Replacing Foam Seals

snegron · Mar 9, 2007

Anyone know of any good places to get foam light seals replaced on camera equipment? I currently need to replace the foam light seals on two 120 film backs and revolving adaptor for a Mamiya RB67 Pro-S.

I was looking at the possibility of doing it myself with a kit from John Goodman (Interslice), but I am not sure if my eyes and coordination are the same as they were 20 years ago!

CGross · Mar 9, 2007

Paul Ebel Lens Services, PO Box 141, 420 21st street Suite 2, Menomonie, WI 54751. (651)335-8759

I highly recommend Paul. Although he does alot of lenses, he is also one heck of a camera repair person too.

Another repair person I have heard good things about for MF gear is:
Mark Hama LLC
2675 Earl Dr.
Marietta, GA 30062
phone: (770) 565-1498
fax: (770) 977-5078
http://www.markhama.com/
markhama@comcast.net

resummerfield · Mar 9, 2007

Don't forget our APUG friend Jon Goodman. I have two addresses.....Jgood21967@aol.com and Jon_Goodman@yahoo.com. Or check ebay for his ads. I use his kits and they are very complete and high quality.

Dave Miller · Mar 10, 2007

I've used the kit from Jon Goodman on some Mamyia RB film backs, it works well and his instructions are first rate. Bright lighting and a magnifier on a stand will be a great help. Each one took about 3 hours to do.

ricksplace · Mar 10, 2007

I second John Goodman's products. I have done the seals on two rb67 backs. If I can do it, anybody can.

snegron · Mar 10, 2007

Thanks for the feedback! I ordered the kit from John Goodman last night. Do some of the foam strips have adhesive backs? If not, what adhesive would you recommend? I am thinking about the flat hinge on the film back.

CGross · Mar 10, 2007

Yes, the foam has adhesive. You will have to cut them to right width and length. He has great instructions and you will get a nice bamboo tool to help with the removal of the old seal. Naptha is the best at helping to remove the old seals. You can get it at Lowes or Home Depot.

You may want to email him to see if he has specific instructions for an RB otherwise, you can probably get all you need from what he sends or this link where he has published many other camera model instructions.

http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/sealreplacement.html

reellis67 · Mar 10, 2007

If you lick the sticky side of the adhesive seals, you can move them about *much* easier than if you don't. They don't always go right where you want them to go, so this buys you some time to move them into the right spot. In a few moments it will be as sticky as ever, so don't take too long, but it will buy you enough time to work. I've done maybe 15 cameras now with his kits - they're great, and Jon is a superb guy.

- Randy

elekm · Mar 10, 2007

Randy -- great suggestion. And you're right -- they don't always land exactly where you want when you first place them.

snegron · Mar 10, 2007

snowymtphotos said:
Yes, the foam has adhesive. You will have to cut them to right width and length. He has great instructions and you will get a nice bamboo tool to help with the removal of the old seal. Naptha is the best at helping to remove the old seals. You can get it at Lowes or Home Depot.

You may want to email him to see if he has specific instructions for an RB otherwise, you can probably get all you need from what he sends or this link where he has published many other camera model instructions.

http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/sealreplacement.html

Thanks for the link! There are instructions there for a C330, but I believe there is not much difference. I will be headed to Lowes first thing tomorrow morining to pick up some solvent! Naptha is the name of the solvent? What type of solvent is it (mineral spirits, alcohol, etc.)?

snegron · Mar 10, 2007

reellis67 said:
If you lick the sticky side of the adhesive seals, you can move them about *much* easier than if you don't. They don't always go right where you want them to go, so this buys you some time to move them into the right spot. In a few moments it will be as sticky as ever, so don't take too long, but it will buy you enough time to work. I've done maybe 15 cameras now with his kits - they're great, and Jon is a superb guy.

- Randy

Thanks for the tip! I was wondering what would happen if I started at a wrong spot or had to move the seal a centimeter or two once it was placed.

CGross · Mar 10, 2007

snegron said:
Naptha is the name of the solvent? What type of solvent is it (mineral spirits, alcohol, etc.)?

I mispelled it the first time. Naphtha is the correct spelling.
It's a solvent and used mainly for thinning oil based paint.

I usually try to get some of the foam off, then apply naphtha with a Q-tip or a eye dropper. I let it sit for a few minutes then apply a little more, then go to town working to get all of the adhesive off. On old stubborn seals, it sometimes takes several applications of naphtha and scrapping with Jon's bamboo tool to get everything off. Make sure you have an old rag or paper towel to keep the bamboo stick clean.

Also, get a nice new x-acto knife to make your cuts.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

snegron · Mar 10, 2007

Thanks again!

Bob F. · Mar 10, 2007

Another satisfied Jon Goodman customer here. His instructions contain a number of tips like wetting the adhesive. It's worth reading through all the instruction PDFs on his website even if it's not for your camera as they are full of tips and ideas that may come in handy.

Lighter fluid is mostly Naphtha I believe, and may be easier to get hold of in that form.

Cheers, Bob.

Replacing Foam Seals

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