Olympus-OM
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: [OM] Leatherette Sources

Subject: Re: [OM] Leatherette Sources
From: John Gaasland <kayak@xxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 03 Dec 1998 07:44:44 -0800
Andras Iklody-Szabo wrote:
> 
> >Infused with all this knowledge about rubber cement, Pliobond, etc., I guess
> >it's time to replace the leatherette on my OM-1. I have to replace it because
> >parts of it are missing.  I've looked at Tandy leather and couldn't find
> >anything suitable. I was also thinking of some non-endangered lizard or
> >something. Does anyone have sources or ideas on where to obtain "leatherette"
> >or other thin covering suitable for a camera body?
> >
> >Thanks.
> >
> >Warren Kato
> 
> Warren,
> 
> Fargo Enterprise >www.fargo-ent.com< sells some black or brown leatherette
> suitable for cameras.
> 
> The problem with leather or leatherette from other sources (for shoes,
> handbags, etc.) is that it is too thick. When glued on it will stand higher
> than the ridges on the camera body and thus the edges will be damaged
> quickly, besides not being attractive cosmetically. I have seen a few
> executed by amateurs and they make the cameras look like clad in woollen
> pajamas.
> 
> Some types of leatherette not intended for this purpose has also got the
> problem, that when the glue is applied, the solvent soaks into the plastic
> and makes it grow, so the laboriously cut pieces won't fit any more (until
> the solvent evaporates and the glue becomes useless).
> 
> The trick is to look for THIN leather, around 0.5mm (Americans will have to
> calculate their inches), most likely available from suppliers to the
> clothing industry. If it is a bit thicker, you can use a coarse emery paper
> to work it down from the back. It is tedious but it can be done. You then
> have a choice of colours and texture, depending on the stock your supplier
> keeps. I like lizard or snake texture, which is not from the real animal
> (for the conservationists among you) but stamped cowhide or similar. This
> texture stands up well with heavy use. I have a light-brown lizard covered
> OM-1 and a wine-coloured lizard covered Nikon F3 (Zuikoholics, please,
> forgive), which look very attractive. Right now I am covering a 35RC in
> wine-coloured lizard, since the original leatherette has shrunk and became
> stiff. Olympus seems to have used some cheap stuff back then!
> 
> To glue it on, use contact cement (I don't know the makes available in the
> US), the type which has to nearly dry first, before stickimg together.
> Apply a base coat on the leather and let it soak in and dry. Then apply one
> on the camera and another coat on the leather and after a few minutes press
> together. If there are any edges the leather has to be wrapped around,
> you'll have to bend, roll and work the leather before applying the coats of
> glue, to become supple and accept the curvature, as John has pointed out
> already.
> 
> Hope this whets your appetite! If you want more details, email me off list.
> 
> Andras Iklody-Szabo
> Caracas/Venezuela
> 
In addition, I've read that with the thicker leather, you can use sand
paper and just feather and taper the leather along the edges. This is
done on the rear of the leather, not the front! Then the thickness will
match where it meets the camera, and not leave an exposed edge. John.

< This message was delivered via the Olympus Mailing List >
< For questions, mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >
< Web Page: http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/olympuslist.html >


<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>
Sponsored by Tako
Impressum | Datenschutz