Binoculars looking a bit battered

[Lee_P]

Hi all,

My Orion Vista binoculars have given me many years of faithful service, but now their leatherette covering is peeling off. Does anyone have suggestions for how to patch them up?

[LukeSkywatcher]

I'm sure you are able to buy new leatherette sheets from somewhere. Maybe a furniture shop or a fabric shop?. If it were me, i'd probably just use black electrical tape.

Here's the first link that came up:

http://www.hmtextiles.co.uk/black-leatherette-fabric-by-the-metre-140-p.asp

Whoops, its out of stock. Just do a search for "black leatherette sheet".

[Charic]

What about your council recycling centre? An old leather settee / chair will do, cut some  material  from the  back of a chair /settee, plenty of material to fabricate a new cover ! A simpler option would be to use self-amalgamating tape, which will give a waterproof and non-slip finish?

[neilm]

How's about some Duck tape especially designed for astronomers! http://www.ducktapecolours.co.uk/duck-family/galaxy-x/

Cheers

Neil

[Lux1]

There is a German company that makes leatherette for cameras and binoculars, it's available in many different colours. The name escapes me, but I'll post any more details if I can find them.

Don't use tape or such, vintage binoculars with good optics are increasing in value. I have quite a few pairs, as I don't like modern roof prisms.

[Grotemobile]

I think the main problem your going to

have, is getting the old stuff off. I would

do that first.They might look better with

out it.I think you will have a job to patch

it all up.

Steve

[BinocularSky]

...then wrap with carbon fibre look vinyl for that "get everyone envious" appearance!

[Lee_P]

Thanks for the advice everyone, much appreciated.