Replacing Camera Leatherette
Introduction
Film cameras are sometimes way over their 40ies and even high quality leatherettes eventually wear down. Or you just want to make your film camera to stand out and like a fancy colored camera instead of boring black.
In any case, replacing the leatherette is a task that can be easily done by yourself.
Step By Step Guide
Choosing and Purchasing the Leather(ette)
When purchasing a leatherette, there are few choices to make.
Material
Apart from choosing a pleasing color, the choice of material is even more important. As I dislike synthetic materials I usually go with cowhide, but it can be a bit thicker than the original synthetic coverings found on many cameras. This makes it a little bit more difficult to fit.
Fit
The more precise a leatherette is made the better. I can recommend the offerings of Aki Asahi from Japan. Apart from quality materials, the coverings fit very well. The dealer ships internationally at a very fair price.
Nikon FM2N with two covering kits from Aki-Asahi
Recommended Tools & Chemicals
clean underlay (e.g. a cutting mat)
precision scalpel with a sharp blade installed
precision pair of tweezers
some micro-fiber clothes
wooden toothpicks
cotton swabs
isopropyl alcohol and/or dedicated cleaning solution for removing adhesive residues
Essential tools for replacing a camera leatherette
Removing the Old Leatherette
Carefully cut the old leatherette if you cannot grip any part of the leatherette. Use the wooden toothpicks to lift the old covering without damaging the camera body. Grab it with the pair of tweezers and start gently removing it. If necessary, cut the leatherette in pieces and remove one piece at a time.
After there is no leatherette remaining, remove any adhesive residue that remains on the camera body. Preferably, you are able to remove it without using any cleaning solutions. Only if this does not work, use a micro fiber cloth and the cotton swab (for tight spots) with as little cleaning solution as needed. Be extra careful when using alcohol on plastics, as it can damage the material irreversibly.
Adhesive residue before cleaning
Viewfinder bump properly cleaned
Attention: Depending on the camera model, small metal plates may be attached to the leatherette. Be careful not loose them and clean them properly.
Nikon FM2: places where small metal covering plates are installed
Fitting the New Leatherette
Start by cleaning the surface with alcohol and let it evaporate completely. This ensures that the adhesive will properly stick to the camera body. Only use very small amounts when working with a plastic camera body.
The rest of the process is straight forward. Remove the leatherette piece needed and place it as precisely as possible on the camera. Apply pressure to the newly attached pieces by stroking them with a clean fiber cloth from the inside to the outside. Take your time and apply as much pressure as possible.
Installing the leatherette around a self timer lever or similar pieces might require cutting a slit in the patch. Check the leatherette manufacturers website for instructions just in case. Consider removing the lever and reattaching it later.
Once done, turn on YouTube or listen to a Vinyl record while you carefully go over your work again and stroke the larger areas in circular motions to ensure maximum adhesion.
Nikon FM2N with original black leatherette
Nikon FM2N - naked
Nikon FM2N - with a new blue cowhide covering
Final Steps
Load a film into your camera and shoot some great images.
