Not a leica question... but some widelux questions.

[Jodad]

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Hey guys. Dont get mad, i know this is the Leuica forum but i hoped maybe some of you had some answers for me.

Apologies if this is major faux pas.

 

Bought a widelux F8 recently that’s a bit of a beater. Wanted to know if:

1) anyone know if it’s possible to buy new rubber/leatherette for it to replace the old stuff? Anyone make anything like that?

2) is it possible to repaint this specific camera? Does anyone do this on a widelux and if so, any reviews?

3) if a repaint is not possible or practical, is it possible and practical to do small touch ups to the paintwork? It’s not “regular” single colour stuff. I don’t think it’s actually normal “paint” but I’m not sure... Just want to spruce up the girl a little. I mean she’s real pretty but could do with some new shoes and a haircut lol

4)Apparently film in the widelux has a rare tendency to slip after it’s been loaded. Actually rear this a couple times once on an FB group and again on another forum. Anyone know about this or experienced this? If so, is there a solution or more (lol) correct way to load it to stop slipping?

 

[pico]

Advance the film with a continuous turn. Minimize ratcheting the winder. Check take-up with mild finger resistance on supply spool tension.

Regarding surface restoration - best of luck. Its finish is fragile to begin with.  (Has the bubble level fallen off yet?)

BTW, Jeff Bridges did some interesting work with one.

Edited April 4, 2019 by pico

[Jodad]

Yeah, i figured it would be unlikely, maybe ill make my own leatherette replacement. Could do the touch ups with a tiny brush and some shiny black enamel paint too i guess.  😜 bubble still there and hasn't fallen off in the past apparently ...

The continuous turning rather that the ratcheting makes sense.

Thank you Pico