Leatherette Modification - RB67

[EKDobbs]

I'm looking to paint the leather on my RB67 red. However, this is not as simple as a 35mm camera body. The leather is attached in such a way that removing it is impossible without removing the focus knobs, cocking lever, film winding lever, and possibly some of the chrome detail.

I'd like advice on how to go about removing these things (if it is simple and carries low risk of breaking the camera), and what sort of paint and sealer I should use for maximum durability.

If it is too risky to remove some parts (I would like the camera to end up with all the parts it began with, insignias and chrome included), I would like advice on how to paint it without removing said parts.

Thanks for the help.

 

[BrianL]

Probably better and easier to just get a leather kit. There a couple of companies that make the kits at reasnable prices and have a wide choice of naterial including dyed leather to snake skin to losts of others.

 

[CGW]

Unless the Pro is wildly different than my Pro S, the only real problem is the inconspicuous area around the lens mount--the other panels on the sides don't surround the focus knob or the cocking lever. Same goes for the back and WLF.

I've not seen anything for the Mamiya RB series from CameraLeather. Why they support something like the Minolta Autocord but not the RB cameras is baffling. Good luck. Me? I'd go for Mack Daddy fake fur<<George Clinton and Parliament "Give Up the Funk" heard in the background>>

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

What's on your camera isn't leather but vinyl. Though called "leatherette" the emphasis is on the "ette". Google "paint vinyl" for information and products.

Have you thought of doing it in wood veneer and selling it for $3,195.42?

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

Have you thought of doing it in wood veneer and selling it for $3,195.42?

This^

I would be really careful about painting with parts attached, I have a Canon VT that someone had tried painting with black enamel paint to cover brassing and scratches. It is everywhere, in spots where no paint should run to, it chips off badly as well, I had chips falling out when I attached and removed a finder from the cold shoe, and a general uneven coat to it.

Removal of the body panels and repainting would be best option.

The only body I had to repaint was an Olympus RC that I had fixed (stuck aperture ring). Areas had chipped and scratched and had rust. I sanded out all rust and I masked lots of areas off with tape and used automotive spray enamel to get a nice black. It didnt keep well. I had to redo it with a modeler's enamel with a small brush, which finally worked well.

 

[Marc B.]

E K,
I was certain that either 'Aki-Asahi,' or 'Camera Leathers' had kits for RB's, but darned if both
companies no longer show these kits available.
You might try contacting them to see if kits can be ordered; availability of hide/leatherette choices.

Below are some step-by-step images for recovering a Yashica TLR.
I know it's not your RB, but gives you an idea of the process.

http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/124g/replace/index.html

 

[cliveh]

I'm looking to paint the leather on my RB67 red. However, this is not as simple as a 35mm camera body. The leather is attached in such a way that removing it is impossible without removing the focus knobs, cocking lever, film winding lever, and possibly some of the chrome detail.

I'd like advice on how to go about removing these things (if it is simple and carries low risk of breaking the camera), and what sort of paint and sealer I should use for maximum durability.

If it is too risky to remove some parts (I would like the camera to end up with all the parts it began with, insignias and chrome included), I would like advice on how to paint it without removing said parts.

Thanks for the help.

Will this help with it's function as a camera?

 

[EKDobbs]

Will this help with it's function as a camera?

Does painting a Ferrari red make it faster?

I know it's not functional, but I've got nothing better to do, other than clean it incessantly.

 

[EKDobbs]

Alright, I've taken another look at the camera. I may have to cut small slits in some parts of the leather to get it around the knobby bits (unless I can remove those; still looking for advice in that department), but once I get it off, Dupli-color has a nice vinyl paint that's made for car vinyl, so it should handle well. Can pick it up at the nearest auto-zone.

 

[j-dogg]

Unless the Pro is wildly different than my Pro S, the only real problem is the inconspicuous area around the lens mount--the other panels on the sides don't surround the focus knob or the cocking lever. Same goes for the back and WLF.

I've not seen anything for the Mamiya RB series from CameraLeather. Why they support something like the Minolta Autocord but not the RB cameras is baffling. Good luck. Me? I'd go for Mack Daddy fake fur<<George Clinton and Parliament "Give Up the Funk" heard in the background>>

I just looked up my Mamiya 645, nothing for that either.

Those two systems are the most popular and affordable MF systems available. That is appalling.

 

[Robhooley167]

I took the leatherette off my very battered RB67 last year and replaced it with thin leather, feels a lot better in the hand and looks a lot tidier, only took an afternoon to strip down the body, cut and glue the new leather, only cost me about £10 for a sheet and i still have enough to cover it at least twice more

I used Micro-Tools for the leather and Pliobond

 

[paul ron]

Replaceing the leatherete is quite easy on an RB without removing the focus knob. The only part I see you'd have to remove is the flash mt and the neck strap lug nuts so you can get under em.

Micro tools n some other sources on the net have the stuff in self stick n many colors. Use the old leatherete as your templates n have fun.

I hope you'll post some pics of the finished product?

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