Film pressure plate + sand paper

[dnjl]

You probably entered this topic because of the alarming title, and I feel somewhat uncomfortable with this whole thing as well. The film pressure plate on my Eos 30 has a dent which causes deep scratches on entire rolls of film. I could think of only two ways to repair this: file the dent away or tape it over with scotch. I figured that scotch might come off during auto rewind, leaving sticky glue on the film. Also, I wasn't sure if this would solve the problem at all. I decided to try the first option and bought the finest sand paper I could find (grain size 1200). However, I'm still hesitating to put my plan into action. Will I make things worse? Obviously, some of the smooth black coating on the plate will come off, is this going to mess up my film even more? Will the metal dust cause harm to my camera?

Opinions or alternate solutions are very welcome :confused:
Thanks!

 

[LyleB]

What kind of camera? Wouldn't it be easier to just buy a parts camera and exchange the backs?

Sorry I see now. Here's one that's listed right now with focus problems:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EOS-30-35mm-Film-Camera-/120659217793?pt=Film_Cameras&hash=item1c17d98d81

On the other hand, It's ruining your photos now, so what is there to loose with trying to sand/refinish. Can you remove the back so you don't risk contaminating the shutter and mirror box?

 

[Steve Smith]

You probably entered this topic because of the alarming title

I have seen more alarming titles. The one I remember is "Wanted - nitric acid and a kitten".

Can you remove the pressure plate before you sand it?


Steve.

 

[dnjl]

I can't remove the pressure plate without breaking anything. I also cannot remove the camera back in its entire (that is, I wouldn't know how to). Also, this is the DATE back model, it has quite a lot of electronics in the back that I'd rather not screw with.
The kitten + acid sounds alarming indeed.

 

[wblynch]

I would use a progressive sanding/polishing approach. If the burr is big enough to feel with a fingernail, then a jeweler's file to take off the burr, then start with a 600 grit and smooth it out followed with a 1200 and then maybe even a 2400.

A cream metal polish to finish it off, using a cotton wheel on a dremel.

Certainly all steps using a light tough and care not to overdo it.

If the back doesn't come off, cover the camera opening with wax paper tightly taped. Don't want anything entering the camera.

 

[John Koehrer]

Rockler tools sell sanding pads in an assortment going from 1,500 to 12,000 grit. I realize they're in the US but much of their product comes from the EU
If they won't ship to you, I'd be willing to trans ship for you.

*can you actually call 12,000 a grit? It's real smooth.

 

[patrickjames]

I did this with a Dremel and a polishing wheel like Bill described above. Worked like a champ.

 

[wblynch]

*can you actually call 12,000 a grit? It's real smooth.

Needed to polish those aluminum motorcycle cases

 

[Steve Smith]

can you actually call 12,000 a grit? It's real smooth.

My brother once described it as "smoother than the other side".


Steve.

 

[dnjl]

Thanks for the helpful suggestions everyone. I decided to start with what I have, and if it's too rough I'll get some polish or utra smooth sand paper. As mentioned, I cannot possibly make it worse. I'll put a roll through it and have it developed to see if there are any scratches.
12.000 paper sounds ridiculously smooth, by the way. You might as well use your tongue

 

[paul ron]

My first question is how diod it get the dent?

Can you remove the plate from the back? That wil make repairs alot easier. Onc eit is off you cna ding the dent out using a nail set, then polish everything to perfection on the bench insterad of dusting up the insides of your camera.


How about getting another plate for it by getting a dead parts camera off KEH "AS IS" section for a few bucks?

Dead Link Removed


That sounds alot easier to me and a sure fix.

 

[John Koehrer]

Thanks for the helpful suggestions everyone. I decided to start with what I have, and if it's too rough I'll get some polish or utra smooth sand paper. As mentioned, I cannot possibly make it worse. I'll put a roll through it and have it developed to see if there are any scratches.
12.000 paper sounds ridiculously smooth, by the way. You might as well use your tongue

So if your wife catches you licking the pressure plate, what happens then?

 

[benjiboy]

So if your wife catches you licking the pressure plate, what happens then?

If it was my camera I'd get my wife to lick the pressure plate, because if she cant fix it with her sharp tongue nobody can

 

[dehk]

Smooth it out first, alt. i can think of include, epoxy, silicon, bondo, or electrical tape.

 

[bobwysiwyg]

If it was my camera I'd get my wife to lick the pressure plate, because if she cant fix it with her sharp tongue nobody can

I'm assuming she never views this forum? Or was this your last post?

 

[benjiboy]

I'm assuming she never views this forum? Or was this your last post?

We've been married for forty five years Bob, and she knows I don't mean it

 

[macrorie]

I've successfully used rubbing paste designed for polishing out blemishes on car finishes for cleaning up corroded, blued, pressure plates before, but they probably did not have as deep finish flaws as your Canon example.

 

[dnjl]

I can report succes! Got a roll of Ektar back from the lab today, no scratches whatsoever. Looks like the 1200 paper was fine enough.

Thanks for your help everyone!