1/10/2018 Camera Clubhouse: Fix Your Camera's Light Seals

Fix Your Camera's Light Seals

If you are a fan of using older cameras, you may know that they can often have a problem
with light leaks caused by deteriorated light seals.  I made the above video to talk about
this issue and what you can do to fix it.  I don't actually show myself putting light seals in,
but I talk about how to do it.  It is a bit difficult for me to film the process while doing it. 
Additionally every camera is different, so there is a small about of 'figure it out' you need
to do with each project. 

I can assure you it is fairly simple and encourage anyone to do it.  When you are shopping
for an old camera, they are often advertised as having bad light seals because the seller is
just selling it how they found it.  Assuming that there are no other problems with the
camera, and you are willing to replace the seals yourself, then you can get a good deal on
a camera.  The light seal foam is inexpensive and will usually provide enough material for
multiple cameras.  It is an inexpensive, easy, and rewarding camera repair to do.

There are a few supplies and tools you need:

1. Light seal foam.

This sometimes comes precut for a specific camera, or in larger piece of uncut foam.  I
hesitate to offer any links on where to purchase this material because in a few months it
might just be a dead link.  I recommend just using an internet search or looking on eBay. 
Additionally, you may also check the local craft store for adhesive back foam which is
usually the same thing, although it may not always come in an ideal thickness.

2. Nail polish remover

Used as a cleaning solvent to clean out the old gooey seals.  Other light solvents may also
work.

3. Cotton Swabs
For use with the nail polish remover. 

4. Scraper tools
You may need to use a variety of tools depending on your camera.  What ever you can use
to scrape out the old seals is useful.  Knife, pick, credit card, toothpick, etc.

5. X-acto/Hobby knife
To cut the light seal foam if you are not using a precut kit.

6. Ruler
To measure the size/shape of the new seals you need to cut. 

The steps are fairly simple:

1. If you are cutting your own seals, use the ruler to measure out the shapes you need to
cut new seals for.  Double check and pay special attention to any nooks and crannies that
might need seals!

2. Carefully cut out the seals with a hobby knife (a sharp razor blade can also work well). 
Since the seals can sometimes be thin strips, use the ruler as a straight edge so you can get
very clean cuts.

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1/10/2018 Camera Clubhouse: Fix Your Camera's Light Seals

3. Use any scraping tools necessary to remove the large portions of deteriorated light seals
in the camera.  Be careful to not let this stuff flake off into parts of the camera where you
don't want it to go!

4. Use cotton swabs and nail polish remover to clean away any remaining residue.

5. You may need to repeat steps 3 and 4 one or more times to get rid of all the gunk.  To
ensure a good clean bond for the new seals make sure it is as clean as possible.  In some
cases there may be some small bits of the old foam that have hardened and just won't
come out, and it won't ruin the job if it is still in there when you put the new seals in over
it.  As long as you can get it all 80-90% cleaned up you should have a good surface to
adhere the new seals.

6. Carefully put the new seals in.  I remove just a small portion of the adhesive backing and
get the piece started, then remove the rest of the backing as I work the seal into place.

7. Once a seal is in place, spend some time pressing it in to ensure it has a good bond.

8. Once done, put a roll of film in and test it out!

I hope that between the video and this blog post that there is enough information to give
you the confidence to do this yourself.  If you have any questions, just ask!

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