How many years do light seals last?

film_man · Mar 2, 2011

Just wondering, how many years would on average the light seals on a Hasselblad A12/24 back last? I've got a 1986 and a 1992 A12, the '86 one needed new seals, the '92 one is still ok.

I'm trying to figure out, for example, whether a 33 year old back that has just been serviced and has new seals is a better deal than a 13 year old back of unknown service condition (looks like new though).

domaz · Mar 2, 2011

Sorry but there is probably no right answer here. It's going to be a "It depends". It depends on the climate where they lived mostly. I imagine high humidity would contribute to light seals degrading more than low humidity. Ocean spray would probably really be bad.

Kevin Caulfield · Mar 2, 2011

There certainly is no right answer. I'd say 5 years with very heavy use, 10 years with average use and 15 years plus with light use.

tomalophicon · Mar 2, 2011

Yep depending on how many times you put the darkslide in and take it out. In my opinion a dry climate would assist in perishing the seals more quickly.

Sirius Glass · Mar 2, 2011

There are too many variables to make predictions.

Steve

film_man · Mar 3, 2011

Oh well.

bdial · Mar 3, 2011

Way too many variables, though certainly most of them have to do with how much use the particular back has had, or perhaps how long it's been sitting with a darkslide in it.
I bought a pristine looking newer back last year, in it's box even. The seal failed catastrophically in about a week. But the back I've had for about 5 years and is much older than that, is still going strong with no seal replacement since I've owned it.

paul ron · Mar 3, 2011

I'd say around 5 to 10 years depending on how it's stored, humidity, temperature... etc

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How many years do light seals last?

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