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Most film cameras have light seals at the door rims and mirror rest (SLRs only). These are made of some rubbery foams and they degrade over time. Considering that most of these tank-like cameras are over 20 years old, it is very likely that your camera is suffering from light seal degradation. Rotten seals will not perform as they should and leak light through the film door or the viewfinder.
Moreover, when degraded, the rubbery foam turns into a goo-like substance which will stain your focusing screen, mirror, or lens, contaminate the film compartment and even crumble over your film. It is very sticky and nasty, so it gets harder to clean when it gets worse.
But, you can find replacement light seals in bulk from ebay (search: light seal replacement, i.e., this one). Unless they are custom made, they are sold in bulk packs which you can cut/customize for your needs (most sets can fix over 3-4 cameras).
This instructable will show you how to apply them. I will start with my old Canon F-1 (I sold it long ago unfortunately). It was in great shape, except for the rotten foam light seals. They needed to be changed in time, so here is what we'll do next:
1. Identify and document the existing rotten seals,
2. Scrape off the seals, clean the surface,
3. Cut the new seal foam in correct size and shapes,
4. Apply the new seal foams in places.
There is not much risk in this operation, but you can still ruin the focusing screen, the mirror, and the shutter curtains if you are not careful. So be warned, and don't start if you don't feel comfortable.
Moreover, when degraded, the rubbery foam turns into a goo-like substance which will stain your focusing screen, mirror, or lens, contaminate the film compartment and even crumble over your film. It is very sticky and nasty, so it gets harder to clean when it gets worse.
But, you can find replacement light seals in bulk from ebay (search: light seal replacement, i.e., this one). Unless they are custom made, they are sold in bulk packs which you can cut/customize for your needs (most sets can fix over 3-4 cameras).
This instructable will show you how to apply them. I will start with my old Canon F-1 (I sold it long ago unfortunately). It was in great shape, except for the rotten foam light seals. They needed to be changed in time, so here is what we'll do next:
1. Identify and document the existing rotten seals,
2. Scrape off the seals, clean the surface,
3. Cut the new seal foam in correct size and shapes,
4. Apply the new seal foams in places.
There is not much risk in this operation, but you can still ruin the focusing screen, the mirror, and the shutter curtains if you are not careful. So be warned, and don't start if you don't feel comfortable.
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Signing UpStep 1Inspect the existing light seals for condition.
Look at the photos in this step, I have notes on them, and they are pretty self explanatory.
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http://shop.ebay.com/interslice/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686
Around $9-$10 shipped, it's a great deal of savings versus camera shops charges of $100-$300 to "clean" it.
K.