Reconditioning leather cases?

[titrisol]

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]

Again, try Ballistol.

 

[Gerald Koch]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Dr. Dagor]

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

 

[titrisol]

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]

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.