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Making a plastic tip for a film advance knob

David Lyga

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Location
Philadelphia
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35mm
There are some cameras, for example, the Minolta SR-T, which too often has a film advance lever without the plastic tip (broken off). I am wondering if there is a kind of liquid plastic one can buy (hardware, Home Depot?) which will allow one to dip the tip of the lever into the mixture and let it dry.

This would be a really convenient solution to the problem, if so. And what would have to be done beforehand in order to make certain that the plastic would permanently adhere? - David Lyga
 
You could consider a putty called Sugro. I never used it , never even have come it across... I am not even sure it stands the forces it would have to bear at that lever.
 
The SRT lever should have one or two small holes where the old plastic part was attached. You could attach something to this point that would anchor the plastic, otherwise, it will probably just fall off.

What about the heat setting dough called "Sculpy"? You could remove the lever, mold a lever tip to your liking, making sure it squeezes through the holes, and then bake it hard. You can file, sand and paint it after baking.

https://polymerclaysuperstore.com/collections/all-sculpey-iii
 
Kino said:
What about the heat setting dough called "Sculpy"?
Click to expand...
First time I hear about it, but I just realized that it has reached a major dealer over here too. A alternative would be the german heat-setting putty "Fimo", likely well established in continental Europe.
 
The store link above also carries Filmo.
 
Instead of moulding one may just take a sheet of hard PVC, PC, PS or even wood, shape a respctive form and glue it with epoxy cement to the lever, Alternatively screw it to the lever.
 
David...

You could try entering 'minolta wind lever spares' into ebay - might be cheaper than sculpting your own.

Malcolm.
 
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Lots and lots of possibilities out there. Thank you all. Without the tip it certainly is still usable, but it does not look so pretty or feel so good. The Spotmatic used no plastic at all on its advance lever. The metal was so well sculpted that it did not need any. - David Lyga
 
RMD said:
David...
You could try entering 'minolta wind lever spares' into ebay - might be cheaper than sculpting your own.
Click to expand...
"cheap" is a relative term. Sculpting ones one own costs nothing if you got decent workshop. Furthemore you could design the form of that lever-end to your own needs.
 
If the shape is too complex to sculpt in one piece you can make a sandwich of three layers that can be cut out separately from plastic, wood or even metal sheet, with a figure saw. The middle part should fit the lever, the other two parts on the outside are for the general shape. Glue them together and file/sand the contours to the final shape after that.

A 3D printer could also do this for you. Most of the work is to make the 3D model in software, but you don't get dirty hands. When you don't have one yourself there are also online 3D printer shops where you can order parts with your own specification (with only a simple sketch you pay more).
 
There's one on eBay now for $6.49 shipped.
#122625986820
 
PlastiDip might work.
A warning though the odor is really strong until it’s dry, make sure you have good ventilation.
 
I would probably sculpt one out of epoxy putty or just make one out of wood.
 
Found this:
Gorilla Plastic moldable bioplastic HB100 for prototyping
Search 'Gorilla Plastic HB100'
In Europe from the Conrad shops.
 
If there’s a store like Tap Plastics near you they sell everything you need to make your own plastic parts. They will even give you some instruction. I think they are only on the west coast but there may be something similar in your area or you can order stuff online.
https://www.tapplastics.com/
 
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