This may come across as a silly question but what should I use to keep the leather of the Leica lens carrying case in good condition?

Thanks in advance!

-- Arthur Yue (yueart@ctimail.com), November 21, 2001

Answers

I use the plastic bag and the box the lens came in. That's where all of my leather lens cases have been since the day the lens arrived. They're all still like new. I wish Leica would drop the price of the lens by $100 and omit the leather pouch.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), November 21, 2001.

Arthur: The product I use to keep my Leica leather cases in great shape is Dr. Jackson's Hide Rejuvenator. I purchased a container at a local leather craft shop. It is good for all leather except suede. It also has a tendency to darken leather but prevents it from drying out. I always have my M6 in an ever-ready case for protection and apply the material to my cases at least a few times a year or whenever I think of it. Excellent product. I also use in on my boots.If you need the address of the manufacturer let me know and I will send you the address. Happy Thanksgiving.

-- John Alfred Tropiano (jat18@psu.edu), November 21, 2001.

I am a Leather Technologist and have been Tanning Ovine + Bovine Hides + Skins for 40 Years in New Zealand,UK, Canada, China and South America. I also own an M3, TTL M6, 3G and 2 3F's with appropriate lenses.

To condition my camera ever ready cases I give them an application of Kiwi Boot Polish annually and lightly polish. Most camera cases are made from cowhides and Kiwi is particularly suitable for this purpose.

-- Michael Goldman (mgoldman12@cogeco.ca), November 21, 2001.

I am not a leather technologist, but was told once by one that to protect and rejunvenate leather, take a reasonable quality skin cream- ordinary name- brand and apply it. What else is human skin but pre- processed leather. It contains moisturisers and conditioners and anti- oxidants and is usually cheaper than specialized leather treatments. It works for boots and jackets as well.

(BTW I know what Bovines are but what are Ovines?)

Over and out

-- RICHARD ILOMAKI (richard.ilomaki@fmglobal.com), November 21, 2001.

Ovines are sheepskins. I would be very careful re applying skin cream to leather. It may "split" on the surface of the leather and not penetrate, thus making the surface greasy.

MCG

-- Michael Goldman (mgoldman12@cogeco.ca), November 21, 2001.