[Sam_I_am]

I recently picked up a Spotmatic SP II with Takumar 55. While everything appears to be in working order, there are a couple dents around the hotshoe and that got me wondering how difficult it might be to make them look better. Have any of you successfully ironed out any dents? I think my auto body hammer and dollies might be overkill.

Also, if anyone has a worn correct lens cap for this lens that they would part with, pm me.

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[c.a.m]

Have any of you successfully ironed out any dents?

I have had some success in restoring a couple of camera plates, but I was not able to completely remove the evidence of a dent. I'd say I achieved a 90% level, and I was happy with that.


Here's my basic technique:

• Remove the top plate from the camera.
• The area of the plate to be worked should sit flat and true against a wooden backer (like a dolly). The backer could be held in a vise.
• Use a wooden dowel to gently tap out the dent. The dowel should be slightly oversized to the dented area.
• For the curved section of the plate, a custom rounded backer piece and matching rounded dowel tool could be fashioned from wood.
• Use a lightweight tack hammer. Many light, easy taps.
• Go easy!

You might recognize that the technique is similar to auto body work, but on a much smaller and 'gentler' scale. I don't think you'd need your body hammer and dollies.

Hope this helps.

- Craig

[UncleVanya]

What about dry ice? If you remove the top plate maybe it could work? it's not a painted surface so no worries on that front.

[Sam_I_am]

I have had some success in restoring a couple of camera plates, but I was not able to completely remove the evidence of a dent. I'd say I achieved a 90% level, and I was happy with that.


Here's my basic technique:

• Remove the top plate from the camera.
• The area of the plate to be worked should sit flat and true against a wooden backer (like a dolly). The backer could be held in a vise.
• Use a wooden dowel to gently tap out the dent. The dowel should be slightly oversized to the dented area.
• For the curved section of the plate, a custom rounded backer piece and matching rounded dowel tool could be fashioned from wood.
• Use a lightweight tack hammer. Many light, easy taps.
• Go easy!

You might recognize that the technique is similar to auto body work, but on a much smaller and 'gentler' scale. I don't think you'd need your body hammer and dollies.

Hope this helps.

- Craig

I was thinking shaped dowels as well. Also, I was thinking a bean bag as a backer. They are made out of a thin soft leather filled with fine shot. They conform to the part, add support, and are heavy enough that they do not slide around on a bench. The leather also does not damage the finish.

If all else fails, I can pull out my stud welder and slide hammer, level everything out with filler and base/clear. 😁

Heating up the area and applying dry ice/ice pack can pull out shallow dents, but if there is any kind of a crease or hard edge to the dent it will at least require a combination of techniques.

At least I don't have to worry about cracking the paint. 😄