Reconditioning leather cases?

titrisol · Jun 7, 2005

I got a $5 Zeiss Ikon Contessa (non folding) the other day, the camera is cosmetically good but needs a CLA.

It came with the original leather case, which is in decent shape, however the leather in the bottom (where it hinges) is starting to crack.
Is there any preventive measure I could take to recondition that leahter and make it flexible again so it won't tear apart?

Thanks

Philippe-Georges · Jun 7, 2005

Again, try Ballistol.

Gerald Koch · Jun 7, 2005

The best thing to restore dried out leather is neet's foot oil. This is an organic product. Do not use any mineral based oils.

titrisol · Jun 7, 2005

Thanks, foot oil sounds promising. I don;t have that exact brand but something similar. I think is similar to heavy moisturizing cream.

David A. Goldfarb · Jun 7, 2005

I also use neatsfoot oil. I usually buy it from a shoe repair shop. Sporting goods shops may have it (used to be popular for baseball gloves) and hardware stores.

titrisol · Jun 7, 2005

baseball glove oil.... that's whee I had seen that!

Dr. Dagor · Jun 11, 2005

Son-of-a-gun at your local auto parts store, Target, or other big box store.
Silicone and oil. Works on bellows too.

titrisol · Aug 14, 2007

Reviving this.... I have succesfully applied a couple of layers of carnauba wax (clear shoe polish) to these leather cases and they seem to be better

Now, the straps are a different story, they have become brittle

sun of sand · Sep 2, 2007

I'll tell you what I do to my 1961 Brooks Swallow bicycle saddle
I find a cut of meat with lots of fat
Take that fat and wipe it all over the leather
I even cook it first
I think it works.
All you need is tallow and I figure the fat is good enough.

I wouldn't use anything with silicone in it because then you'll clog the leather and it won't readily accept any further softening

Soften deeply and infrequently. Like watering your grass/trees/shrubs
Too much softening and it's all over.

Shoe polish spit shine -no silicone- will shine it up and dye it back to original color if you want that. It will also rub off some.

Reconditioning leather cases?

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