Re: [Largeformat] Question about refinishing old wood camera

[Clive Warren <cocam@cableinet.co.uk>]

From: Clive Warren <cocam@cableinet.co.uk>

At 12:21 am -0500 19/1/00, JIB wrote:
>From: JIB <jbuf@ix.netcom.com>
>
>I have a Kodak improved 2a 8x10 wooden field camera.  It has a patent date
>of 1910.  I am cleaning it up and I am about to replace the bellows.
>Considering its age, the condition is great.  There are a few gouges in
>the wood and I was thinking about refinishing the camera.  A good friend
>recommended that I leave it alone and just rub some oil on it, because the
>finish is not that bad.
>    So here is my question, just how hard would it be to refinish the
>camera.  And if I decide to just rub it down with oil.  What kind of oil
>should I use.
>
>
>Thanks
>john


John,

There is something about the patina of age and use which is part of the
camera.  If you restore or refinish a camera then it will take another 90
years for it to develop the same characteristics.

Your friend has the right idea :-)

Use linseed oil on the wood - the effect will be instant and wonderful. If
you can obtain leather replacement bellows rather than a synthetic modern
material so much the better.


All the best,

             Clive   http://www.cocam.co.uk
                     Photographic Services, Filters and Equipment, Infrared FAQ
                            http://clive.bel-epa.com
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