First Failed Attempt At A Molded Camera Bag

[MonicaJacobson]

My husband gave me a hand, and we molded the leather straight onto our Canon 5D Mark II with a 50 1:1.4 lens and lens hood. Which, of course, was our first mistake. As it turns out, you don't want it to be snug. The second mistake was molding the leather to the lens behind the lens hood. I'm not sure how we expected to pull it out!

Further, we cut it off too short, so I was going to add another piece back on. Then I had to admit what I had been trying to ignore; that ominous sounding crack we heard when molding it was the lens hood coming loose. We molded it with a crooked lens hood, which made for a crooked line and a wonky bag. At some point, you have to cut your losses and start over. At least we learned a lot.

On the next one, I'll just make a separate piece for the front and not try to mold the leather to the lens at all.

We were trying to mold 9 oz leather. Was that a mistake?

Any tips would be appreciated!

Edited January 7, 2014 by MonicaJacobson

[Tree Reaper]

I have never wet formed a camera case but the ones I have seen use a replica of the camera made out of wood.

Camera case with 135mm lens

page 72

volume one

The Art Of Making Leather Cases by Al Stohlman

6-7 oz. leather lined with 1 1/2 - 2 oz.

Edited January 7, 2014 by Tree Reaper

[MonicaJacobson]

Yes, I thought of making my own buck. I assume they are a bit larger than the camera, as well. Honestly, I was being lazy.

Hm, I guess I should stop putting off buying that book!

Thanks! I appreciate it!