More color everyday

[belgiumreporter]

For some time now i've been re-leathering cameras, teaching myselve by practise.
So far i've dioscovered :

Do : use snake , lizard or sheep leather, these leathers are very thin, cut, fit and look well on the cameras.
       use a glue wich can removed easely from the seams, as it is impossible to avoid it squirting from under the leather when you mount it.
       start with a simple camera wich is worth nothing so you won't feel sorry if something goes (terribly) wrong

Don't : use synthetic leather wit felt backing, fabric works better.
           use to thick, or heavy textured leather it will never fit well and is very difficult to cut out circles ( for the self timer, dof button and so on)
           use to bright or flashy colors, you don't want a clown camera (do you?)

All the cameras in the pic are my test objects just to see what works and what not,they are by no means perfect but all are in preparation of the moment when i'll be having a go at some more valuable stuff.  

[philbirch]

A lovely colourful collection!!

About cutting holes in the leather. I have a small set of hole punches, 3mm to 10mm diameter which, so far, has been all I need. For self timer holes, remove the timer lever by turning the screw or centre button clockwise (it is a left hand thread) keep all the parts, ring, spring etc. in the correct order. You then only need to make a hole. punch set on ebay

Fabric can be used to cover a camera but naturally it frays. I cut it to size, leaving about 5 or 6mm around the edges. I paint contact adhesive glue round the edges on the underside of the covering, also some round where any hole may be. Press it into the fabric, making sure it doesn't soak all the way through - it shouldn't. This will or should, stop it fraying round the edges.

With thicker leather you can chamfer the edges down. I again leave a 5mm margin round the edge and carefully sand the edges to a taper then cut round the shape.

How about designing your own skin on the PC. Print it onto fabric paper and spray it with several coats of matt laquer or varnish.

EDIT search ebay for 'leather for bookbinding' the stuff you get there can be 0.5 to 1mm, perfect for cameras.

[truls]

I think the leather jobs have a professional approach. Very nice, the yellow Yashica smashing, my favourite!

[mickeyobe]

A beautiful, colourful display.

I particularly like the grey. It looks so --- dignified.

Mickey