Bronica EC Possible Gummy Mirror Bumper Repair

[Phillip P. Dimor]

I have a Bronica EC that is in fantastic condition with the exception of a completely disintegrated mirror bumper. This mirror bumper is located on the left-hand side of the camera if you are looking at the body through the lens mount. It's supposed to be a round rubber peg/knob/button but over time it just turns to mush. If you touch it, it will deform with the consistency of soft play-doh or an elastic eraser.

Frank Marshman has replacements that are an exact fit, only needing epoxy or super glue to replace. I believe they run $20 (well worth it).
I took a 5cc syringe apart and removed the rubber seal/stopper from the plunger. Placing it on the deformed lump of the previous stopper and pressing down. It's stuck in place (for the time being) and am taking a few test shots to see if this 'bumper' interferes in the image. I'm guessing not thanks to the deep helicoid focusing of the lenses and whatnot but will reply if it works.

I know this is kind of a simple thing but it may help a few people who have/use EC's. My mirror was clacking down and the sound was 'sharper' than it was when the bumper was in good shape. With the syringe seal in place it sounds as it did before the disintegration of the original. Wit, h my luck it will fall off inside the body without adhesive but I will let you know, otherwise. It's possible that one could completely remove the disintegrated original bumper knob to expose the short metal pin, on which the bumper sits. One could epoxy the void on the replacement seal, drill a fine hole in the center and glue that on in place or similar.

Just an idea/heads up that I am trying. I love this camera and aside from the bumper that's the only issue i've ran in to.

 

[Phillip P. Dimor]

To clarify in a sense, I was worried that the mirror would reset itself improperly over time and lose it's alignment. If this turns out alright i'll glue it in place using an adhesive (E6000 craft adhesive, as it is similar to silicone but dries harder yet is still as easy to remove as silicone).

 

[Phillip P. Dimor]

Works just fine. I'm happy with it.

 

[Phillip P. Dimor]

I checked the focus at infinity and it was off, so in retrospect this didn't work. D'oh!

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

That could be a different issue. Does the EC have the same focus problem that the earlier models have, with the deteriorating foam pulling up on the focusing screen? Take off the frame that holds down the focusing screen to check. If you remove the groundglass, be careful to note the orientation of the fresnel, which is under the glass, in case it comes out. If that's the problem, you can replace the foam with moleskin (the stuff for foot blisters), and it does the job without deteriorating like neoprene foam.