catcher Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 I got an old Burke & James Press camera recently that I will use as a backpacking 4x5 camera--not the lightest (though not the heaviest either) but it was right in my price range: cheap! This camera is in good working order (hard not to be if the bellows are light tight and everythign moves), but it is ugly. I removed the old rangefinder and a couple of other superfluous pieces. Here's my question: A lot of the leatherette is coming off, one piece entirely. Does the leatherette actually do anything or is it just cosmetic? Because as I said, this camera is ugly, and I really don't care. So unless the leatherette somehow protects the metal or smoething, I don't want to bother replacing it. In fact, I'd probably just strip the rest off as most of it is peeling anyway. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico_digoliardi Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 I know someone who would buy that rangefinder and cam (connector) if you want to sell them. Leatherette? It doesn't do anything except cover the screws and seams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_feldman3 Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 Not ugly! > > > > Ok - Not pretty either. > > > But not ugly! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenn_thoreson Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 On some wood bodied cameras, such as Speed Graphics, the covering helps seal potential light leaks in the dovetail joinery. I learned that when I was using one with half the skin missing and peeling. If you strip it, be sure to check it and at least apply some sort of finish to keep moisture from ruining it. Nothing wrong with ugly, as long as it works. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico_digoliardi Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 NO NO! THIS is ugly<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catcher Posted March 23, 2006 Author Share Posted March 23, 2006 Thanks for the answers. Ugly is the new beautiful. Maybe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff bishop Posted March 23, 2006 Share Posted March 23, 2006 If you happen to fall in love with this old camera, you might want to consider a new skin. You can cut thin leather from articles of clothing or handbags and put that on it, or just order new. Can probably make the thing look like new for around $20. which seems reasonable enough... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discpad Posted March 23, 2006 Share Posted March 23, 2006 You may also consider "VH Black Pebbled Vinyl" http://www.cameraleather.com/colors/VH_black.htm from CameraLeather.com, in order to give the metal &/or wood protection while knocking about in the woods/desert/glaciers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
igor_johanson Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 Aaron don't listen to Jeff. Go to a skilfull carpenter and ask him to put a laminate of natural walnut , or better, a magnificent cocobola, on your camera. Your spirit will improve, and so the pictures! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_davis5 Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 Part of the purpose of the leather(ette) was cosmetic, part practical. The textured leatherette made the camera easier to hold when your hand got sweaty. It also helped to provide a non-absorbent surface barrier so sweat stains wouldn't form where you hold the camera every time you use it. It is also warmer to the touch than metal, and it prevents splinters from forming in high-wear areas when applied over wood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_robinson2 Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 It may also help dampen harmonic vibrations when using the camera, from tripod or shutter tripping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
igor_johanson Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 How about a vaibration which is out of phase? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben conover Posted August 16, 2006 Share Posted August 16, 2006 Igor, that's an interesting idea. I will try to use some thick (2mm) maple veneers to cover mine, if the leather I used aleady comes off... Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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