Leica skin template or pattern needed

[radiocemetery]

Hi Folks,

I just acquired some lizard skin leather that I will use to recover a Leica IIIa that has deteriorated vulcanite. Has anyone found an actual size scan of the Leica covering that could be used as a template to use for cutting the leather? Website? Link? Thanks.

Steve

[loquax ludens]

Perhaps you could buy a new leatherette to fit your camera from Aki Asahi, and use that for a template. A vinyl leatherette is very inexpensive.

http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/IIIa/IIIa.php

[radiocemetery]

That's a good idea, then if I mess it up I would still have the letherette to use.

[CNNY]

I have replaced the covering on a IIIc with a material I sourced myself. After removing the vulcanite, cover the body with a wide masking tape. You will need to cut an X to pull it over protrusions like the strap lugs. Press the tape nice and tight into all the corners, and then use a sharp x-acto type blade to cut the edges out. If you work slowly and diligently you will have a very accurate template which you can then take off and stick onto your actual covering material.

[radiocemetery]

Another great idea. Thank you guys. I will try the tape first. I think this project is going to turn out very well. The leather I have is from a ladies hand bag from the fifties. The leather has a nice patinated look and should look appropriate on the old Leica.

[loquax ludens]

Good luck. Please post a picture when you're done!

[Calzone]

Originally Posted by CNNY

I have replaced the covering on a IIIc with a material I sourced myself. After removing the vulcanite, cover the body with a wide masking tape. You will need to cut an X to pull it over protrusions like the strap lugs. Press the tape nice and tight into all the corners, and then use a sharp x-acto type blade to cut the edges out. If you work slowly and diligently you will have a very accurate template which you can then take off and stick onto your actual covering material.

Christian,

Thanks for the post. This 1938 black paint Leica II (Model D) that I day traded to John is back in my possession, and it has cracked and missing vulcanite. I got some soft thin Italian goat leather from the garment district. The Leica II has no strap lugs BTW.

Cal