Leatherwork repair - Cases

Wishy · Jun 25, 2008

Hi All,

I'm wondering if anybody has had repair to leather camera cases done before? If so, are there specialists for camera cases or do you just take it to the local independant cobbler (Shoe repair shop)?

naeroscatu · Jun 26, 2008

Hi Wishy, personally I tried both: using the services of a repair person as well as do-it-yourself route. For my personal project I used a camera that was close to the end of her life so I don't feel sorry if I ruin anything. I found some nice thin leather sheets in a local store (not leatherette though) and tried to cut following some paper templates that I draw for each side of the camera. It is hard to get it right if you don't do that often. On the other hand the repair person doing a CLA on one of my cameras was able to change the leatherette for $15-20 and it looked like new; done with proper leatherette and perfect fit. I would not go the cobbler route, it gives me creeps just thinking of what he could do to a camera...

Kvistgaard · Jun 26, 2008

hi there - try www.cameraleather.com -they might have something that suits your needs.

I bought a new cover for an old SLR there - worked perfectly, I totally endorse them.

Anscojohn · Jun 26, 2008

Wishy said:
Hi All,

I'm wondering if anybody has had repair to leather camera cases done before? If so, are there specialists for camera cases or do you just take it to the local independant cobbler (Shoe repair shop)?

******
Do you mean recovering a camera body, or finding someone to resew an everyready camera carrying case?

Wishy · Jun 26, 2008

Its the ever-ready cases i need resewn. In the first instance, a rather nice leather case for an Ihagee Exa - Its in good condition but the stitching is gone

bobwysiwyg · Jun 26, 2008

I would think any luggage repair shop could handle it. Try Googling "luggage repair." I see several with UK addresses.

Steve Roberts · Jun 27, 2008

I was at a craft fair and saw some very impressive leatherwork by a Mr R.Carter. To quote from his business card "Traditional English Leather - makers of cases, handbags, wallets, etc." The original work he had done was outstanding. I asked about a repair to my Rolleiflex case and he said he'd be happy to study the job. Having seen what he'd made, I have little doubt that a camera case would be relatively straightforward and that he'd work to a standard rather than to a price. I've yet to follow up on this, but he's based near Okehampton, Devon and is on 01409 221384.
Best wishes,
Steve

HarryW · Jun 27, 2008

Wishy,
See the attached link:
http://www.stereoscopy.com/cameras/re-stitching.html
I would give this a try first. It makes it seem easy but I have a nasty habit of abandoning half finished do it yourself projects.
Lets face it, if it doesn't work out re-stiching it yourself you can always take it to the local cobbler if they still exist.
Regards
Harry

thuggins · Jun 27, 2008

Look at the instructions from stereoscopy.com linked above, and decide if this is in your skillset, before you take the case to a cobbler. If you do decide to take it to a cobbler, make sure you talk to the guy about exactly how he will fix it. To correctly repaired it, the case needs to be restitched by hand, using the original holes. Most cobblers will just put it on their sewing machine and ruin the case.

Also be sure the leather is supple enough to be repaired. If it is dried out, treat it with neatsfoot and leather conditioner first.

Leatherwork repair - Cases

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