Patent Etui - missing darkslide

[aconbere]

I found this KW Patent Etui in rough shape at an estate sale today.

I’ve given it a clean up and a once over and we’re getting close to putting a test roll through.

The shutter works (but is slow at all speeds), the aperture works cleanly, the bellows appear to be light tight, the lens is clean and fungus free.

Overall quite happy. I’ll give the shutter a good cleaning and I expect the camera to perform very well.

However the camera came only with the Rollex Patent roll film back and it’s missing the darkslide.

Curious about folks thoughts here, I see two issues:

First the darkslide seals on these backs fail and there will probably be a light leak (I can just tape up the slot) .Second without a ground glass back I can only zone focus.

Anyone have thoughts on either building my own screen? Darkslide? Or anyone selling parts?

 

[aconbere]

Oh haha and the entire front leatherette is missing

I’ve polished most of the oxidation out and working on the old glue. Curious if folks have ideas on a leatherette material that would somewhat match or at least make sense.