first case is done

[rover]

The place that burned down around me was making latex foam mattresses.

 

[RJBender]

As long as Joe doesn't drop a cigarette (if he smokes) into his case he should be ok. I'd like to know more about the claims that gasses escaping from the foam can damage your lenses.

R.J.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I used the Sectioned type of foam that came with some high-dollar test equipment in a hard-plastic type case, stored a Konica outfit in it. The greenish foam started to break down and discolored the chrome on the camera. It is typical of what I've seen in cases for test equipment. I had the styrofoam packing material that Nikon used in its 1970's Nikkor boxes outgas and cause internal haze on a 105mm F2.5 lens. I also have seen older AF lenses using mostly plastic haze over in the same way.

 

[back alley]

this is hi density polyurethane foam.

i plan on getting some nice soft velvety cloth and lining the entire top/indents of the foam.

actually, come to think of it, i have some nice red cotton fabric here already.

joe

 

[Jason Sprenger]

If you're going to do foam, definitely go with lining it with cloth and to keep the foam off the cameras.

My father gave me his rangefinder cameras, a Leica IIIg and IIf, that were packed in foam since the 70's. The IIf is okay but the foam broke down around the IIIg.

The rangefinder is hazy, in fact, the IIf is brighter, and the chrome is screwed up where the foam latched onto it. If there was something between the camera and the foam, I think it would have faired better.

Soon, I'll be looking to give the IIIg the CLA it needs. I remember it being a nice camera and I'm hoping a good technician can let it recapture some of its glory.

For myself, I'll not keep a camera sealed in foam. However, my father's Leica's were mostly sitters, not so much shooters. The IIIg might have had a chance if it and the case had a chance to breath once in awhile.

 

[back alley]

mine are shooters though the 85 & 100 see little action.

joe

 

[back alley]

ok, the cameras & lenses are no longer in direct contact with the foam.

i cut a piece of cotton cloth to fit, and tuck in between the foam & case and of course sit into the cutouts for the gear.

looks not too bad and no foam crumbs to worry about.

joe

 

[RJBender]

Got Simichrome?

Got Simichrome?

... and the chrome is screwed up where the foam latched onto it...

I'll bet you can take it off with a little dab of Simichrome polish and a Q tip:
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=17100&department=637&division=6&WT.MC_ID=80003
I've used it to clean chrome plating on cameras with good results. It won't make a satin finish shiny.

R.J.

 

[ChrisN]

Hi Joe - The cases look good! Too tidy! I made a similar case for a small telescope last year, padded with the same foam. No sign of any problems so far.

 

[back alley]

for those of you not totally bored with the case saga, here it is with the red (more like coral) cotton cloth.
i like it much better with the cotton. it's easier to put in/take out the gear.

joe

 

[back alley]

and i thought we were buds! 😉

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Looks good! Red Velvet for your babies.

 

[back alley]

Just teasing. The P's are enough company.🙂

and the love of a good dog!

joe