Light seal

What ho one and all,

Playing with an inexpensive Pentax S1a for the learning experience. One of the minor things needed is some new light seal. Took the advice of some internet searching and used wool.

But not too happy with it, so removed a strand and gave the length to be used, a saturation of watered down PVA. Now it has a kinda sponginess and feels really good for the purpose. Sits nicely in the slot and the back has a good closure feel.

Happy bunny.

Would you like to show a picture of it?

Wool or cotton yarn?

Wool. Cotton yarn would probably be better but not about to buy a whole roll just for a few cms. Also, this is a very old camera, not in mint condition, so not prepared to spend more than the cost of buying it.

Happy to take a photo, but not sure how. It is a 1mm wide black slot with black thread in it. Did not glue it in, just soaked the wool in diluted PVA and kinda wiped it dry. The idea was to impregnate the wool but not make it to solid and rigid. Just wanted it to be a bit 'spongy.'. Clamped one end to a shelf and a small weight to the other while it dried. This ensured it was straight and an even width.

I can tell from the way the back snaps closed that it is a good fit and has bedded in nicely.

Just don't take it out in the rain, PVA will eventually liquify again in contact with water. To keep the fibres down if using wool for seals use bees wax.

Rekusu said:

What ho one and all,

Playing with an inexpensive Pentax S1a for the learning experience. One of the minor things needed is some new light seal. Took the advice of some internet searching and used wool.

But not too happy with it, so removed a strand and gave the length to be used, a saturation of watered down PVA. Now it has a kinda sponginess and feels really good for the purpose. Sits nicely in the slot and the back has a good closure feel.

Happy bunny.

Click to expand...

not a bad idea! In my case, I've given up on light seals, cleaned out the light seal tracks, and painted them flat black, thereby replacing the seal with a light trap. It works, and now, no more seals are to deteriorate. fewer parts is always the best idea.

Did not consider PVA and rain, but as I do not take my cameras out in the rain, and this Pentax is a 'learning' sample, not too worried. But will consider the bees wax for a couple of my Nikons that could do with light seal replacement. Will raid the local wasp nest!