Need a glue suggestion GX617 300mm viewfinder

nbagno · Mar 13, 2022

The viewfinder for the GX617, in this case, the 300mm viewfinder uses a piece of film that is glued to a metal bracket to show the image area and also what viewfinder it is. The glue on mine failed and I need to glue it back. The film part seems to be some kind of film, but I'm unsure what kind of glue I should use. The glue needs to be fairly slow drying because I have to align the film so I will need to wiggle it around for a bit. Pic for reference.

mpirie · Mar 14, 2022

Contact adhesive?

BobD · Mar 14, 2022

I would use one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Hypo-Watch-Crystal-Cement/dp/B005MJDQZU

Comes in a tube with a precision needle-like applicator.

Don_ih · Mar 14, 2022

A solvent-based glue might fog or otherwise damage something. Thin double-sided tape would be ok. Water-based contact cement would be ok.

nbagno · Mar 14, 2022

Don Heisz said:
A solvent-based glue might fog or otherwise damage something. Thin double-sided tape would be ok. Water-based contact cement would be ok.

I thought of using double-stick tape, but I wouldn't be able to wiggle it around to align it. The film is very thin and I'm pretty sure it could easily tear. Waterbased contact cement seems like a reasonable solution.

Don_ih · Mar 14, 2022

nbagno said:
I thought of using double-stick tape, but I wouldn't be able to wiggle it around to align it.

You use pins between the two to align it.

nbagno · Mar 14, 2022

Don Heisz said:
You use pins between the two to align it.

I assumed that but what I thought were holes in the film are not. The best I can do is to shine a light up through it and align it by eye.

Don_ih · Mar 14, 2022

nbagno said:
holes in the film are not

No, I mean you put the tape on the frame, put pins across the tape, place the film on top of the pins, line it up, press a bit onto the tape, remove the pins and secure it.
Glue is less fiddly.

Paul Ozzello · Mar 15, 2022

I used bookbinders glue on mine. It's not as strong but no fumes that will outgas and haze up the viewfinder.

nbagno · Mar 15, 2022

fatso said:
I used bookbinders glue on mine. It's not as strong but no fumes that will outgas and haze up the viewfinder.

Oh, I think I have some of that.

Paul Ozzello · Mar 15, 2022

nbagno said:
Oh, I think I have some of that.

It's a white glue - similar to Elmer's, but no acid etc. Its made for paper so the bond isn't as strong as some of those other cements. I did mine a year ago and it's still holding - I added a little extra around the edges with a toothpick, I also added a few spots on the corners of the frosted glass to stop it from rattling. Those viewfinders are really nice (I have the Horseman SW617 and they use the same viewfinders), but 3 out of 4 of my viewfinders needed some regluing at some point. Even a new one i bought had a loose mirror. But at least they are well engineered and very easy to fix.

nbagno · Mar 15, 2022

fatso said:
It's a white glue - similar to Elmer's, but no acid etc. Its made for paper so the bond isn't as strong as some of those other cements. I did mine a year ago and it's still holding - I added a little extra around the edges with a toothpick, I also added a few spots on the corners of the frosted glass to stop it from rattling. Those viewfinders are really nice (I have the Horseman SW617 and they use the same viewfinders), but 3 out of 4 of my viewfinders needed some regluing at some point. Even a new one i bought had a loose mirror. But at least they are well engineered and very easy to fix.

Awesome, thanks. I have some Lineco Neutral pH adhesive that I'm testing now on a piece of film. It dries clear so I'm assuming it will work fine. :-D

nbagno · Mar 15, 2022

Got it glued back and looking good :-D

Paul Ozzello · Mar 16, 2022

nbagno said:
Got it glued back and looking good :-D

Awesome!

Need a glue suggestion GX617 300mm viewfinder

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency