Leather case preservation.

[fidget]

hi, a little OT perhaps, when you've got your FSU shooter sorted, the heavy leather case can, if not already in pieces, quickly become a little worse for wear. If very dry they can crack easily where hinged and stitches can fall apart. Has anyone some experience in treating these cases in order to preserve them. I was thinking that some silicon treatment, the sort used to waterproof boots, even just a waxing etc, might help.
Any thoughts? some treatments might damage the camera?

 

[MacDaddy]

Absolutely NOT! Use Neet's Foot Oil instead, it's a cream that will condition the leather and prevent it from drying out; plus waterproofing benefits as well. I've used it for years and it should be available world-wide.

 

[Bob L]

I touch up any scuff on the case's with "Tandy's Pro Dry" then they are treated with a good coat of Neatsfoot oil and rubbed down and last I give them a coating of "Tandy's Neat-Lac Leather Finish", this gives the case a nice shine plus added protection.
All of the above can be purchased from "Tandy Leather Co"

 

[anandi]

On my bicycles I've got Brooks leather saddles and you can use Obenhauf's, Brooks' own Proofide and I use a german saddle conditioner that's made with beeswax and natural oils. These will all condition the leather and provide a bit of waterproofness too. I've used in on my leather camera cases and it works well.

 

[reagan]

Good thread and good info. BIG thanks. Both of my Zorki 1s and my Zorki 4 came with cases in really good condition. I hope to keep them that way.

While we're on the subject, I've been knocking around the project of adding lining to the cases and what material to use. Any input there?

 

[ocala]

I have a few Kievs and the cases are lined with thin soft leather (probably Kid), suede-side out with the leather side next to the case. It can be a variety of colours ranging from red through pale green to buff. It is a lot tougher than the plush velvet favoured by post-war West German and Japanese camera makers.
Robin

 

[fidget]

Thanks for the input. I must say that I like the idea of using some medical preparation for feet on my FSU cases. Won't alter that lovely FSU leather smell will it?

 

[reagan]

Won't alter that lovely FSU leather smell will it?

O ye of little faith! Heaven and earth may pass away, but that sweet aroma shall never fade under the efforts of mere mortals.

 

[John Robertson]

I have always simply regularly used a good quality shoe polish of the correct colour. My Fed 2 case which I have had since the early 60's is still like new, and still has its "distinctive" smell.

 

[richard_l]

Mink oil is what I use for restoring, preserving, and waterproofing leather, either the pure mink oil which comes in a bottle, or the kind which comes in a shoe polish can and contains wax.

Richard