How to Restore Old Cameras
Finding an old camera can seem like the zenith of a treasure hunt. However, it is the beginning of one instead of the end. An old camera usually requires something between a little bit to a lot of repair to get working again. The procedure can be a bit complicated for a very old camera, especially one with expandable bellows. However, with a bit of care and some elbow grease, many people can get an old antique camera working again to enjoy its features.
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Things You'll Need
- White glue
- Water
- Mild detergent
- Soft cleaning cloths
- Plastic bin or container
- Worktable
- A good light source
- Leather dye
- Mild cleaning fluid
- Metal polish
- Polishing cloths
Instructions
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1
Examine the camera carefully. Clean the outside of the camera carefully with a duster, compressed air can and a cloth. Remove the lens cap and check if the viewer works properly after removing as much dust as possible and any dirt on the outside. Look for any brittle parts, flaking leather and scratches. Identify as much damage as possible and write it down on a list.
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2
Locate leather that's beginning to peel off the camera body. Slowly lift it as much as possible without ripping it off existing adhesive. Clean out the old dirt and dried out adhesive from the body. Apply new white glue and press the leather back onto the camera body. Let the glue dry. Keep pressure on the leather.
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3
Remove any detachable parts. Untie any parts that are connected to the camera or camera bellows via a string. Close and collapse the bellows on the camera if it has them. Remove any metal attachments to the outside of the camera that exist. Keep all the parts in a plastic bin or container, so they don't get lost or misplaced while working on the camera.
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4
Prepare a bowl of water and locate a mild detergent. Mix the two together so that you have a soapy water consistency. Wet a soft cloth in the soap water and carefully clean the camera body. Use a leather cleaner or cleaning fluid for metal as it may be necessary for the camera model when dealing with stubborn stains. Avoid using any cleaning fluid or detergent on cameras that have paper bellows.
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5
Locate all the scars and scratches that appear after the wash process in Step 4. Use leather dye with a matching color on all leather parts that have an exposed scratch. Apply a second coat if the first one still shows a lighter discoloration. Apply a leather conditioner to the leather parts after marking up all the scratches.
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6
Locate a metal polish. Use it with a polishing cloth on all the metal camera parts. Wipe it off after a few minutes with another clean polishing cloth. Apply a paste wax on the metal parts if the camera will not be used for an extended period.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the Internet to find information on your specific camera model. Many old cameras tend to have fan websites that discuss history, detail, instructions, manuals and maintenance.
Cleaning old cameras roughly can result in breaking delicate parts that may have aged over time. Do not force parts to separate. If a part is jammed, carefully try to loosen it. If you can't, take it to a professional camera shop. The clerks will usually help for free with the initial dislodging that doesn't require extensive work.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit old camera image by below from Fotolia.com
