Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- photo:lightseals [2018/12/06 19:28] – created philpem
+++ photo:lightseals [2018/12/06 19:52] – [Replacing light seals] philpem
@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 Old cameras often had light seals made from a rubber foam which degrades (more accurately disintegrates) over time. The best thing to do is remove and replace them, though this can be a long job depending on the number of seals, their condition and the glue used to attach them.
-[[https://www.instructables.com/id/Replace-the-light-seals-of-your-good-old-film-came/|This Instructable]] is a very good guide for replacing light seals, but it doesn't go into a lot of detail.
+===== Tools and materials =====
+  * Sharp craft knife or scalpel, e.g. X-acto or Stanley 9mm type.
+  * Bamboo skewers.
+  * Tweezers.
+  * Small paint brush or foam swabs.
+  * Cotton buds (Q-tips).
+  * Selection of neoprene closed-cell foam sheets, black in colour.
+  * Sticky-back felt (e.g. Fablon Velour), black in colour.
+  * Isopropyl alcohol, 90% or higher (99% is best, but 95% or 90% are also suitable).
+===== Removing the old foam and glue =====
+The old foam and glue can be removed using 95% or 99% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), a paintbrush and a bamboo skewer.
+  - Cut a square of paper (a Post-It works well) to slightly larger than the cutout where the film mask and shutter are. Secure it around the edge with masking tape to prevent any loose foam from getting into the shutter.
+  - Use the paintbrush to apply alcohol to the old foam. Let it sit for a moment, applying more alcohol if needed.
+  - Begin to rub the old foam off with a bamboo skewer.
+  - Wipe off any residue with a cotton bud (Q-tip) or small foam swab.
+  - Repeat the process until all the foam and as much as possible of the old adhesive have been removed.
+For some glues you may need to use acetone -- however this should be an absolute last resort, used sparingly and applied with a small foam swab.
+===== Cutting the new foam =====
+  - Obtain some neoprene foam of the appropriate thickness. This may be sold as "neoprene foam sheet", "foam rubber sheet" or "neoprene sponge sheet".
+    * For most cameras, a selection of sizes between 1.5mm and 5mm thick will be required.
+    * In the UK, this is available from [[Mantek Ltd / Mantek Direct on ebay|https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/Mantek-Direct?_trksid=p2047675.l2563]].
+  - Also obtain some self-adhesive thin felt sheet -- this is sometimes sold as Velour (e.g. by Fablon).
+  - Use a metal ruler to mark and measure the foam sheet.
+  - Use the ruler to squash the foam down, then cut the neoprene to size using a sharp craft knife (e.g. Stanley knife).
+===== Installing the new foam =====
+  * Self-adhesive (sticky-back) materials:
+    - Remove the protective sheet from the back of the glue layer. Handle the felt with metal tweezers to avoid leaving finger grease behind, which will weaken the glue.
+    - Using a paintbrush or felt swab, apply isopropyl alcohol to the glue. This allows you to reposition the felt if needed.
+    - Put the felt piece into place on the camera. Slide it around with the tweezers if needed.
+    - Apply pressure to the felt to secure it in place.
+    - Leave for several hours for the alcohol to evaporate.
+  * Neoprene foam used to fill gaps
+    - Use a bamboo skewer or tweezers to push the neoprene into place. Don't squash it!
+    - If the foam is correctly positioned, the metalwork of the camera body will often leave a slight //witness mark// where the two have touched.
 ====== Light seal dimensions ======