john_boyle3 Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 The leatherette on the back door of my M4 has become unglued, but not broken. Is there a preferred type of glue or technique for fixing the problem? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Blackwell Images Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 If the vulcanite is original it is very brittle. For such cases, I have found Elmers glue to work best. It is water based and it dries hard and clear. “When you come to a fork in the road, take it ...” – Yogi Berra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_white2 Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 Rather than fuss with trying to fix it, I'd suggest replacing it. Once it starts to go it's all going to come loose pretty soon. Just get replacement covering from Leica or cameraleather.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_kaplan1 Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 I recovered one of my M2 bodies with the kit from Cameraleather. It wan't difficult and it looks great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
absinthe Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 Warm leatherette Melts on your burning flesh You can see your reflection In the luminescent dash Warm leatherette Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff_wilson13 Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 It'll be easier to call off work now, rather than try in the morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gus Lazzari Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 Gosh Heather and Jeff what the heck are you guys talking about??? John, the choice of most techs is the substance called Pliobond, it's a type of contact cement but more military spec in nature. http://www.ablehobby.com/pliobond_adhesive.htm or http://www.handlaidtrack.com/pliobond.php I've used it for years...Gus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry_lehrer Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 Guys!-- The gentlelman just wants to re-adhere some loose Vulcanite from the back door of his M4, not rebuild the whole camera. I suggest using a contact bond adhesive such as Pliobond. It is elastic enough to secure the covering. The LAST thing I would want is a water based, hard drying, brittle adhesive. BTW, I have a spare back door from an M4 available. The paint is in lousy condition, but the Vulcanite is perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjords Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 Leica N.J will send you one for about 18$. goes on just like a band-aid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
absinthe Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 Sorry gus, the word "leatherette" just brought that song flooding back & I had to share. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
howard_roarke Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 Heather, if those are lyrics, ... wow! I have goose-bumps. John, I tried a kind of gummy rubber glue like Elmer's once, and it ultimately worked loose again in a month or so ... tried superglue and it worked fine and is still solid months later. The only red flag I would raise is ... dismount the lens, tape over the finder, and keep the fumes away from any glass or chrome. The fumes will leave a kind of smoky residue on glass or shiny surfaces. But if you keep it on the camera back, you should be fine and it'll do the job better than the gummy types. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsr Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 Heather, I'm glad to learn that those were lyrics that you posted. I feared you were OD'd on Absinthe! I must be too old, I've never heard those lyrics. From whence do they emanate? It's good to read your jolly contributions again, long time no see. Best regards, Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen_w. Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 Even if the back is removable, do not use superglue because of the out-gassing. It is a PITA to remove, if needed. Pliobond sounds perfect, or some RTD elastic, which can be removed with the roll of the finger. By all means use the original Vulcanite as long as possible, as the replacements have a different texture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_lai Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 As Bill said, the stuff is rather brittle. If you're going to attempt a repair, you may end up having to replace it as other posters have suggested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_boyle3 Posted November 28, 2005 Author Share Posted November 28, 2005 Many thanks for the replies. The material turned out to be a bit too brittle so I ordered a new piece for the back from Cameraleather. The rest of the vulcanite is in great shape so only that on the door will be replaced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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