X-posted from my
Tower 23 (Asahiflex) thread
Hello,
I recently acquired a Tower 23 (Asahiflex IIB Model 1) from 1954 with its original lens and leather case. After the camera and lens were restored to working condition (real world testing pending) the leather case received some TLC as well. After all, it is 67 years old at the moment of this post.
The case was dry, stiff and dirty. The belt had an electrical tape repair but otherwise complete.
I had the opportunity to go to a shoemaker's shop. I think he is the last one in over a 50 mile radius and probably more. The guy is a good friend and fellow Boy Scout leader. He was gracious enough to allow me access to his cool shop so I could restore the case. I wanted to do it myself. I was like a kid in a candy store with all those cool tools. I've never claimed to be normal

The case and the belts were very stiff and dry. The broken belt was fixed with a "wrap" of very thin leather. A common period repair. Everything was cleaned and conditioned with proper materials. As I have stated multiple times before, I don't want to make these restorations look new. I want to get them the best they can be but keeping their character and patina.
The leather is now flexible and the case looks great! Most importantly, it works!
Back home, the bright metal parts polished out nicely without any drama.
And the money shot
Hope you like it.
Thanks,
Ismael