This 2.5-hour Leica restoration video is basically camera ASMR for film photographers

Sep 18, 2026 - 22:16

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This 2.5-hour Leica restoration video is basically camera ASMR for film photographers

The footage follows every disassembly step, cleaning pass and reassembly sequence of a classic Leica body, in real time, with no flashy cuts, no commentary and no music.

Vintage film camera with a metallic and black body resting on a brown surface, accompanied by a leather case, several cylindrical film canisters, round lens cap, instruction booklet, and assorted small photographic accessories organized nearby.

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you like to put on a calming video for casually watching in the background while you work on something. The video below from Leica is the perfect option for just that.

The video is 2.5 hours long, and it documents the full restoration of a 100-year-old Leica I from the Leitz family. The video description explains that the camera was dealing with porous shutter curtains, resulting in light leaks and compromised shutter operation.

It showcases every step of the process, from start to finish. What I like best is that there are no dramatic cuts and no flashy music. There’s not even any commentary. It’s just pure camera repair ASMR, making it perfect to keep on in the background. Of course, it’s also neat seeing all of the inner workings of such a camera and all of the tools required for such work.

About the Author: Abby Ferguson holds an MFA in photography and blends a fine-art background with extensive editorial and commercial experience. She built and led an in-house imaging program for a large vacation rental company and has served as an associate editor at Popular Photography. She also teaches at a local community college and serves on its Photographic Technology Program Advisory Board, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the medium.

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