Nikon FG with sticky light seals - replace or not

[pschauss]

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?

 

[bobwysiwyg]

I would say replace them, you're close to failure anyway and why get any of that "stickiness" elsewhere in the meantime.

 

[Born2Late]

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.

 

[131802]

I replaced my FE light seals last year with a John Godman kit; simple and cheap.

 

[Brian Legge]

I've been leaning towards 'fix anything broken now as repair only gets harder/move expensive from here on out'.

 

[E. von Hoegh]

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?

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.

 

[removed-user-1]

Replace the seals. John Goodman is the best! These are awesome little cameras and deserve to be used and maintained.

 

[2bits]

John Goodman....

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

John Goodman....

Or Jon Goodman!

 

[Peter Simpson]

Has anyone mentioned Jon Goodman yet? Great guy, great product at a fair price!

 

[pschauss]

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.