Konica rangefinder (I, Type E) questions

[nparsons13]

I recently acquired this Konica (I) rangefinder in very good cosmetic condition with a clear lens, reasonably accurate shutter, and fairly clean rangefinder. Overall it has cleaned up very nicely. This is the Type E, in which the Hexar 50mm f/2.8 lens was replaced by the Hexanon of the same specs. From what I've read, this type was produced for only a few months in late 1950 and early 1951.

The only major thing wrong with it--besides the need for new light seals, of course--is that the back latch spring had been bent and pushed out of place so it jammed the latch. To repair it I removed the whole latch, straightened the spring, and replaced it, so the back opens and closes now, but to remove the latch I first had to remove the section of leatherette over the panel where it attaches to the front of the body. Of course, being at least 71 years old, the piece I removed crumbled into tiny bits and took with it a small section of the covering on the beveled end.

My questions concern replacing the leatherette. The original leatherette has parallel lines embossed near the top and bottom edges of the front and back panels. Except for the section I had to remove, it is in very good condition. I think I can trim the section on the beveled end and replace that piece with closely matching leatherette, but of course it won't have the embossed lines. Or I can re-cover the whole camera so all the leatherette matches.

I know what to do to make it a user, but should I try to preserve its collectibility? Is the Hexanon version unusual enough to warrant keeping as much of the old leatherette as possible? What would you do? Patch, or re-cover?

 

[BillBingham2]

I'm not sure how much future value there is in this model. Konica made some nice cameras back then, but it's only worth what someone is willing to pay at the time you want/need/would-like to sell.

Perhaps replacing the seals and giving it a new set of skins would give you a higher return in the Working-Retro-Camera niche.

B2 (;->

 

[KoNickon]

Something tells me that collectors (as opposed to user-collectors) would want as much original as possible. So if you have an eye toward collectible value, don't re-cover it. And much as I think these are beautifully made cameras, I agree with B2 that there isn't a lot of inherent value in these.

 

[farlymac]

Doesn't seem to be a decent urge for collectors https://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Konishiroku-(Konica)/Konica-I.html You could find one that is kind of junk but still has decent coverings to get the replacements you need. Would be hard to accurately replicate the pattern used if just patched, and then you still need to emboss it unless you completely replace the covers.

PF

 

[nparsons13]

You could find one that is kind of junk but still has decent coverings to get the replacements you need.

PF

My experience with this one is that the leatherette crumbled to pieces when I tried to pry it up. I assume the covering of a junk Konica I would do the same. So it looks like a re-covering with new material is in store for this little camera. Thanks for your comments.

 

[farlymac]

My experience with this one is that the leatherette crumbled to pieces when I tried to pry it up. I assume the covering of a junk Konica I would do the same. So it looks like a re-covering with new material is in store for this little camera. Thanks for your comments.

My Yashica 635 rebuild was the same way as I had to chip the coverings off with a hammer and chisel. Funny thing is I never recovered it, just left it halfway. Someday I might get some red or yellow covers for it. I think all the Japanese manufacturers were using the same faux leather coverings in that era, and it's just the worst stuff to have to deal with.

PF

 

[nparsons13]

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions. I decided to chip off all the camera's old cover material, re-cover it with new leather, and make it a user.

In the meantime I found another Konica (I) Type E, with the Hexanon 2.8/50, in pristine condition that I'll keep for display. An interesting thing about it is that it has "Made in Occupied Japan" stamped in the bottom leather.