[rollei_list] Re: Repairing a case
----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Schauss" <schauss@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 
To: <rollei_list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, February 18, 2007 7:33 PM
Subject: [rollei_list] Repairing a case
I have a case for a Rolleicord Va which needs to be re-stitched where the sides attach to the back. One side has completely separated from the back and the other side is missing a good bit of the stitching. My local shoe repair guy won't touch it. Any suggestions, or is there someone who makes 
new cases for a reasonable price?

Thanks,
Peter Schauss
This is a very common problem with Rollei cases from the 1950's. There is spculation about the cause but nothing very definate. In any case the method of re-stitching is shown in a couple of web sites: 

http://www.daniel.mitchell.name/cameras/stitching/stitching.html

http://www.stereoscopy.com/cameras/re-stitching.html
Originally, the cases were machine stitched. The sewing machines use a double thread type stitch. Its possible to duplicate this by hand by using two threads and two needles. The method is detailed in the above sites. However, I've had success using a simpler method, namely sewing a single thread back and forth through the holes going one way and then going back the other way with the threads on the other side to form a sort of chain stitch. This looks pretty much like the original and is strong. One problem you may encounter is rotted leather around the holes. Normally, it seems to be the thread that rots but sometimes the holes are not in very good condition. If that happens you must punch new holes using a large needle. This will work fine and doesn't look bad. Suitable needles are available and some are named in the sites above. You will need a good thimble and its helpful to have a half glove to protect the palm of the hand. You can pretty much count on having to re-stitch any Rollei case. Even those that look intact may be found to fall apart as soon as they are stressed a little. 

---
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles, CA, USA
dickburk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
---
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