For a field camera which hasn't been used for a while, what's the best cleaning and renewing treatment for a leather bellows?
Feb 21, 2019 16:14:42 #
You might ask this question over on the PHOTRIO (formerly Analog Photography Users Group-APUG).
Feb 21, 2019 16:24:41 #
Tim Stapp wrote:
You might ask this question over on the PHOTRIO (formerly Analog Photography Users Group-APUG).
Oh, thanks, Tim … will do …
Feb 21, 2019 16:53:56 #
sloscheider wrote:
Just thought it would be interesting to see what you have Ch. perhaps knowing exactly what it is would alter some of the suggestions. I have none so can’t claim to know anything about them.
Here's a pick of it, Slo … a B&J 5x7 …
Burke and James 5x7 View Camera
Feb 21, 2019 16:54:11 #
Chris T wrote:
This one's been in storage, for a while. Just got it out, and it really needs a beauty treatment. Any ideas? ... Don't want to use the wrong stuff - yaknow?
If the leather has dried and cracked or cracking, there is nothing you can rub on it to bring it back. Lanolin is the best way to prevent the leather from drying, however.
Post a picture.
Feb 21, 2019 16:55:56 #
Gene51 wrote:
If the leather has dried and cracked or cracking, there is nothing you can rub on it to bring it back. Lanolin is the best way to prevent the leather from drying, however.
Post a picture.
Post a picture.
I just did, Gene … the leather isn't dried and cracking … just a little discolored in spots …
Feb 21, 2019 17:20:02 #
Saddle soap is the best to use. Used it on my camera bags . It's what I used after summer camp( military beach landings) . But you should take it one step further.Here's what I did :
Use saddle soap with a used shaving brush ;If you have one. Or buy a cheap one at a drug store or Walmarts'.
The brush hairs are soft and really get into the pores of the leather.
Use a used washcloth to wipe down the leather
Next use a very used soft hand towel to wipe off excess moisture
Let air dry at room temperature
Find a good leather softener to put on the leather( kiwi) is what I used; or go to a good leather store and see what they have on the shelf. ( One of the steps)
Next , or put a neutral shoe polish on the leather (Kiwi makes this also may have to look though) ; then buff with a good shoe brush
This process worked great for me .Kept my leather bags supple even to this day
Just my opinion I'm sure others have their favorite method
Use saddle soap with a used shaving brush ;If you have one. Or buy a cheap one at a drug store or Walmarts'.
The brush hairs are soft and really get into the pores of the leather.
Use a used washcloth to wipe down the leather
Next use a very used soft hand towel to wipe off excess moisture
Let air dry at room temperature
Find a good leather softener to put on the leather( kiwi) is what I used; or go to a good leather store and see what they have on the shelf. ( One of the steps)
Next , or put a neutral shoe polish on the leather (Kiwi makes this also may have to look though) ; then buff with a good shoe brush
This process worked great for me .Kept my leather bags supple even to this day
Just my opinion I'm sure others have their favorite method
Feb 21, 2019 18:49:31 #
Comphoto wrote:
Saddle soap is the best to use. Used it on my came... (show quote)
Thanks for the tips, Com … I'll look around for a used shaving brush …
Kiwi neutral, or Kiwi White?
(One of the steps) ???
What about Meltonian Shoe Cream? … Would that work, alright?
Feb 21, 2019 19:38:47 #
Chris T wrote:
I just did, Gene … the leather isn't dried and cracking … just a little discolored in spots …
Use lanolin, baby oil, neatsfoot oil, mink oil, etc. These products are designed to keep thin leather conditioned and moist. A soft wax that might be used by an auto detailer on leather seats might be good as well - so it's worth checking that out. I would test it on a location that is inconspicuous and non-critical - just in case.
Saddle soap is NOT the thing to use. It is not good for leather, especially thin leather. I suppose it may work on leather saddles, but I don't know of any horse owner, trainer, handler that would ever use that on an expensive saddle.
Feb 21, 2019 19:50:58 #
Gene51 wrote:
Use lanolin, baby oil, neatsfoot oil, mink oil, et... (show quote)
NOT Saddle Soap, then, Gene … don't you think things like Baby Oil and Mink Oil might be too runny?
What if there were some cracks, you couldn't necessarily see. Wouldn't they run thru to the inside?
Feb 21, 2019 19:50:58 #
Gene51 wrote:
Use lanolin, baby oil, neatsfoot oil, mink oil, et... (show quote)
What's "neatsfoot" oil, Gene?
Feb 21, 2019 21:34:23 #
Kiwi neutral, is what I used. Here is some other products:
Wilson's leather and suede protector- kiwi suede and nubuck cleaner -Slicone water guard.These are sprays but they are and can be flammable.
Sno- seal all season leather protection ( a paste )looks almost like Vaseline which is also very good to protect original leather
Wilson's leather and suede protector- kiwi suede and nubuck cleaner -Slicone water guard.These are sprays but they are and can be flammable.
Sno- seal all season leather protection ( a paste )looks almost like Vaseline which is also very good to protect original leather
Feb 21, 2019 21:45:13 #
Neats foot oil is mentioned but it can also change the color of the leather.Use it for my boots only.You can also use a swifter duster for dusting in between the folds.But what I would use is a regular duster. You can find them in cheap dollar stores.Rub a plastic bag over the material to create a static dust collector.Bought mine on line better material and washable.Better yet if married order them for your wife for Mother's Day then she won't complain .Never use any thing such as melatonin or any colored shoe cream .That is why I said Kiwi neutral.
Feb 21, 2019 21:50:03 #
In the end it all comes down to you ( the person )using it . Start in a small unnoticeable section first;It sat around all this time so don't be in a hurry or you may regret the outcome. Good luck
Feb 21, 2019 21:59:02 #
This is a topic that keeps bringing up things I used So here is one more thing. On the wood use Murphy's oil soap. Then use a paste wax like Simonize on it better protection
Feb 21, 2019 22:26:33 #
Comphoto wrote:
Neats foot oil is mentioned but it can also change... (show quote)
Is this Kiwi Suede and Nubuck cleaner neutral? … Has to be a spray - right, Com?
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