Leica II slow speed patch

[hiphopopotamus]

Hi all,
Recently I was out shooting with my IIf, and when I got home realised the small circular leather patch on the front of the camera (i.e. where the slow speed dial is on the III models) had fallen off.

A couple of questions for you, as I can't find info anywhere:

1) Is there anywhere I can buy a replacement for this?
2) It has always seemed to me that this patch looked odd anyway. Given that, I was thinking of replacing it with something else, either:

a) Red leather of equivalent texture.
b) A leica dot (with the leica writing), as you see on the M models - something metallic looking would be ideal.

Wondering what thoughts are on options (a) and (b), if either are possible, and if people here would consider it tacky/gaudy.

If the overwhelming consensus is that the red/leica dot would be gaudy, are there any thoughts on alternatives with what to do with that circular area? It really does seem to me to look odd to me as just black leather (and worse with nothing there, as mine is now).

All thoughts welcome!

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

Have you thought about recovering the whole with all new leather?

I would like to get a "fixer-upper" IIIg and remove the slow speed escapement and self timer (needless complexity) and cover the holes with new leather.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

I stuck on a disc cut from a sheet of Aki-Asahi self-adhesive 'vulcanite' when I turned my "IIIf" back into a IIf

 

[02Pilot]

If it were my camera, I'd be inclined to see if I could produce an aluminum disc with a spun finish that would fit the spot. Nothing too flashy, but just enough to provide some visual interest and differentiation.

 

[hiphopopotamus]

Have you thought about recovering the whole with all new leather?

I would like to get a "fixer-upper" IIIg and remove the slow speed escapement and self timer (needless complexity) and cover the holes with new leather.

I hadn't purely because the camera is in such good condition at the moment, so a bit reluctant on that front at the moment I think. If I were to get a more beat-up one I agree this would be a great idea.

I stuck on a disc cut from a sheet of Aki-Asahi self-adhesive 'vulcanite' when I turned my "IIIf" back into a IIf

Yes, this is the same thing I was thinking of - though perhaps using a red leather cut from a sheet aki-asahi in order to replace.

If it were my camera, I'd be inclined to see if I could produce an aluminum disc with a spun finish that would fit the spot. Nothing too flashy, but just enough to provide some visual interest and differentiation.

Thanks, this sounds like a really nice alternative - though I have no idea how on earth I could find someone to do this. Know of anyone that might be able to and might also be able to ship to the UK?

Still pondering on the possibility of a red leica dot... but again I know of no source for such a thing.

 

[hiphopopotamus]

I wonder what people think of something like this (assuming it is (or is almost) the right size, I haven't yet checked).
http://lolumina.com/product/lolumina-button-cvx-13-rd-ck/

 

[02Pilot]

Thanks, this sounds like a really nice alternative - though I have no idea how on earth I could find someone to do this. Know of anyone that might be able to and might also be able to ship to the UK?

I'd look toward the auto parts world first, especially some place that specializes in hot rods. They tend to have lots of little trim covers and such that might fit.

Alternatively, I'd just get some sheet aluminum, cut a piece to fit, and set it up on a drill (use a rubber cup to hold it) and spin it slowly against some fine sandpaper.

 

[Rob-F]

How about a disk cut from an old alligator or crocodile watch band?

 

[hiphopopotamus]

I'd look toward the auto parts world first, especially some place that specializes in hot rods. They tend to have lots of little trim covers and such that might fit.

Alternatively, I'd just get some sheet aluminum, cut a piece to fit, and set it up on a drill (use a rubber cup to hold it) and spin it slowly against some fine sandpaper.

Thanks for the tips, I'll have a look into it.

How about a disk cut from an old alligator or crocodile watch band?

Yes this was also an option, the Aki-Asahi website offers self-adhesive versions of this type of material. However, I think I'd go plain red if I was to go for this type of thing.

Another potential I have just discovered is a Leica domed decal on vinyl. These seems to be very cheap online - I might just give one shot seeing as they are, but first need to actually measure the diameter of the slow speed hole (unless anyone miraculously knows this off the top of their head?!).