vulcanite missing..... why?

[haagen_dazs]

I am just very curious 😀
I notice that this "vulcanite missing" problem seems to occur quite often in leica cameras.
Is there any reason why?
Does the vulcanite not stick well and flush to the body ?
Or does prolong exposure to the elements cause the vulcanite to buckle and break off?
Or is it just poor craftsmanship (which i doubt for we are talking about Leicas)

perhaps i can be enlightened. 🙄

 

[ForeverUnknown]

Here's some info on Vulcanite: http://leica.nemeng.com/032b.shtml and here's a little snippet:

"Attack by UV and natural oxidation over decades can result in chemical deterioration and the material becoming brittle and crumbly. This is mainly due to chemical attack on the carbon-sulphur inter-links, which are essential for the rubber's mechanical and chemical integrity. Once it starts there is no way to reverse it. All you can do is scrape the rubber off and start again."

 

[HuubL]

My 50-60 years old cameras all have perfect vulcanite. OTOH, leather on many cameras of this age is usually less well preserved with scratches, wear, detaching, etc.

 

[wontonny]

The adhesives dont last forever, so with time, they will loose their stickyness in some parts more than others.