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Rechroming worn brass camera parts

Hello folks, I stumbled onto this site while looking for information on electroplating. I am a camera collector and to some degree a camera restoration hobbyist. Over the years I have seen many cameras that have brass where the original (nickel or chrome) finish has been worn off. I've always wondered if there was a process that could restore the original finish. Of course being a hobbyist I'd like it to be inexpensive.I'm just guessing of course as to the original composition of the underlying metal and the finish as well. In most cases the cameras are only worth a hundred or so dollars, so restoring odd pieces has to be very cost effective. I'd be more than willing to send a sample to anyone willing to have a look. Then if that person can either do the work or advise of a do it yourself kit, I'd be more than happy to consider all options. Thanks in advance for any help regarding this.

Tom Heckhuas
1996

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Hi, Tom.

Yes, these components are usually brass that has been nickel electroplated. These parts can probably be brush plated. Some suppliers of these systems are shown in the banner at the bottom of the page. Hopefully, some plating shops who are interested in this kind of work will also respond, but onesy-twosy plating is very labor intensive and proportionately expensive.

You may also wish to attend a local meeting of the American Electroplaters and Surface Finishers Society. Guests are always welcome and you may learn a bit about how to do this yourself, or make some contacts with plating shops.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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Tom -

I came across your posting on finishing.com, and was wondering if in the intervening time you had come across a specialist plating services provider who has experience in doing camera work. If so, could you very kindly refer this person to me?

Thanks for your response.

Regards,

Noel Sy-Quia
- San Francisco, California
2001