Leica re-cover / vulcanite replacement

[etn]

The vulcanite of the back door of my (otherwise "like new") M4-P just broke off today. It had become very hard and brittle and was gone before I could do anything about it. I definitely don't want to leave it like this, for the camera is otherwise beautiful. It would take away all the pleasure of using it!

What would you recommend?
Option 1: replacing the vulcanite of the back door with an identical looking one (the rest of the camera looks good)
Option 2: re-covering the entire camera with new material (e.g. a nice dark red leather)

Is it an easy operation (for a guy who is not particularly gifted with his hands) ?
Does it require taking the camera apart? Shall I better let a specialist do it?
I imagine option 1 is probably easy, option 2 not so much and requires at least to detach the frame selector lever?

Any known material sources, preferably in Europe?

Thanks,
Etienne

 

[David Reynolds]

DAG has replacement leather for back door M cameras @ $5.00 . The link should take you right to the page . If it doesn't it is located on page 2 of their Camera parts pages for Leica M.
https://www.dagcamera.com/store/c6/Leica_M.html
Good Luck David

 

[BAC1967]

It doesn't look like there was any glue holding it on. That's the hardest part of replacing it, getting the glue off. I would wonder if the other half is the same way and is going to fall off next. I would replace both halves, for that reason plus the new stuff may not be a perfect match.

 

[film_man]

When I had my M4 serviced at Camerworks this summer I asked for a new skin. They got one from Aki Asahi, it is excellent. No idea how hard it was to do but I'm very happy with the feel of it.

 

[etn]

Thank you Guys, much appreciated!

 

[AgX]

Maybe you find a piece of apt leather at some rummage box or can cut such from some discarded clothing. Make a cardboard template (easy to do in this case even for you) and cut the leather to size. Use a metal ruler and a small break-off knife. For the circular cut best use a divider-knife. If necessary paint the edges with an "Edding". Spray the backside with contact cement and mount it still wet.

 

[bdial]

Aki Asahi is probably the best source for you, if you want an alternative to the original vulcanite, his website has pictures of the available coverings. For actual vulcanite, you probably need to work with a repair shop, such as Dag, or perhaps his equivalent in the EU.