Hasselblad Camera Finish

Einsteiniac

New Member
Hi, folks. I'm new to the forum and have a pretty straightforward question, I think.

I'm attempting to (very roughly) replicate a 1943 Hasselblad 1600F camera as a birthday gift for a friend, initially inspired by this cardboard replica: Beautiful Cardboard Hasselblad Almost as Well Made As Real Thing | Gadget Lab | Wired.com

A picture of the real thing for reference can be found here: http://j.mp/kNAC8H

I really like the corrugated cardboard version, but I want it take it a step further.

My question concerns the textured black finish on the outside of the camera. It's fairly common on old cameras and binoculars and such, but I am having a lot of trouble finding information about the material. Does anybody know if this particular finish/material has a specific name and/or how to replicate it?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. The solution doesn't have to be perfect or exact. I'm covering the housing of the camera with aluminum and think it would be suitable to find some kind of material I could cut to shape and adhere to the foil, if that makes sense.

Thanks a lot for your time.
 
I've seen paint jobs gone bad that looked just like that finish :lol

You could try paint. Spray on some flat black, then hold the can up high above the camera and spray some more. The paint droplets will partially dry as they fall, creating a pebbled texture.

Black textured vinyl would work too.
 
On most vintage cameras, it is either a paint or a adhesive sticker that provides that finish.

Krylon makes a Wrinkle Finish spraypaint that will work for a replica. You spray it on in a heavy coat and then place the item in a warm room or use a hair dryer to get the paint to dry quickly. The stuff stinks to high heaven, so keep the area well ventilated.

Gene
 
Those old cameras were all covered with a thin skin of leather. If I am not mistaken, Hasselblad's used mostly leatherette, but sometimes lizard, kid goat and other exotic skins.
 
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