Camera light seal foam DIY

mehguy · Aug 1, 2015

I just bought a Mamiya 135EF from a thrift store today and it seems the light seals need to be replaced. now, I would normally purchase a kit somewhere but Im young, I dont have a lot of cash to burn and light seal kits are kinda pricey for a piece of foam. So is there any cheapo-hillbilly version of replacing the light seals?

MattKing · Aug 1, 2015

Contact Jon Goodman first to check whether he has the "pre-cut, with good camera specific instructions using top grade foam at really inexpensive prices for Canadian customers" kit that you need.

Google will help you find him.

Once you have used a couple of his kits, you will be in a much better position to determine if you don't need a kit.

He is very good to deal with, and writes the best APUG for sale posts.

mehguy · Aug 1, 2015

Matt, couldnt i just use adhesive foam that you would find at a craft store?

BrianShaw · Aug 1, 2015

Yes you can, for the doors.

MattKing · Aug 1, 2015

mehguy said:
Matt, couldnt i just use adhesive foam that you would find at a craft store?

You can, but when you get one of the kits you also get the information about things like when it is necessary to use different sizes and types of foam, when it is necessary to position the foam in places that might be counter-intuitive and when it is advisable to install foam in a particular sequence, in order to ensure access.

And for some of the foam, like mirror bumpers, it is really helpful to receive foam that is pre-cut to exactly the right size.

Check his prices before you decide - in particular his charge for shipping to Canada. And look to see his camera specific instructions are one of the ones available on the web.

If you use one of his kits, you will be much better equipped to decide whether to buy another one before you work on your next one.

Alan Gales · Aug 1, 2015

Skip buying beer for a week and fix your camera. It won't hurt you!

Ken Nadvornick · Aug 1, 2015

And another point not to be missed. If you use one of Jon's kits, and apply it carefully and correctly, you will be in a better position to resell your camera if you ever decide to upgrade to a different one.

Worth noting is that Jon has carefully selected the foam for its camera-friendly properties. For example, the foam is a low/no VOC (volatile organic compound) material. This means that as the foam ages it will not begin to outgas and leave a thin residue on the rear side of the camera lens.

For example, late-model Yashica TLRs have a known issue where their internal lubricants can outgas over time, leaving the lens surface with a haze that must be removed. Situations like this can affect resale value, if a prospective buyer knows a servicing may also be required. Jon's foam will not do the same.

The other thing you are paying for with Jon's kits is the precision cut and fit. I recently re-foamed a Mamiya C330S TLR and was darn glad I didn't have to try to precision cut the 1.5-mm strips. I believe I paid US$12 for the kit.

As of 09/22/14 Jon was reachable at: jon_goodman@yahoo.com

Ken

MartinCrabtree · Aug 1, 2015

+1 on Jon Goodman's kits. Nice guy,good product.

mehguy · Aug 2, 2015

Alan Gales said:
Skip buying beer for a week and fix your camera. It won't hurt you!

Im a minor. u heard me right im even younger than that.

MattKing · Aug 2, 2015

mehguy said:
Im a minor. u heard me right im even younger than that.

Okay, one fewer pizza then!

Alan Gales · Aug 2, 2015

mehguy said:
Im a minor. u heard me right im even younger than that.

You are that young and shooting film? That's great! You have my respect.

I don't know how old you are but there are usually ways to pick up a little extra cash if you are motivated. Photography unfortunately is an expensive hobby so my wife tells me.

trythis · Aug 2, 2015

+8 for goodman.

You can use black cotton yarn and tape on the outside for cheap but its not a good long term solution.

Sent with typotalk

Xmas · Aug 2, 2015

Steal dads mouse mat scissors craft knife cutting board double sided pressure sensitive tape...

Google Jon Goodmann site for instructions.

If there is a local camera club join it, might get an enlarger for free etc

gzhuang · Aug 2, 2015

Are you drinking dew and hunting food after buying your Mamiya now?

Ken Nadvornick · Aug 2, 2015

Xmas said:
Steal dads mouse mat...

Google Jon Goodmann site for instructions.

That's unethical advice and behavior, twice over. Especially the second...

Ken

Fixcinater · Aug 2, 2015

Since you are specifically asking about a cheapo hillbilly method, you can buy "craft foam" at Walmart or other art supply places. Some of them have the craft foam as well as craft fuzzy sheets that are thinner.

Are you sure the camera works before you put the time and effort into the light seals? Not to dissuade you but cheap, very high quality cameras are easy to find, especially since you are obviously internet savvy, so wasting time and expensive film/processing is easy to avoid with a bit of care/forethought.

Xmas · Aug 2, 2015

Ken Nadvornick said:
That's unethical advice and behavior, twice over. Especially the second...

Ken

Hi Ken

Yes and you left off corrupting innocent youths...
It is important to recognise that there are small ethical problems and larger ones.
And the end never justifies the means...

An important lesson for kids.

Noel

ruby.monkey · Aug 2, 2015

You can use thick darning wool for the door channel seals. The leftovers can be used to save money on socks.

mehguy · Aug 2, 2015

Fixcinater said:
Are you sure the camera works before you put the time and effort into the light seals? Not to dissuade you but cheap, very high quality cameras are easy to find, especially since you are obviously internet savvy, so wasting time and expensive film/processing is easy to avoid with a bit of care/forethought.

Yes, im sure. Ive tested the camera in multiple light situations and the meter seems to work along with the aperture. Shutter is fine and film advance is ok.

there's only one problem, it has that thrift store smell.

bsdunek · Aug 2, 2015

I get mine at Micro-Tools/Fargo Enterprises Dead Link Removed They have several thicknesses, with and without adhesive backing. I cut it with an E-Xacto knife. Works fine for me - I have repaired many cameras with this and never had a complaint. Micro-Tools also has lots of other good stuff for the amateur or professional camera repair guy.

Truzi · Aug 2, 2015

On my Sears KS-2 35mm I've used felt at the ends of the back (where the hing & latch are, respectively), and wool yarn in the channels, and it has worked fine. When I learn how to disassemble the camera I will try to find some proper pre-cut seals, but I've had no problems so far.

Sirius Glass · Aug 2, 2015

Contact Jon Goodman, get the seals, do the work yourself, drink the beer and stay thirsty my friend. :munch:

Born2Late · Aug 2, 2015

Ken Nadvornick said:
That's unethical advice and behavior, twice over. Especially the second...

Ken

Ditto

Jon's a great guy and his kit very reasonable. Please don't try to beat him out of a couple of bucks. Your camera will thank you for it.

Xmas · Aug 2, 2015

You have never been a kid with nothing but money from news paper delivery then?

Ken Nadvornick · Aug 2, 2015

Xmas said:
You have never been a kid with nothing but money from news paper delivery then?

And that justifies unethical behavior? And sets the precedent that the barrier preventing it is that low?

Ken

Camera light seal foam DIY

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Camera light seal foam DIY

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