Leica M3 job

[mitica100]

I was getting bored today and decided to re-cover my M3. The old covering (not original) was brittle and peeling off so I took a nice and sharp fine X-acto chisel/knife and peeled the entire old covering. Then I cleaned the metal with acetone/alcohol, dried it up and re-covered with a kit I got from cameraleather.com

It looks great now! Pics to follow in a few days.

[Antarctican]

How long did the whole operation take?

I look forward to seeing the pics! (Did you get a 'before' as well as an 'after' pic?)

[mitica100]

Nah, I didn't take pics of before/after... I should have, though. Next time, I promise...

It took me about 45 minutes to clean the M3 and about 5 minutes to apply the new cover.

[PhotoJet]

Can't wait to see it! :)

[Terri]

Yes, before/after pics next time, please! :D Makes the cleanup all the more appreciated.

I want to see the pics, and I'm sure Rolleimaniac will be along, too.

[ferny]

You've inspired me to once again get off my arse and paint my Holga.

[MissMia]

Cool D! Can't wait to see pics.

[Rolleimaniac]

What do you use, if anything , to soften/restore old leatherette?

brad

[mitica100]

Here are some pics of the M3 after re-covering:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/mitica100/m3_01WEB.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/mitica100/m3_02WEB.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/mitica100/m3_03WEB.jpg

[mitica100]

What do you use, if anything , to soften/restore old leatherette?

brad

Brad, if leatherette is brittle, nothing in this world will make it come back to a softer, supple state of affairs. Replacement is best option. However, all that being said, I clean the leatherette with Windex and it seems to restore some of the lost softness. I would also apply some leather wax when is dry, to maintain its softness.

Let me know if you're looking to replace the leatherette on a camera and I'll help you, even if there are no kits for it. Best place to find these kits is http://www.cameraleather.com

[PhotoJet]

This turned out very nicely, but...Ok... can I just say I was hoping for something a little more... er... orange or green or even blue??? :big grin:

[Rolleimaniac]

Awesome job...My Automat will be the first to need some attention but it's still in pretty good shape. Nice to know that you can still acquire the leatherette.

Thanks for the feedback and taking time to post the photos.

Brad

[Rolleimaniac]

You've inspired me to once again get off my arse and paint my Holga.

...is pretty damn funny.

:biglaugh:

Was it not someone here on the forum that said they had a Holga done in Mahogany?

:-)

[Antarctican]

Wow, it's 'lookin' goooood' now, isn't it?