The first thing to ask yourself before setting about restoring a collectible camera is; "Will my skills transform this camera or will they devalue this finished item?".
Followed by "Do I really know enough about what I am about to do".
If the answer is "No" to either of these questions, then maybe it's not a good idea to reach for the screw drivers.
Ask yourself also "Will I over restore this camera and take it to a standard which is out of character".
When collecting cameras it's wise to remember that the standard of the camera should be first and foremost in your mind.
Buying from a store is fine but as many collectors have turned to Internet site to make a purchase, condition is sometime difficult to assess.
However, that's not to say that small general repairs are outside the skill base of many collectors.
Things to remember before restoring Old cameras are expected to have a certain patina as do old antiques.
Restoration should be sympathetically carried out.
Harsh actions when cleaning for instance will undoubtedly reduce a cameras resale value.
It's worth remembering that your taste may change over time and that you may wish to trade in some models later on.
If you over restore a camera by polishing off the remaining black enamel for instance, you run the risk of the camera no longer looking authentic.
Remember also before reaching for that wire brush may make your camera look false; a big disadvantage when trying to sell to experienced collectors.
So with the above thoughts, here are a number of tips on what you should do when restoring old cameras.
* Restoring black enameling When black enamel wears away on cameras it's sometime referred to as 'brassing'.
Small amount of ware can be replaced carefully after purchasing small tins of gloss or matt paint from your local crafts store.
It's good practice to apply a very small amount and let it dry over night before covering large areas.
With practice you will find that it is possible to let the black paint drip from the end of the brush which should give an improved finish over brushing it on.
It could be an advantage to remove the top or base plate to allow the paint to be sprayed on.
Which ever way you choose, always apply the paint in one way only and do not return to the same area in order to avoid brush marks.
* Restoring leather Always use a clean agent which is non standard.
You may however, find it difficult to find a purpose made solution and instead you could use a book leather restorer.
If you can't find a solution try shoe polish designed to remove scuff marks.
If you need to replace the leather be sure to lift a corner carefully and with a small brush wipe on methylated sprit.
Old leather was held fast with shellac and it's possible to dissolve the lines of adhesive as they are normally in lines.
If you plane to replace the leather it could be worth using old leather handbags, diaries or even gloves.
Sometimes it is simpler to replace the full covering rather than replace small areas.
Try to use the sections removed as patterns or even use paper to create a pattern.
To attach new leather use a well know glue such evostick making sure to coat the leather only.
Apply the leather while still wet, in that way you should find this should hold tight offering the option to peal back if needed.
* Restoring shutters Never be tempted to oil sticking shutters with general household oil.
Use a set of jeweller's screwdrivers to slowly dismantle.
With the glass removed, the shutter can be de-greased remembering to allow things to dry naturally.
When the mechanism is completely dry, place it in a jar filled with a small amount of graphite gained from shaving the lead off a pencil.
After shaking off an excess you can set about replacing the mechanism.
* Restoring wooden sections To bring the wooden section of cameras back to life you can use water containing a small amount of liquid ammonia.
Cracks can be filled using plastic wood.
When completely harden, any surplus can be sanded down using a fine grade sandpaper.
To blend the color of the repair, you can dilute water based paint and when dry, polish with red or dark brown polish.
* Restoring brass Be careful on this one as too much cleaning of old brass runs the risk of also removing years of patina.
This is probably one area that if over repaired will make the camera look very unnatural.
Don't be tempted to remove the lacquer from brass because it is very difficult to replace again.
Try extreme cleaning on old parts first and if you decide to go ahead, soak brass fitting in a solution of washing soda.
Take care with this one as disaster looms if not done well.
Remember that this list is only a starting point.
If you feel unsure at any time during your proposed restoration then seek professional advice.
Followed by "Do I really know enough about what I am about to do".
If the answer is "No" to either of these questions, then maybe it's not a good idea to reach for the screw drivers.
Ask yourself also "Will I over restore this camera and take it to a standard which is out of character".
When collecting cameras it's wise to remember that the standard of the camera should be first and foremost in your mind.
Buying from a store is fine but as many collectors have turned to Internet site to make a purchase, condition is sometime difficult to assess.
However, that's not to say that small general repairs are outside the skill base of many collectors.
Things to remember before restoring Old cameras are expected to have a certain patina as do old antiques.
Restoration should be sympathetically carried out.
Harsh actions when cleaning for instance will undoubtedly reduce a cameras resale value.
It's worth remembering that your taste may change over time and that you may wish to trade in some models later on.
If you over restore a camera by polishing off the remaining black enamel for instance, you run the risk of the camera no longer looking authentic.
Remember also before reaching for that wire brush may make your camera look false; a big disadvantage when trying to sell to experienced collectors.
So with the above thoughts, here are a number of tips on what you should do when restoring old cameras.
* Restoring black enameling When black enamel wears away on cameras it's sometime referred to as 'brassing'.
Small amount of ware can be replaced carefully after purchasing small tins of gloss or matt paint from your local crafts store.
It's good practice to apply a very small amount and let it dry over night before covering large areas.
With practice you will find that it is possible to let the black paint drip from the end of the brush which should give an improved finish over brushing it on.
It could be an advantage to remove the top or base plate to allow the paint to be sprayed on.
Which ever way you choose, always apply the paint in one way only and do not return to the same area in order to avoid brush marks.
* Restoring leather Always use a clean agent which is non standard.
You may however, find it difficult to find a purpose made solution and instead you could use a book leather restorer.
If you can't find a solution try shoe polish designed to remove scuff marks.
If you need to replace the leather be sure to lift a corner carefully and with a small brush wipe on methylated sprit.
Old leather was held fast with shellac and it's possible to dissolve the lines of adhesive as they are normally in lines.
If you plane to replace the leather it could be worth using old leather handbags, diaries or even gloves.
Sometimes it is simpler to replace the full covering rather than replace small areas.
Try to use the sections removed as patterns or even use paper to create a pattern.
To attach new leather use a well know glue such evostick making sure to coat the leather only.
Apply the leather while still wet, in that way you should find this should hold tight offering the option to peal back if needed.
* Restoring shutters Never be tempted to oil sticking shutters with general household oil.
Use a set of jeweller's screwdrivers to slowly dismantle.
With the glass removed, the shutter can be de-greased remembering to allow things to dry naturally.
When the mechanism is completely dry, place it in a jar filled with a small amount of graphite gained from shaving the lead off a pencil.
After shaking off an excess you can set about replacing the mechanism.
* Restoring wooden sections To bring the wooden section of cameras back to life you can use water containing a small amount of liquid ammonia.
Cracks can be filled using plastic wood.
When completely harden, any surplus can be sanded down using a fine grade sandpaper.
To blend the color of the repair, you can dilute water based paint and when dry, polish with red or dark brown polish.
* Restoring brass Be careful on this one as too much cleaning of old brass runs the risk of also removing years of patina.
This is probably one area that if over repaired will make the camera look very unnatural.
Don't be tempted to remove the lacquer from brass because it is very difficult to replace again.
Try extreme cleaning on old parts first and if you decide to go ahead, soak brass fitting in a solution of washing soda.
Take care with this one as disaster looms if not done well.
Remember that this list is only a starting point.
If you feel unsure at any time during your proposed restoration then seek professional advice.