Weathermatic dual 35/ O-rings

[Mike Kennedy]

Picked up one the other day at a thrift shop.It came complete with underwater finder,strap and film cans.
I've cleaned up the exterior but how should I condition the rubber seals?

Thanks

 

[bob01721]

"... how should I condition the rubber seals...?"

Armor All.

 

[benjiboy]

I used to sell these cameras Mike in the shop I managed , I think if I remember rightly Minolta used to sell some special grease to put on the seals to help make it waterproof, you may be able to use Vaseline (petroleum jelly)

 

[jolefler]

Silicon grease, sometimes called dielectric grease, available from auto parts stores is very close to the recommended stuff. Apply very sparingly!

 

[DBP]

Silicone grease, not vaseline.

 

[Mike Kennedy]

Thanks all .

Glad I asked before I tried any homemade remedy.

The camera seems to work nicely and yesterday was the perfect opportunity for a field test. Heavy snow in the A.M then freezing rain at noon and pouring rain after supper.If all goes well and the film turns out properly exposed ie, no sign of internal camera dammage, I shall pick up some of that silicone grease.
On the other hand if my $5.00 purchase is fried then it was still fun to get out and shoot.

Mike

 

[DBP]

Unless you are going underwater I wouldn't worry much about the state of the O-rings, just keep them clean.

 

[benjiboy]

Right

Silicone grease, not vaseline.

On reflection your probably right, all I remember is it came with the camera in the camera box in a small toothpaste like tube.