How many years do light seals last?

[film_man]

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]

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]

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]

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]

There are too many variables to make predictions.

Steve

 

[film_man]

Oh well.

 

[bdial]

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]

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

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