How Do You Fix Those Bronica Light Seals?

[lomomagix]

I've been reading some threads here lately (and particularly this very recent thread on a Bronica buyer's remorse) and one thing that keeps popping out is the problem with leaking light seals on some Bronica film backs. More importantly, everytime that problem is mentioned, the fact that it is fairly easy to fix or replace follows, but I haven't read anything that describes how to do it.

I am a Bronica user of all three platforms (ETRS, SQ-A and GS-1) and I guess I am simply lucky that none of the relatively few backs that I got from Ebay suffer from light leaks. I know, however, that sooner or later one of my backs (or one of the backs that I still plan on purchasing) will manifest these light leaks.

So guys, how exactly do you fix or replace those light seals? :confused:

 

[DWThomas]

I picked up a kit of seal material from Jon Goodman, who trades as "Interslice" on ePrey. He has instructions available for some cameras, but not (as of late 2006) the Bronica backs. He supplies a little bamboo tool that's useful for scraping out the old seal. I used light amounts of naptha (lighter fluid) to clean up the grooves. The kit includes some precut widths of self-adhesive foam, and also some cloth/felt material.

I worked looking at a known good back, cut pieces and stuck them in.

Some pictures of a working SQ series back with seal dimensions (taken to help another user) are found at the bottom of my PBase Bronica SQ-A Gear page.

I've not dealt with (or had a problem with) the dark slide seals -- not sure what they look like.

DaveT

 

[David Callard]

When I saw the post re Bronica light seals it got me wondering. I have 1 ETRS and a brand new yet to be used ETRSi. I have also bought a stack of backs off "ePrey" (good one!). I don't think we have anything to worry about, at least on the ETRS. The light seals are by means of a mechanical light tight rebate so there are no seals to perish! The Bronica is a beautifully made camera - wish Tamron had had more foresight in updating them - all they needed to do was introduce some kind of AF to keep up with the competition. Although honestly how big a deal is AF in MF anyway? It's never bothered me! I do have that little focusing lever lens attachment for the longer glass, such as the 250mm. Anyway, as far as seals are concerned it looks to me like we're all clear!