Need a glue suggestion GX617 300mm viewfinder

[nbagno]

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]

Contact adhesive?

 

[BobD]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[nbagno]

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]

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]

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]

Got it glued back and looking good :-D

 

[Paul Ozzello]

Got it glued back and looking good :-D

Awesome!