Leather reinforcement tape or cloth?

[Kino]

I have an Agfa Ambi Siltette camera case with a very poorly designed set of snaps that are getting ready to disintegrate when I start using the camera.

Anyone know of a strong, thin material I can bond to the backside of the leather of each strap that will not interfere with the snaps?

 

[MattKing]

Are there any shoe repair people near to you? They might be able to assist?

 

[AgX]

I am critical on leather grease, but in this case it might make the leather flexible enough to not tear further and withstand further use.. Alternatively I would consider a ready-woven strip of nylon textile of that width, to be glued to the back and that willl reduce strain and act as fail safe in case.

Brittle leather is a typical issue with all leather camera cases and straps I know, as not the best leather was used. Except of course for the Zenit cases.

 

[Kino]

Are there any shoe repair people near to you? They might be able to assist?

Doubtful... there really isn't much of anything near me, but I will check.

 

[Kino]

I am critical on leather grease, but in this case it might make the leather flexible enough to not tear further and withstand further use.. Alternatively I would consider a ready-woven strip of nylon textile of that width, to be glued to the back and that willl reduce strain and act as fail safe in case.

Brittle leather is a typical issue with all leather camera cases and straps I know, as not the best leather was used. Except of course for the Zenit cases.

My experience has been that leather restorer just causes straps and flexible sections of cases to tear even faster.

I will look into some collar/cuff reinforcement matting at a sewing center. Maybe this and some good contact cement will prolong the life of the snap straps.

Thanks.

 

[shutterfinger]

My experience has been that leather restorer just causes straps and flexible sections of cases to tear even faster.

That's because you're using the wrong stuff. Is there a Tandy Leather near you? A leather goods store or saddle shop?
Get some pure Neatsfoot Oil https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/tandy-pure-neatsfoot-oil and apply lightly, let soak in for a day or so, then apply a second or third coat as needed until the leather is soft and pliable. A good leather shop might have additional suggestions as there are are a number of pastes and creams pros use to restore badly damaged leather that you won't find at a shoe shop.

 

[Kino]

That's because you're using the wrong stuff. Is there a Tandy Leather near you? A leather goods store or saddle shop?
Get some pure Neatsfoot Oil https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/tandy-pure-neatsfoot-oil and apply lightly, let soak in for a day or so, then apply a second or third coat as needed until the leather is soft and pliable. A good leather shop might have additional suggestions as there are are a virility of pastes and creams pros use to restore badly damaged leather that you won't find at a shoe shop.

There is a Tandy Store in Richmond, VA., which is about 1.5 hours away by car. I intend to drop off some film to be processed at Phototech Labs in the near future, so I will drop by and speak to them. Thanks!

 

[jim10219]

If the leather isn't too badly damaged, it will soften the leather and prevent further damage. If the leather is too far gone, it will soften the leather and make it more likely to tear. In either case, it's probably a good idea to use it to prevent further damage, but may still require you to reinforce it. If you need to reinforce it, use a product called Shoe Goo. It will bond to leather and remain flexible. You can reinforce it with whatever you want, fabric, leather, vinyl, whatever is sturdy and looks nice. Just be sure to let the oil or conditioner thoroughly dry first so that the glue holds firm. You could also sew a reinforcement on, which would be even better, but a lot more work.

Like many things, leather is a lot easier to maintain than it is to repair. Unfortunately oils and leather conditioners will often darken the color of the leather. But the alternative is to let it rot.

 

[Kino]

Shoe goo... forgot about that! Thanks!

 

[AgX]

Shoe-Goo basically is a rubber contact cement. In this application employed as flexible coating.

Howevver I do not see, with other such cements in mind, how it would strenghten a thick strap of leather. With a thin textile, where such glue ca sip into all threads, the effect should be different though.

 

[jim10219]

Shoe-Goo basically is a rubber contact cement. In this application employed as flexible coating.

Howevver I do not see, with other such cements in mind, how it would strenghten a thick strap of leather. With a thin textile, where such glue ca sip into all threads, the effect should be different though.

It is, but it's bonds a little stronger than regular rubber cement at the expense of being thicker and less viscous. Regular rubber cement might work too in this instance, since it won't be prone to heavy abuse. But Shoe Goo should be stronger. By itself, it won't make leather stronger. But if you use it to glue something stronger to the leather, some of the tensile forces are reinforced by the new material, without sacrificing too much flexibility. Of course, you'll have to soften the leather first to prevent cracking from doing further damage.

 

[Sirius Glass]

A very thin layer of Gorilla Glue is flexible on cloth or leather.

 

[Pentode]

Very thin leather would be ideal.
Cotton webbing would work.
Silk ribbon (real silk) is another option: very thin and very strong.
Adhere with Barge cement.

The shoemaker idea is not a bad one.

 

[MattKing]

Or even better, someone who repairs luggage.
If there is an airport nearby, there are often people there who know about where luggage repair services are available.

 

[shutterfinger]

Take the case with you to Tandy and talk to a leather expert not he counter help.

 

[choiliefan]

I've "repaired" several leather cases by contact cementing a piece of thin leather over the damaged hinge.
These cases are utilitarian rather than for show and these repairs work well.

 

[John Koehrer]

There's also a tight weave fiberglass cloth that could be glued on the back.

If you would like some bookbinders tape, PM me & I can send you some.

 

[Steve906]

Hi,
I've used book binding tape - Neschen - on leather box hinges ( normally out of sight ) then colour with shoe polish (wax) .
not a great look but holds things together.

Steve