Zeiss super Ikon 350/16 cover repair

[Bobwill]

I have a Zeiss super Ikon 350/16 in need of a little TLC. The cover is bubbling, as you will be aware it's not affecting performance but it looks poor. I would like to retain the original cover so not to replace it. Is there anything I can do to at least improve its appearance.

 

[Miles.]

1. Recondition the leather to prevent tearing in the next step
2. Slowly lift the leather, if possible use heat to help and to avoid distorting the leather.
3. Scrape off corrosion underneath and on the backside of the leather. Let the leather flatten out between two books over a week.
4. Reapply leather with shillac, or a very mild glue
5. Recondition the leather again.

It’s time intensive but worth it.

 

[Bobwill]

1. Recondition the leather to prevent tearing in the next step
2. Slowly lift the leather, if possible use heat to help and to avoid distorting the leather.
3. Scrape off corrosion underneath and on the backside of the leather. Let the leather flatten out between two books over a week.
4. Reapply leather with shillac, or a very mild glue
5. Recondition the leather again.

It’s time intensive but worth it.

That's good advice. What is best to use in the first instance to recondition the leather. How many applications would you recommend.

 

[Alpsman]

Personally, I would leave it as is. And if someone wants to use my camera, I'll warn them about the risk of contracting a skin disease similar to smallpox.
🤣