New Light Seals

Why you need new light seals.

Door seals and mirror bumpers in many cameras made from the 1960s onwards were made of foam. Over time the foam decays into dust or sometimes a tar like substance. As the foam degrades it basically turns back into its basic original chemistry which is usually some form of oil. The glue/tar like substance is the foam decaying back to dead dinosaur guts. These cameras are now usually at least 40 years old so way beyond their expected operating life. It’s really not surprising some stuff like foam materials and lubricants are starting to show issues. Hence the need for new light seals to prevent light leaks.

Light seals can be purchased in sheets or ready made but there types with some being easy to use to very difficult as well as not being light proof. Check our guide here for replacing light seals.

A light leak is a hole or gap in the body of a camera, or other optical instrument, where light is able to “leak” into the normally light-tight chamber, exposing the film or sensor with extra light. This light is diffuse, although parts within the camera may cast shadows or reflect it in a particular way.

One frequent source of light leaks in 35 mm cameras is around the film door due to degrading foam. Replacing the foam is a simple matter. Medium format system cameras or large format cameras may have leaks between their various interchangeable parts or in old leather bellows.