The top handle of my RB Auto 3.25 x 4.25 is not quite dead but is hanging on by a thread...



1) It looks like this was attached by wrapping a string around posts on either side of the handle and then tying/gluing the string tight, so I am presuming that I could retrofit a basic leather handle fairly easily.... True?

2) Are there better alternatives to preserve the look of the original? (Other than trying to recreate the multi-layer built-up design thereof myself?) Maybe someone's found a luggage handle supplier that sells something Close Enough? (I'm presuming that this is how Graflex sourced the original...)




Obviously, if there's a standard doc for initial cosmetic cleanup and basic condition check, please point me in the right direction. Tnx!

Quote:

It looks like this was attached by wrapping a string around posts on either side of the handle and then tying/gluing the string tight

The original was/is a strip of leather riveted to the view hood door.
I use contact cement to bond the layers of the handle back together.

Graflex likely made their own handles. There are some luggage strap handles that are the same shape but are a single layer.

The covering on the camera is XXX Moroccan leather. Clean with Isopropyl Alcohol then apply Neatsfoot oil (pure, not blended) in light coats allowing to dry/soak in for a day between coats) then buff with a soft cloth when dry.
Kiwi Premium liquid polish will make it look new.
https://www.kiwicare.com/en-us/products/kiwi-color-shine

If the original handle was riveted down, this one is already a replacement -- given that it was designed to be held by brackets (the ends broaden to not pull through) but is actually held by string looped around the rivets to function as a pseudo-bracket.

In which case I don't feel a great need to preserve it. A simple handle similar to https://www.amazon.com/Mgoodoo-Leather-Replacement-Cabinet-Mounting/dp/B08FD8Q56J, and some good durable string to replace the current "bracket" loops, ought to do the job mechanically and not further detract from value.


Thanks for the leather care tips.

if your looking for a quality replacement handle, i make them. look for ''graflex garage'' on facebook

I usually avoid Faceboot, which may be why I didn't notice you before. Thanks for the pointer.

For now, I have affixed a new temporary handle using the same shoelace-around-the-rivets-and-glue-the-knots approach.

Random thought: Did anyone ever come up with shoulder straps for the Graflex reflexes, and if so how were they affixed? (Screws in a safe place, harness, other...) I don't like the thought of putting the camera's weight on the viewing hood cover's latch and hinges for very long, and it might be nice to have a safety strap while using the camera handheld. I may be being unreasonable, of course, but I often did use a wrist strap on my 35mm cameras.