Cover for frame number red window ?

jay moussy · Apr 13, 2020

What works well to cover the red frame indicator window?

For the methods using tape, which types (available in U.S.) are leatherette-friendly?

Other: I just noticed little stick-on slider windows used to cover laptop webcams.
If big enough, this may be a good add-on?

R.Gould · Apr 13, 2020

I have a few red window cameras that don't have covers, indeed I have one, and Ensign 845, that doesn't even have any red widow at all, just the frame number with nothing, and after several using them I have yet to have a fogged negative, indeed when using the cameras with red windows that actually have a cover I very rarely use them,so if the cover is not there I wouldn't worry about it, never yet had a fogged film, even when using 400 asa film

Pentode · Apr 13, 2020

Plain, old electrical tape is unlikely to hurt leatherette, provided you don’t leave it on there for a long time in hot weather. Even then it might get a bit gooey but it won’t hurt anything.

For a slightly higher budget, black gaffer’s tape works well for this kind of thing but be careful; not all gaff tape is created equal and the cheap stuff can make a really sticky mess.

MattKing · Apr 13, 2020

I usually don't worry about it.
If I did worry about it, I would use low adhesion painter's tape when I had the camera out, and a camera bag when I wasn't using the camera.

guangong · Apr 13, 2020

Don’t worry! There is a reason the window is red.
,

Pioneer · Apr 13, 2020

I use electrical tape and it has yet to ruin the leatherette on the camera backs. I do this for Agfa, Voigtlander, Zeiss Ikon and Kodak.

I also use it when the red window is missing. I also use the covers when provided by the original manufacturer as I have always believed that they knew what they were doing when they built their cameras.

Obviously I must use my cameras differently, or use different film, but if I leave the window open (the one missing the red insert window) I will most certainly get fogged film. Mine are 6x9 cameras, perhaps it is different when you are using a center window like that used for 6x6 format.

Vaughn · Apr 13, 2020

And don't leave the camera on the same frame for too long if the camera is going to be out in the sunlight...keep on a shootin'...

MattKing · Apr 13, 2020

guangong said:
Don’t worry! There is a reason the window is red.
,

Actually, the only reason the windows were red was because when roll film cameras that use backing paper first came out the film available wasn't sensitive to red light.
With panchromatic film, dark green would actually make more sense, because our eyes have enhanced green sensitivity.

Agulliver · Apr 14, 2020

6x6 and 6x9 plus my 6x12....no issues with any of them...with pan and colour film. My Zeiss-Ikon has a slide cover and I do use it, which has ultimately lead to the red window being scratched by the sliding cover!

OP are you actually experiencing issues due to the red window?

Luckless · Apr 14, 2020

Depending on the model of camera: Large fridge magnets can apparently work well... Assuming the back cover is sheet steel and the camera covering isn't too thick or there are any excessively large bumps. Simple flat magnets hold with surprisingly reliable force.

Beyond that, I think the most graceful option is to make some manner of camera cover/ever-ready case with a quick open rear flap, even if it is just for the back.

The two cameras I have that have backing paper windows all have little slides built in, but one is getting kind of stiff, so I may switch it out to a full back cover if I keep using it.

removed account4 · Apr 14, 2020

black masking tape works well
ive hear of people using a scrap of blackened film leader too as a cover

Denis OLIVIER · Mar 31, 2021

You can also use a piece of adhesive velcro to avoid the light, which allows a less sticky place than with tape.

Cover for frame number red window ?

jay moussy

R.Gould

Pentode

MattKing

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guangong

Pioneer

Vaughn

MattKing

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Agulliver

Luckless

removed account4

Denis OLIVIER

Cover for frame number red window ?

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