Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/04/15
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> Is it ok to treat the vulcanite/leather on my M4 with Armor All. If so, >that would be a good way to extend the life of the leather. Thanks, Hal Hal, I'm convinced that the problem with Vulcanite falling off of older Leicas is a problem with the glue, not with the Vulcanite material itself. The Vulcanite is somewhat brittle (at least with age), but is OK as long as it is stuck down tight. Once the glue starts to let go, however, it is no longer bonded tightly to the metal and can flex and crack when it is handled. Eventually it will start to break off in the areas that get the most wear, like the ends of the body (especially around the strap lugs and near the tripod-socket end of the baseplate, where the baseplate hooks onto the body), and on the back door. I'd be cautious about using something like Armor All. I'd be afraid that it would attack the glue--I assume that Armor All is petroleum based, which would be bad news for many adhesives. On CompuServe, someone said that Leica recommends using Lemon Oil on Vulcanite. I used to think that Vulcanite was a kind of hard rubber, but the pieces that have fallen off of my M3 seem more like plastic. Before trying to treat it, it would be a good idea to find out exactly what it is. - - Paul