Reid
Newbie
There is a wealth of information on this topic on the internet, giving much detail on the causes and manner in which it can be dressed out but I can find nothing on what circumstances lead to the formation of these unsightly deformations.
Earlier this year I bought a fine example of a Zeiss Ikon Contax 2a and as yet, there is absolutely no trace or even the tiniest indication of a 'bump' and I would like to keep the camera in this condition. It is a 'user' and not a show case glamour queen but I would be sorry if traces started to show during my time of ownership and caused by my ignorance or negligence. So how can one avoid these unsightly blemishes, which affect not only Zeiss of course but many other cameras particularly ones from the mid '50's'.
A well known fine camera dealer in Europe is offering on his web site a collection of six Contax 2's all from roughly the same build/year and all in heavily used condition; I assume a consignment / job lot from a defunct newspaper or magazine. The condition of each camera is fairly even with the exception of the 'bumps'. One has no discernible bumps, the other four have various quantities and sizes and the sixth one is unbelievable. A moon like surface utterly despoiled, with some truly enormous bumps and fissured leather.
So my question is, what has caused the difference and therein how to ensure my camera, plus a cosmetically fine Kiev, also in my possession , may reasonably escape such disfigurement.
Thoughts lead to high/low humidity; long periods stored in their leather cases, though with respect to the Contax's mentioned above, they would not have been able to enjoy a period of storage. Perhaps extreme cold / hot weather ? being used by very heavy smokers - nicotine reacting with the leather adhesives - not so far fetched mindful the prevalence of smoking in the '50's and 60's'. I would welcome thoughts on possible catalysts to 'bumps'.
Earlier this year I bought a fine example of a Zeiss Ikon Contax 2a and as yet, there is absolutely no trace or even the tiniest indication of a 'bump' and I would like to keep the camera in this condition. It is a 'user' and not a show case glamour queen but I would be sorry if traces started to show during my time of ownership and caused by my ignorance or negligence. So how can one avoid these unsightly blemishes, which affect not only Zeiss of course but many other cameras particularly ones from the mid '50's'.
A well known fine camera dealer in Europe is offering on his web site a collection of six Contax 2's all from roughly the same build/year and all in heavily used condition; I assume a consignment / job lot from a defunct newspaper or magazine. The condition of each camera is fairly even with the exception of the 'bumps'. One has no discernible bumps, the other four have various quantities and sizes and the sixth one is unbelievable. A moon like surface utterly despoiled, with some truly enormous bumps and fissured leather.
So my question is, what has caused the difference and therein how to ensure my camera, plus a cosmetically fine Kiev, also in my possession , may reasonably escape such disfigurement.
Thoughts lead to high/low humidity; long periods stored in their leather cases, though with respect to the Contax's mentioned above, they would not have been able to enjoy a period of storage. Perhaps extreme cold / hot weather ? being used by very heavy smokers - nicotine reacting with the leather adhesives - not so far fetched mindful the prevalence of smoking in the '50's and 60's'. I would welcome thoughts on possible catalysts to 'bumps'.
