Need foam for my AE1-Program

Laurent · Oct 11, 2012

Hello all,

my good-old AE1-Program has been "de-squeaked" recently, and as a consequence I use it more. I noticed some pieces of black goo on the mirror.

I'm afraid it's the mirror dampening foam that deteriorates.

Where could I get this thing (or better, who could send me a strip of the appropriate foam ? )

Cheers,

Steve Smith · Oct 11, 2012

I have some 1mm thick self adhesive black foam. If you send me your address, I will post some to you.

Steve.

Andy K · Oct 11, 2012

There used to be a seller on Ebay called Interslice who sold DIY camera seal kits including mirror foam. Sadly he no longer trades on Ebay, but can be contacted direct at jgood21967 'at' aol.com
His kits were very good. I used a couple and have completely resealed several cameras with them.
His name is Jon Goodman.

Laurent · Oct 11, 2012

Many thanks Steve !

I sent you my address.

Steve Smith · Oct 11, 2012

Andy K said:
His name is Jon Goodman.

He is an active member here now.

Steve.

David Lyga · Oct 11, 2012

You know, i think that I will impart this once and for all. I do not use foam. I use black yarn and it works great for most SLRs. You leave a bit of the old foam in place to provide stickiness and carefully start either the upper or lower channel from the hinge across to the door latch (about five or six inches). Tuck everything securely and maybe put a tiny bit or Elmer's glue on each end. You could also slightly put some glue on your fingers and gently wipe the yarn before inserting it into the channels.

For the hinge part of the door (about 1.5 inches) I use thin, self stick weatherstripping. The first time you close the door it should be mildly hard to do but not extremely hard. After a few closings it will be really a secure fit.

Tip: do not cut the yarn until you have laid it up to the door latch. Then, carefully cut it with either a sharp scissors or use a new razor blade. Tuck the yarn compeletely using a small screwdriver. - David Lyga

Steve Smith · Oct 11, 2012

David Lyga said:
You know, i think that I will impart this once and for all. I do not use foam. I use black yarn

I recall reading somewhere that movie cameras use this instead of foam. If it's going into a channel then it should work very well.

However, Laurent wants to replace the mirror stop foam and I don't think he would have much luck trying to stick a bit of yarn there!

Steve.

Alan W · Oct 11, 2012

I took apart a hasselblad back recently and found a black piece of what looked like yarn as David described above.

BrianShaw · Oct 11, 2012

The foam used for lightsealing doors and the foam used on mirrors are two very different foams.

BrianShaw · Oct 11, 2012

Alan W said:
I took apart a hasselblad back recently and found a black piece of what looked like yarn as David described above.

It's a German thing... Rollei used yarn for some applications too.

David Lyga · Oct 12, 2012

Yes, the yarn fits neatly in a channel like the ones that the ridges of the back door of 35mm SLRs fall into. For the foam that the mirror hits buy some thin self-stick weatherstripping. It works great. - David Lyga

Laurent · Oct 13, 2012

Thanks for the idea of yarn. If it was for the light trap, I'd use this (and will if it becomes necessary).

In this case, it's the mirror bump that's faulty so foam makes more sense.

BTW : any ideas on how to remove this goo from the ground glass ? It's a plain matte one and I'm afraid it could easily be damaged.

Laurent · Nov 5, 2012

I finally got a foam kit from Camera Solution, and changed the foams tonight.

I took the opportunity to clean the mirror, screen and prism with "absolute alcohol" (not sure of the translation, it's 100% alcohol). I was a bit nervous about the screen, but I have another one and this one was too dirty for my taste.

The viewfinder is now bright and clear, and there isn't any goo left... I'm quite happy of the way I spent my evening (I also repaired a right for the wife, which is always good for atmosphere ;-) )

Laurent · Nov 6, 2012

I didn't know, so I did it... It's OK (but I can see a few lines similar to scratch lines in the VF on some backgrounds

E. von Hoegh · Nov 6, 2012

Laurent, as an FYI I've given up on foam. I'm using black wool for lightseals. and felt for mirror buffers. Lasts forever, never turns to goo. I got the idea from a Russian camera.

Jon Goodman · Nov 28, 2012

FYI, CameraSolution is connected to me. The only seller in the world who is, actually. Stefan Ihrke and I have been friends for many years and he sells my foam over there (as I sell his camera leather kits here). If you're in Europe or find it easier to deal with somebody in Germany, Stefan is the right choice. If you want to talk to me about light sealing problems, please send a PM. I have kits for over 200 models of cameras, and I'm happy to help you with odd requests also. The foam we sell has been proven not to go gooey for over 50 years. Since 1958, it is the best foam for camera use I've ever seen with no exceptions.
Jon

Need foam for my AE1-Program

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