Vulcanite coat process

[yong_shin1]

This is my second post on same topic. The first, it appears, got lost

in maze. So here we go again.

 

Does anyone know exact process used for putting vulcanite coat during

pre-M6 era by Leica? Why isn't anyone providing re-coat service other

than by non-original way? Is it becase such process is too difficult

or way to expensive to implement, or material no longer available, or

because Leica is keeping it a secret? Can someone provide me with a

blue print of the process?

 

Best regards,

Yong C. Shin

[msitaraman]

The vulcanite is a rubber compound. Fitting the covering involved a pressure and heat molding process. AFAIK, neither the compound nor the molding ovens are available any longer.

[msitaraman]

I had forgotten where I had read this, but have realized that the information is from the ever useful <a href=http://www.nemeng.com/leica/032b.shtml>Leica FAQ</a> site written by Andrew Nemeth.<br><p>

 

http://www.nemeng.com/leica/032b.shtml

[john_collier2]

Your lucky day but do not tell anyone else! Posted to the Leica-Users one

day:

 

You see, the vulcanite of the earlier, LTM cameras, was

actually furnished from the inner layer of the bark of a rare tree that

grows in the German Black Forest. It would be collected by young virgins,

selected for their delicate fingers and only harvested between 4:30 and 5:15

AM, when the dew ensured that the humidity was such that the material

wouldn't be harmed.

 

Then followed an arduous process of curing the material, followed by

imprinting of the characteristic vulcanite pattern, which is actually

achieved through meticulous hammering with small, ivory hammers by

elderly,

experienced craftsmen, selected for their delicate white hair. If you look

carefully, you'll notice that the pattern of each camera is different,

because each craftsmen had to spend their apprenticeship manufacturing

their

own hammer -- a process that reliable sources (which I'm unfortunately

unable to name) tell me took no less than 12 years for the person of average

dexterity.

 

Of course, now-a-days, the whole process is ISO 9001 and Y2K certified and

the vulcanite is actually an artificially produced material. The old stuff

needed some attention, and Leica shops around the world would ensure that

there would be a qualified white-haired gentlemen with a small vial of

mountain dew on hand, to coat the vulcanite when the camera was handed in

for service. But then the depletion of the ozone layer and increased labour

costs meant that collecting the mountain dew became too expensive, and the

modern stuff just needs to be wiped clean with a pair of Ted's drawers if

exposed to sea water, but otherwise is fine.

 

Yep. They don't build 'em like they used to...

 

 

Martin Howard

 

"Very funny Scotty. Now beam down my clothes."