Changing front plate of a Realist?

[P3D Peter Davis <peter@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have a Realist 2.8 which has an annoying cosmetic flaw ... on the
bottom of the faceplate (the big metal plate behind the lenses),
some previous owner inscribed a social security number, and the metal
finish is all rubbed away down to a brassy looking surface.  This was
hidden by a stick-on name label when I bought the camera, so I wasn't
aware of it until I removed the label.

I also have a 3.5 which is cosmetically (and functionally)
beautiful).  Can I swap the face plates on these cameras?  I plan to
use the 2.8 for most of my shooting, and I'd like it to look spiffy.
Is this an easy thing for a mechanically inept person to do, or does
it require special tools and talents, and incur the high risk of
permanently damaging the both cameras?

Also, does anyone know of a source for spares of these, so I could
replace the 2.8 one without impacting the 3.5?

Thanks very much,

-pd



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