Refurbing RB/RZ rear lens covers - possible?

gus. · Apr 15, 2016

You'll never know unless you ask, right!? Figured it was worth checking in with you folks in case there's a way to add a bit of pressure to 'em so they don't fall right off. Thanks regardless.

shutterfinger · Apr 15, 2016

Velvet or felt.

Theo Sulphate · Apr 15, 2016

I just turn the rear mounting ring of the lens - it tightens the cover on.

The notches and flanges on the rear cap imply this is what should be done.

This is on my RB67 C lenses and caps.

Do you not have a Mamiya brand rear cap?

paul ron · Apr 15, 2016

probably the slip on type. a thin velvet or felt inside the cap rim.

MattKing · Apr 15, 2016

paul ron said:
probably the slip on type. a thin velvet or felt inside the cap rim.

I have a few back caps for the lenses.

The slip on types fit easily, but are prone to falling off.

The type that requires careful placement and then turning of the lens mounting ring stay on securely, but sometimes are hard to put on.

I believe that the reason that there is more than one type is that some lenses extend farther back than others,

Trail Images · Apr 15, 2016

It took me awhile to get all my RB rear lens caps or covers converted over to the locking type, but it was well worth it. Once you start using them on all lenses it becomes second nature in twisting the lens rear locking ring in proper directions on and off. I did find that my 50mm had an issue as I recall. The back extended out a bit more slightly then the other lenses?... So, I still took one of the locking type caps and cut out part of the back and then glued a Gatorade cap over the hole. Not real pretty, but totally functional and still locks in place like all the other caps.

gus. · Jul 2, 2016

Great ideas! Yep, I have slip-on caps. Quick thoughts:

Electrical tape: gosh, I would be too concerned with the glue seeping out if ever in the heat long enough.
Velvet/felt: wouldn't this produce lint over time?

MattKing said:
I have a few back caps for the lenses.

The slip on types fit easily, but are prone to falling off.

The type that requires careful placement and then turning of the lens mounting ring stay on securely, but sometimes are hard to put on.

I believe that the reason that there is more than one type is that some lenses extend farther back than others,

I haven't seen these screw-on caps before. Are they both RB/RZ friendly?

Thanks all! Apologies for late response.

EdSawyer · Jul 2, 2016

The locking rear caps are factory mamiya...

John Koehrer · Jul 2, 2016

Old cameras and film holders used velvet as light traps some folks say felt but I've never seen that. Velvet won't shed IF you seal the cut ends with glue. Any glue works but white glue works well for me.
Velvet ribbon around 1/4-3/8" from Mary Ann's or Michaels Anything wider than narrow ribbon means you need to cut it down
& gives you a generous supply of PITA.

gus. · Jul 2, 2016

EdSawyer said:
The locking rear caps are factory mamiya...

Thanks! Boy, you would think there would be enough N.O.S. out there. Having little luck.

John Koehrer said:
Old cameras and film holders used velvet as light traps some folks say felt but I've never seen that. Velvet won't shed IF you seal the cut ends with glue. Any glue works but white glue works well for me.
Velvet ribbon around 1/4-3/8" from Mary Ann's or Michaels Anything wider than narrow ribbon means you need to cut it down
& gives you a generous supply of PITA.

Ahhh. Of course! Hell, my RZ baffles are lined with something similar. My mind immediately jumped to frizzy and thick type felt. Thanks man.

Trail Images · Jul 2, 2016

When I suggested using the locking style rear lens caps I had no idea that they had become so rare. Without thinking twice I use to buy them at B&H as I recall every time I got a different lens. I could not find any with a quick run through normal haunts. Typically the "General Brand" units were around as I remember and they worked fine too. If anyone knows where they can be bought these days please post a link.

paul ron · Jul 2, 2016

you can still get them on ebay.

M Carter · Jul 11, 2016

I have both and really prefer the locking ones. Beyond their utility, they just feel "right" and like what the lens deserves.

For a non-glue and non-lint solution... hmmm. There's window-insulation tape that's a very thin but sturdy plastic - remove the adhesive with solvent and then epoxy into the cap? Basically you want some sort of plastic shim that's very thin with a glue that won't melt in the heat. I'm in Texas and I avoid tapes and adhesives, other than labeling things on-set. Stuff gets pretty melty down here!

Refurbing RB/RZ rear lens covers - possible?

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