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Nikon FG with sticky light seals - replace or not

pschauss

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Nov 29, 2002
Messages
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I have bought two of these cameras over the past year. Both have sticky light seals and both have performed well with no sign of light leaks. I have generally follow a rule that if it is not broke, don't fix it. Is there any compelling reason to replace the seals in this case?
 
They are inexpensive and easy to install.

Suggest that you look up Jon Goodman on the internet. He makes seal kits and they are top notch.
 
I replaced my FE light seals last year with a John Godman kit; simple and cheap.
 
I've been leaning towards 'fix anything broken now as repair only gets harder/move expensive from here on out'.
 

It's "broke". Fix it. A stitch in time saves nine... For want of a shoe, a horse was lost...
Seriously, the foam has deteriorated to goo, it already needs replacing. As it continues to deteriorate, it will get on the mirror (if there is a foam buffer), allow light to leak in and fog the film, and ultimately get in the mechanism causing a whole host of problems.

I've been replacing foam with wool and felt, it lasts forever.
 
Replace the seals. John Goodman is the best! These are awesome little cameras and deserve to be used and maintained.
 
As luck would have it, Jon Goodman had a promotion on his seal kit for Nikon FG and EM. I bought two of them and replace the seals on both of my FGs. With his instructions it was an easy job. I ran a test roll through the first one late last week and found no indication of light leaks. The second camera has a roll of Tri-X in it now.

Interestingly, I just checked the seals on my Minolta X570 and XE7 and found that they were made of felt which does not degrade the way foam does. I wonder why Nikon didn't use felt.
 
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