TMLee
Established
I just noticed my ZI does not have any foam seals around the grooves on the body that receive the closing hinged back.
Is this normal ?
Is this normal ?
... missing foamseals ? ...
- Thread starter TMLee
- Start date
- Latest activity Latest activity:
- Replies 6
- Views 1K
free2move
Established
Hi there, although I have not personally held and inspected a ZI before, my knowledge from the reviews of it online is that the ZI was built using a labyrinth design which blocks out light , without the need for any foam to be installed.
Last edited:
ZeissFan
Veteran
That's correct. The Zeiss Ikon is a German camera, although it's made in Japan.
And like nearly all European cameras, the back is designed so that it doesn't require any light-blocking material, such as foam.
Most Japanese cameras aren't adequately designed to block light and require foam to complete the job. You wouldn't think that 1mm or 2mm of foam would make a difference, but when the foam deteriorates, it's very common for light leaks to make their way onto film.
I'm a bit surprised that Japanese camera makers didn't revisit the camera back design and correct this, especially after it became apparent that foam has a limited service life.
And like nearly all European cameras, the back is designed so that it doesn't require any light-blocking material, such as foam.
Most Japanese cameras aren't adequately designed to block light and require foam to complete the job. You wouldn't think that 1mm or 2mm of foam would make a difference, but when the foam deteriorates, it's very common for light leaks to make their way onto film.
I'm a bit surprised that Japanese camera makers didn't revisit the camera back design and correct this, especially after it became apparent that foam has a limited service life.
TMLee
Established
Tks guys,
appreciate the prompt feedback.
Now I have to figure out why some frames of my first roll with this ZI showed light leaks !!!!
(fear and trepidation now....)
appreciate the prompt feedback.
Now I have to figure out why some frames of my first roll with this ZI showed light leaks !!!!
(fear and trepidation now....)
kram
Well-known
.
Is it a ploy to get you to buy a new camera after 10 years or so. With digital they don't need to do this as a camera has a production life of 1-2.5 years before a improved model comes out.
oftheherd
Veteran
I can't see into the minds of the Japanese designers, but I suspect cost and ignorance had more to do with it. Foam costs less than the extra metal needed to make a light tight design. And I expect nobody really realized the foam would deteriorate as quickly as has been the case.
Frankie
Speaking Frankly
The ZM does not use foam seals except around the film cartridge window...where 99% of light leaks occur. Check that out first.
As far as I am concerned, tape that window black...don't you remember what film you've just loaded and already set the ISO speed? Why do you need to know until that roll is finished? 🙄
OR, how many ZM's do you carry?
