Guest Scott Report post Posted November 10, 2016 Hi all, I'm thinking of buying a used case for a specific antique camera but it will need some work when I receive it. Sorry, can't insert image from Flickr on this phone The strap will need to be replaced with a one piece strap, no buckle. The top half of the case detaches and will go away. Some stitching may need to be fixed, and I'd like the whole thing dyed black if possible. Please let me know if you're interested, an approximate cost, and an ETA for the work. I haven't purchased the case yet, pending the responses I get. You can contact me directly at S m p s w e e p s @ y a h o o, add the .com and remove spaces. Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TinkerTailor Report post Posted November 10, 2016 The cost is going to depend on where the stitching is failing and how bad. The seam on the top and bottom are sewn on a special machine and can be fiddly to re-stitch. Same thing goes for the lens "pocket". That stitch around it is very tiny and would be difficult and time consuming to redo.Problem with the stitching is if some is breaking, it all may be bad and the whole thing needs to be restitched. No use doing some if the rest is soon to fail. If it is just some unravelled ends, this may be fixable economically. If you get to the point of total restitch and redye and new strap, why not get a custom case made? Wouldn't cost a whole bunch more, saves the initial purchase of a case and is all new leather and stitching. A new strap and a redye is pretty straightforward. Where you located? Can you post any photos of the damaged stitching? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted November 10, 2016 According to the IP address, the OP is located Westville, New Jersey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Scott Report post Posted November 10, 2016 The case, which I haven't purchased pending this discussion, is two pieces, a top that connects in the back and flips over the front to protect the lens, and a bottom piece that holds the camera by a captured screw that mounts in the camera's tripod socket. The top, including the part that covers the lens, is going away. Don't want it. I don't know how bad the stitching is yet, but the case and camera are on the order of 65 years old. I can purchase the case as is for about $15. Due to the design of the case to fit a rangefinder camera, and to have the offset tripod mount and clearance for the focus tab of the camera, I figured it would be easier to start with the existing case. I think I'd need to ship the camera to the craftsman in order to ensure the proper clearances on a custom job and I'm not sure I want to do that yet. How difficult would a custom case for this specific camera (a Konica I rangefinder) be, and what kind of cost, ballpark? I'm in PA, by the way. Thx, Scott Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Scott Report post Posted November 10, 2016 By the way This is the camera in question. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted November 10, 2016 The camera is a clone of a Leica F type. I'm not sure if the lens collapses onto itself, like some of the Elmar and Summicron lens did. At any rate, the hump for the lens will be much smaller than for modern DSLRs that have telephoto lenses. I have sewn camera cases and can tell you with certainty that it requires a Claes, Singer, or Adler large bobbin patcher set up with #92 or #138 bonded polyester thread. There is a lot of gluing involved of inside linings and outer covers. This job, depending on the condition of the original case, will not happen fast, or cheaply. Scott; have you considered looking for a Leica F case? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted November 10, 2016 I meant to say that this camera is a clone of a Leica III-F Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Scott Report post Posted November 11, 2016 Similar to a IIIF but not quite the same. Different top deck, shorter in length, taller overall. The IIIF is a Barnack, this rear loads. Not that it makes a ton of difference - I don't have unlimited funds for this, which is why I thought rehabbing a used case would be an option. Maybe not... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted November 11, 2016 The case you linked to doesn't look that bad. Does the seller guarantee that it will fit the camera? If so, it can be treated and dyed. Loose stitches can be gone over, even by hand needles if necessary. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Scott Report post Posted November 11, 2016 There are two cases I can find, both specific to this model of Konica, and it jives with offers I've seen of the camera and case, so I'm confident it will fit. They're essentially the same price, as well, once shipping is figured in. I just need to decide which looks better. Thanks for your help, Wizcrafts. If anyone is interested in tackling a restoration/repair on this, please do let me know. Thanks, Scott Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
