On Restoring...

[pkrpkr]

Especially for the old bellows cameras with sticky shutters: screw off the shutter and the lenses and rinse the remaining shutter assembly in gasoline. Just shortly because the alcohol in the gasoline is aggressive. For lubrication I use teflon spray, but just a tiny bit - don't let it get on the shutter leaves, glass or diaphragm iris! Here is a host of repair sites

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[Mitica100]

Especially for the old bellows cameras with sticky shutters: screw off the shutter and the lenses and rinse the remaining shutter assembly in gasoline. Just shortly because the alcohol in the gasoline is aggressive. For lubrication I use teflon spray, but just a tiny bit - don't let it get on the shutter leaves, glass or diaphragm iris! Here is a host of repair sites

Never use gasoline, it leaves a residue. Use Ronsonol or Naphta. Also, don't lubricate the shutter mechanism, it is designed to work without oil. If you must though, use NyOil, specially designed for the fine mechanisms.

For removing the dullness of the metal bodies of cameras, use NEVRDULL from your local hardware store. They are cotton swabs/patches with a chemical on them which will restore the metal on your cam. If it gets on the leatherette it will leave a white-ish residue, easily removed with some Windex.

[reg]

Never use gasoline, it leaves a residue. Use Ronsonol or Naphta. Also, don't lubricate the shutter mechanism, it is designed to work without oil. If you must though, use NyOil, specially designed for the fine mechanisms.

For removing the dullness of the metal bodies of cameras, use NEVRDULL from your local hardware store. They are cotton swabs/patches with a chemical on them which will restore the metal on your cam. If it gets on the leatherette it will leave a white-ish residue, easily removed with some Windex.

Down to a science!!

[Mitica100]

A good resource page on camera repair:

CLICK

[RichL]

Tip from the cameraleather site.

Once you have everything clean and set to go brush on a layer of alcohol hand sanitizer, the type without moisturizers (like the original Purell). This will allow you to position the leather exactly where it is needed without having to worry about a 'whoops'. I have used it successfully several times. I let it sit for a day or two before handling it.

There are many different types out there so do test whatever you purchase to make sure it works for you.

[Evansshoots]

Not sure where this should go, so I've stuck it in a couple of places...

I have a selection of old M42 lenses that really need cleaning out inside. Most are not valuable, and I know some people dismantle their own lenses for cleaning.
If anyone knows how to dismantle any of these lenses (below) please let me know. Alternatively, if you know of a site that may know, please post a link!
Pentacon 200 mm f4
Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f1.8
Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f4
ausJena Flektogon 35mm f2.8
Meyer-Optik Orestor 100mm f2.8
Thanks very much!
Dom

I have done some restoring of older cameras before (including my favourite: an Ihagee bellows).

As far as leather camera cases are concerned, I have a few suggestions. A lot of older cameras came supplied with their own purpose-built leather case, which you naturally want to keep and use. Often the stitching has gone. Whilst you can use a thick linen thread through the same holes (always use the old holes if you can), I would reccomend using thick, high-quality elastic thread. This means the case can take far more abusewithout breaking. Also, once you've polished over the whole thing, the thick elasitc looks much like the original thread did.

[Agnessa]

good tipps, thanks