One recurring problem with old cameras is tatty leather work. In most cases this can be cleaned up, revitalized, polished and looks fine for years afterwards. Occasionally the leather has either deteriorated to the point of no return or is just simply missing. An added complication is that most cameras have logos or some other stamping in the leather work. The manufacturers would have made elaborate dies to emboss the leather covering and whilst this is still possible - the cost of this sort of tooling for a one off is prohibitive. This project looks at the technique we have developed to replicate these embossing stamps cost effectively.

Now it gets awkward, using a very sharp point, carve out the logo. Start lightly at first to keep the curves smooth, This isn't that difficult but may need some practice. Try to keep the depth reasonably constant but this isn't that critical. The carving should taper in naturally with the point of the carving tool, go to a depth that give you the correct width close to the surface. This will be used to make a cast later. At this stage you can "proof" your carving with plastercine. Persevere until you are happy with the plastercine proof casts...you will only get one chance with the final hard cast.

Finally press a hard setting body or plumbing filler into the mould and allow to harden.

 The final part of the cast preparation is to gently sand it down flat until the characters widen out to the correct thickness.

Now it's ready to press into the leather. We obtain our leather from Hewitts of Edinburgh, who are specialist bookbinders. A hide for bookbinding is a called a skiver and come in various qualities, fortunately you can get away with low quality for cameras! However it is hard to find a good pattern match with all cameras. For this camera we used a Morocco pattern, which is a little coarser than the original.

To get the leather to hold an impression, you dab water into the reverse until it just starts to release moisture if you press your finger into it , turn it over so that it is face up and place the prepared cast on it in place. Compress the two in a flower press, or improvise with a couple of G clamps and a couple of short wooden boards.