Original Voigtlander Leather Lens Cap

[Jim Fitzgerald]

I picked up one of the beautiful Voigtlander lenses that Bob Hubert was selling and it came with what looks to be the original leather lens cap. I'd like to restore it. Has anyone had any luck with this? It looks to be stitched by hand? but maybe by machine. It would be nice to restore it instead of making a leather cap which I could do. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

[Jim Graves]

Jim ... two trades who work with leather all the time are shoe repairers (cobblers) and saddle makers ... might be worth your time to just ask them for suggestions.

[Steven Tribe]

+1 to the suggestions.

Both these trades are in serious decline. However, there are a lot of hobby workers using hard leather as a starting point, making things like belts. They have often rescued cobblers' heavy duty stitchers which can make the perfect spacing.

You might find someone who be interesting in doing the same exercise for others too?

Congrats with the new Voigtlander too.

[pjd]

You could clip out the old thread and try yourself. I re-stitched a plate camera case a while back after watching this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqCx-5tLJGg

Linen thread and sewing needles are quite cheap. As the holes are already in the leather you wouldn't need leather needles - any needle with an eye large enough for decent size thread would be ok.

[Jac@stafford.net]

If you are lucky enough to find a leather craftsman to make a new cap, then rather than leaving the lens or lens hood with him you might consider cutting a plug the exact outside diameter of the lens (or hood) for him to work on. He might appreciate it and you need not worry about the lens part. I use a hole cutter like this to make one. See http://www.woodcraft.com. (Their picture).

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Thanks everyone. I'll check around my new surroundings and see what is out there. I'll take a closer look to see if I can do this myself.
Steven, thanks. This big old Voigtlander was something I have been after for a long time. Nice to finally have it in my collection.

[seezee]

When you do restore the cap, be cautious about storing the lens with the cap on — leather is hydroscopic & could attract fungi.

[brandon13]

Jim I am going to the leather store in Portland to grab some brass buttons for my lens caps. I will ask if they know anyone. I also have a good cobbler. D.J. She's great. Will ask her too.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Jim I am going to the leather store in Portland to grab some brass buttons for my lens caps. I will ask if they know anyone. I also have a good cobbler. D.J. She's great. Will ask her too.

Brandon, awesome. Let me know and thanks.

[alex from holland]

As these lenses are non coated they can't have fungus on the glass.