any flat black model paint left.

 

[railwayman3]

Years ago I had a small bottle of matt black paint specifically supplied for use on photoequipment (possibly "Hama" brand?). It gave a very nice finish with just a little care. Not sure that it would have been a lot different to model paint. as the latter is obviously also intended to be use on small areas.

 

[AgX]

Such non-reflective film-chamber paint is still available from Tetenal.

 

[Down Under]

+++ for AgX. My three Nettars shed paint flecks like Persian cats but when used within their limits, produce truly outstanding negatives, sharply defined with a slight touch of pleasing softness. I have a bottle of Tetenal black paint bought what? 15 years ago, seemingly self refilling... Clean the metal area to be painted, however. I use lighter fluid and wipe it off the metal. The paint will eventually flake again, but if done carefully, it should last a while.

Someone once told me Nettars with flaking paint were prone to flare but I've not found this to be so. With Novar lenses you should always use a lens hood anyway.

Someone else also told me they use(d) black felt markers to touch up the flaked spots. I've not tried this, but it seems sensible advice. The two someones were master photographers in their time and I respect their advice. So.

You should regularly open the back of your Nettar, turn it upside down, and give it a good tap to dislodge any paint flecks.

You may already know, if you set the lens f/stop setting on the red dot (at more or less f/11), it's the Nettar's sweet spot. Your negatives will be rock sharp.

Enjoy your Nettar, they are truly amazing cameras. Agfa like most other postwar German camera makers had it right. Someone (here I go again) once called them the Lomos of their time (1940s-1950s), but to me they are far, far better than any cheap modern plastic junk boxes...