Topic: Light seal advice

[huevos_rancheros]

I recently way over paid for foam sealing for my yashica 124g. it was cut to size, but i did one hell of a hack job, & wasted the two tiny strips i got.. where would i buy this foam in a larger quantity so i can cut myself? or any other advice is welcomed, i just want to get something in there that will stay.

[tkmedia]

I used black string twine instead of foam.

[huevos_rancheros]

I used black string twine instead of foam.

http://www.amazon.com/Catahoula-Manufacturing-Tarred-Braided-Nylon/dp/B00K02I1JU/ref=sr_1_14?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1413175294&sr=1-14

Think this will do?

[tkmedia]

I have no idea of 'specs' sorry. I just found some at home that look like it might work, cut it to approx length and submerged it in some glue and applied in a messy fashion.  What I do like ... much better than foam in some cameras designs where there is a lot of wear and foam just deteriorates too fast. I also find it easier to apply but it can also be messier.

[huevos_rancheros]

I have no idea of 'specs' sorry. I just found some at home that look like it might work, cut it to approx length and submerged it in some glue and applied in a messy fashion.  What I do like ... much better than foam in some cameras designs where there is a lot of wear and foam just deteriorates too fast. I also find it easier to apply but it can also be messier.

Man, i know, i just got this foam this past week and its just not holding up at all.

Im gonna get crafty and check out a local bead/fabric shop for some twine tomorrow.

[Bryan]

Yarn may be a little softer and forgiving for a light seal.  My Bolex 8mm cine cameras used some type of yarn or string for the light seal.  I think yarn would be easier to install, those foam seals are hard to work into tight spaces without breaking or getting it twisted.  Watch out for small threads getting into the workings of the camera.  Consider that when you are choosing your yarn or twine.

[tkmedia]

Sorry I dont have interior photos, all my cameras I've done this to are loaded with film. I have the tiny section between the wlf and meter with it... with foam it wears every time the finder is opened, replacing every couple of years or so depending on usage. not so much so with string as I had it for 5 years with no problem.

[huevos_rancheros]

Sorry I dont have interior photos, all my cameras I've done this to are loaded with film. The tiny section between the wlf and meter.

Oh nice!

 Is it possible for it to effect the image in the taking lens if that weren't sealed? or is that just for the view lens? Because i totally forgot about that little nook on the yashica when putting the foam seals on.

I hope the yarn goes better for me! & ill check for thickness. almost want to bring the yashica with me to the fabric store.

[tkmedia]

I'm not sure if it's really 100% necessary or my own particular camera body. I used to live in the damp northwest of the US and often shoot in those condition and when it's drenching rain. often getting odd condensation within the camera affecting the viewing. So I put a outer and inner seal seemed to work well.

[Pete_R]

Some people say light seals on the Yashicas aren't necessary. There was an earlier thread about it at http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=5313.0

One tip if fitting foam is to wet the adhesive (I lick my finger and wipe that across it) to temporarily reduce the stickyness. That allows you to move it around a bit and get it into place without it sticking to everything else.

[kentish cob]

I re-sealed my XA a few years ago, with a kit (and a ton of free advice) from a guy called Jon Goodman (in USA), who used to trade on ebay as "Interslice". There was enough material to seal a dozen cameras. I've done a quick search and he no longer seems to be on ebay, but he gets mentioned in a few classic camera forums, so you might be able to find a contact for him.

A few sellers listing lots that appear to be more than just single camera kits. This example looks like pretty good value:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Camera-light-seal-material-BUMPER-PACK-for-all-classic-cameras-/251669398805?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a98aa4515#ht_2245wt_1141

[02Pilot]

Never did a Yashica TLR, but I've resealed countless cameras with craft foam (most areas) and self-adhesive felt (around hinges), both cheap and readily available in craft stores. Cut with a razor blade and metal straight edge. In many cases you don't even need to glue the foam in place - just press it into the channels and it will stay there just fine.

[tkmedia]

Some people say light seals on the Yashicas aren't necessary.

you may be right, but it is indeed body related as I've seen plenty of identical camera models with different revision designed parts. Some of them have superior designed shielding within while other revision do not. 

[gsgary]

What about using black felt form a craft shop http://colour-full-felt.co.uk/craft-felt/colours/white-black-grey/black?gclid=CKKJoc6CqsECFY_ItAod9AoAjA

[huevos_rancheros]

Would you guys recommend the flocking too then? In that thread about it, was that just foam used to flock it? im always afraid of messing something up, but worse then the crumby job at the foam sealing. I guess ill wait to see the test rolls, one with old lightseals & one with the new seals. i was reading that thread before i became a member actually, & id like to at least try flocking it and see if it makes a diffidence. I know the yashica i bought was used very lightly for indoor portrait work at an university, so no use in the field.

& I just got some yarn! Its a little more like shoe lace material. What do you guys think? I might as well buy felt for the flocking? I'll post on of the foam seal job i did. The more i look at it, even though not perfect, it seems decent enough. since there isnt going to be to much light coming from the back apparently.

[Francois]

I think shoe laces might be a bit too thick. These need to compress easily.

[huevos_rancheros]

Yeah, i was starting to think that myself. Im going to give them a try & if not ill pick up another kind of yarn. But now from what ive read on the flocking thread and here. maybe its not 100% necessary?

[Francois]

Depends. The best way to know is to try it out...