Zeiss bumps

Glossary Terms

Zeiss bumps on a Retina image by Andrea Wiggins (Image rights)

Zeiss bumps are a largely-cosmetic problem affecting old metal-bodied cameras. Many cameras have bodies made from steel plate, with brass rivets used for at least some fastenings. Over time, if there is even slight moisture present, the two metals react, leading to a growth of reaction products around each rivet, under the leather or leatherette covering. This creates lumps in the leather, sometimes called 'Zeiss bumps', though they are no more common on Zeiss cameras than others. The problem must be severe to lead to a loose rivet and so affect the camera in use, but some collectors try to remove the material and flatten the leather.