Zeiss Super Ikonta A - recovering

[gregnz]

Hi there,

I have a Zeiss Super Ikonta 531a which was worse for wear and it is been restored. I have the aluminium casing bare and the the edging polished. If I was to recover it I see two options. Go for the restoration black and keep it as near to original, or make it unique in a red for example.

Which option would people recommend? If it was to be sold in future years is a modern colour a bad thing for resale? Has anyone done something similiar? Am I *******ising an institution by contemplating this?

 

[jnoir]

Probably everybody has an opinion. Me, I wouldn't replace the leatherette on special cameras with higher value, to make it appealling for both users and collectors as potential buyers.

The 531 is not a rare camera, so I don't think it qualifies as heresy. But, YMMV.

Or, you can put new coverings with white glue or similar (something which is a good idea nevertheless, making life easier to future repairmen: whatever you do in the end, do not use epoxy or some strong glue, just a recommendation) so, if and when you decide to sell, remove them and replace by new, black ones.

 

[farlymac]

Yeah, I've got a Super B in need of an overhaul, and someone has already lost some of the leather, so it will be a total replacement as far as I can see. I'm leaning toward doing it in black as I just don't know what color would really look good on it otherwise. Maybe a deep brown, or possibly go for something exotic, like lizard skin. You could also peruse the junk stores for old binders, and use the covering off one of those. Gauranteed not to be replicated by someone else.

PF

 

[Godfrey]

It's not a rarity, so make it into what you'd like. Unless you plan to sell it.

A dark green book cloth covering would appeal to me, if you can find a thin one with the right texture.