Originally posted by Baard-Einar Hm, Asahiflex IIb with nickle finnish. Is this manipulated in any way? Look at the finnish of the nobs.
Looking at the images camera finish has been manipulated. It is very easy quick process to remove the chrome plating & just leave the original nickel finish.
Indications of camera being stripped that I see are :
- Paint in engravings being removed. Looking at patches remaining is typical pattern after stripping.
- Rear door latch not being stripped
- Screws not being stripped. Screws were not usually nickel plated under the chrome. From the factory Pentax would have matched the look of screws to the body & not made them a 'feature".
- Knobs, rewind lever, tripod socket not being stripped. From the factory Pentax would have kept a consistent look.
- Nickel plating is much softer than chrome & wears very quickly. There are no signs of normal wear on the nickel plating at edges/corners.
- Obvious corrosion around lens mount. Corrosion appears to be 'too clean' for that amount of corrosion. Stripping would have also partially removed some corrosion.
- Paint has been refinished. Zoom in on film door left side bottom & top dented but no marks on paintwork. No wear/paint chips on strap lugs which is common.
It would be a nice looking showpiece camera as nickel has a 'soft warm glow' compared to chrome, but not factory original.