Question re. Light Seals/Velvet Strips on 8x10

Dorothy Blum Cooper · Feb 21, 2006

I've found yet another thing I need to take care of before I head out with my camera. I want to make sure that I've covered all bases before I use it.

I've found what I believe to be the light seal in the back of the camera. They were beyond dry-rotted. I've removed them and attempted to clean the area carefully. I was fortunate in that I was able to salvage a strip to take to the fabric shop. There, I was able to match the fabric perfectly with a bolt the store had (I purchased way more than I needed so if anyone needs any, just let me know and I'll send some your way!).

My question is, what is the best way to apply the strips back into the grooves? I was told not to use super glue, rather a contact cement as it held better. I'd like to know your thoughts as well as any other ideas on prep/cleanup of the area and properly applying the strips to the camera. Overlap at corners or make the ends of the fabric just meet?

Any input/advice is always appreciated.

Mike Kennedy · Feb 21, 2006

Good afternoon Dorothy,

The web site: Matts Classic Cameras, Rangefinders and Compacts has a nice section on replacing light seals. He recommends using Pliobond to stick on material. It might be worth a read.

Good Luck,
Mike

Dorothy Blum Cooper · Feb 21, 2006

Thanks, Mike, appreciate the post. I'll check out his site.

John Koehrer · Feb 21, 2006

Mike & Dorothy,
Pliobond is the way to go. I, too have use it to secure light seals, leatherette & misc. stuff on & around cameras for years.
One or two words of caution though. Ues it sparingly, it oozes like mad if the material is compressed. Watch for the strings of cement that are very thin and tenacious. The stuff is a lot like spider webs & sticks to everything.

Paddy · Feb 21, 2006

Dorothy Blum Cooper said:
I was able to match the fabric perfectly with a bolt the store

Dorothy; Have you considered using flocking paper instead? Black flocking paper is designed specifically for uses like what you're replacing. Additionally, it's already got the adhesive on the reverse side. I used this on my Linhof Technika, and it worked great. Here's the link for info: ProtoStar- Flocked Paper

Capocheny · Feb 21, 2006

Paddy,

How sticky is that flocked paper?

Is it really, really sticky so that when it's removed... it pulls things up with it? For example, if using it on wood (i.e., Dorffs)?

Thanks

Cheers

Paddy · Feb 21, 2006

It's certainly not going to take any view camera's wood off, when removed. It's sticky enough to stay in place, where it gets laid down. On my Technika, it's all metal, so this wasn't a concern. FYI- even with the metal being less porous than wood, it's still held on fine, without any peeling away. Try it, you'll love it.

Hobbyist astronomers use flocking paper to line the barrel of their telescopes, to kill/reduce flare.

p krentz · Feb 23, 2006

Frabi-Tac, and let the edges meet firmly, overlapping may cause a problem. Pat

Ray Heath · Feb 23, 2006

hi guys
i've recently used adhesive Velcro loop for light seals on a homemade camera, works great, sticks to anything, easy to cut to size

Jan Pietrzak · Feb 23, 2006

Dorothy,

I am not sure what you are using, I think it is material????

When I redid the 8x10 and 5x7 backs for my Kodak Master View. I had a small scrap from the back. I did what you did but I went to a number of fabric stores and found the same velet ribbon Kodak used. I bought a yard or two. and set out to work. I ended up using a double sided adheasive (no backing) to put the light trap back in.

I cut the ends to fit snug at the butt of the two sides it worked out just fine.

A while later I got to talking to and old Kodak repair man who told me that I did the right thing. He said that I could work for Kodak.

Jan Pietrzak

Paddy · Feb 23, 2006

Just in case I wasn't clear; black flocking paper is actually a very short black velvety material. It's not really a paper at all, but is simply called that. It's meant to be used for projects just like what's under discussion here.

Capocheny · Feb 24, 2006

Thanks Paddy... I'll give it a try.

Cheers

Dorothy Blum Cooper · Feb 24, 2006

Talk about some great ideas! I really appreciate all of the responses here. It's nice to read the different ways that this could be done. Again, thank you for taking time to answer my question. There's more to come (questions, that is)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Question re. Light Seals/Velvet Strips on 8x10

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