haagen_dazs
Well-known
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.
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
Let's Go Ducks!
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."
"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
hunter-gatherer
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
Well-known
The adhesives dont last forever, so with time, they will loose their stickyness in some parts more than others.